EL4015 - Creative and Critical Practice

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn the habit and discipline of sitting down to write regularly. You will also learn key techniques of prose fiction writing, writerly reflection and critical writing. In particular, you will engage in a range of ‘textual interventions’ that encourage you to explore how other writers write and how you can develop your own writing voice through engagement with that of others. In this way you will also learn to relate critical study of literary texts to writing practice.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is taught via a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops:

1 x 1 hour weekly lecture
1 x 2 hour seminar/workshop

Lectures provide an overview of particular topics and texts, with straightforward explanations of complex issues.

Seminars and workshops allow you to discuss challenging material with other students under the guidance of the module tutor and to develop your skills in writing and feedback through structured workshops. These sessions encourage you to engage with the set reading and to explore your own responses critically and creatively. Seminar and workshop discussions develop intellectual, practical and transferable skills.
The aim of this introductory module is to create a supportive environment in which your knowledge, confidence, creative and critical skills can develop.
The module makes appropriate use of technology enhanced learning through use of the Blackboard electronic learning platform and the online support offered by Northumbria’s SkillsPlus programme.

In addition to the scheduled lectures and seminars, you are expected to undertake both directed and independent learning. Directed learning includes preparation for seminars and workshops (including both reading and written work) individually or in small groups. Independent learning includes further reading and investigation, the consolidation of seminar materials, and revision/preparation for the module assignments.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your learning will be academically supported by peer and tutor feedback on your work within writing workshops as well as tutor-led debates around narrative theory and the key techniques of prose fiction writing; your tutor will facilitate set writing exercises and help trigger new work and provide tutorial support.

The module handbook provides details of lectures, seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning platform, together with links to relevant skills materials in the library.
The module tutor is available in lectures and seminars, as well as during office hours, to discuss any queries or concerns you have.
Feedback in workshops on formative work serves as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module.
You are advised to see your Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress. The Guidance Booklet, which you receive at the start of your first year, includes structured materials designed to help you develop your self-reflection skills. These materials underpin the academic side of the regular Guidance meetings, helping you to learn how to best use the feedback you receive on your assignments, how to build on your strengths, and improve in the areas where you could perform better.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. an appreciation of how the creative writing workshop works and the student role within the workshop
2. some understanding of the specific techniques relevant prose writing


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. the ability to relate one’s own writing to wider debates in literary criticism


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. the ability to identify some of the strengths and weaknesses within own work

How will I be assessed?

Formative: Group workshops for producing, sharing and critiquing creative writing.
MLO 1, 4

Summative: you will submit a portfolio of work consisting of

a) a piece of textual intervention of 2,000 words of prose fiction, which responds creatively to one of the texts on your core English Literature modules. MLO 2

b) a critical commentary of 1,000 words on the construction of the textual intervention. The commentary should reflect critically on the technical strategies of the creative work, and how they relate to those of the original piece being responded to. You should try to contextualise your work by referencing wider critical debates relating to author, text and context. MLO 3, 4.

One overall mark will be given for the portfolio of work. Assignments a) and b) should be submitted together.
Feedback will be provided using the Departmental template and comments on the script

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

EL4001 Introduction to Literary Studies

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code QW38

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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