HZ2003 Prose Fiction

Module Summary

HZ2003N Prose Fiction
This module explores, from a writerly perspective, the basic elements of the prose fiction form, including narrative, structure, descriptions, subject matter, themes and interactive relationships
Semester: Autumn
Prerequisite: Normally, successful completion of CW certificate level modules.
Assessment: two pieces of coursework 50% each.

Prerequisites And Corequisites

Normally, successful completion of CW Certificate level modules.

Summary Description Of Assessment Items

(See Explanations and Definitions)

Module Aims

The main aims of this module are:
1. to identify the defining characteristics of the prose fiction form
2. to develop and enhance writerly prose fiction skills which take full cognisance of the variety of narrative/character-driven approaches, and the ways in which prose fiction draws on the full possibilities of fictional language (A3)

Syllabus

This module will study, analyse and develop an understanding of the processes which go into writing prose fiction and its distinctive characteristics as a literary genre. It will address questions of structure, first and third person narration, interactive relationships and a variety of styles: naturalism, realism, surrealism. By the end of the semester each student will have completed a short story in class, as well as the work done for assignments.

Learning And Teaching

Two-hour block per week, seminar, and workshop-based. The seminars will have a practical bias: students will write and read their work in class, as well as bringing in and reading work done in an accompanying Writer’s Notebook. Students will be expected to attend a minimum of 8/12 seminars.

Seminars 24 Hours
Seminar related independent learning 40 Hours
Assessment related independent learning (cwk 1) 36 Hours
Assessment related independent learning (cwk 2) 50 Hours

Assessment Strategy

This module will be assessed by two pieces of coursework:
1. a short story, with related cameo description exercises, accompanied by a commentary (1000 words);
2. Two linked short stories, accompanied by a short commentary (1000 words);

Bibliography

A good English dictionary.
Roget’s Thesaurus (Penguin)
The Macmillan Guide to English Grammar, Rosalind Fergusson and Martin H. Manser (Macmillan, 1998)
Basic Punctuation Don Schiach (John Murray, 1995).
Creating Texts Walter Nash and David Stacey (Longman, 1997)
Brewer’s Book of Myth and Legend (Cassell, 1999)
Oxford Book of English Short Stories ed A. S. Byatt (Oxford, 2002)

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