Module Descriptors
POETIC WRITING
ENGL40447
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Lisa Mansell
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • PORTFOLIO weighted at 50%
  • PORTFOLIO 2 weighted at 50%
Module Details
Resources
Library, Internet. The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook. Networked PC DVD/Video Projection.
Learning Strategies
One of the principles underlying this module is the belief that the practice of writing can be assisted by knowledge and understanding of literature and the module delivers an historical survey of the major periods and movements in poetic practice which is supported by relevant set texts. Essential to the text-based workshops classes, for example, will be some consideration of literary form and style, the study of contemporary poets. This knowledge facilitates the process of the application of critical analysis to the student' own creative practice. Reading and evaluation of student work in the workshop sessions develops communication and presentation skill (verbal and textual). Industry-specific employability skills are developed in the writing of a cover letter and submission suitable for a literary journal. Transferable employability skills include: presentation, communication, production of text that is highly literate, crafted, and considered, critical analysis, and precision and sensitivity in the giving of feedback to peers.

Key Information Set Data:
24% Scheduled Learning & Tecahing Activities
76% Guided Independent Learning
Indicative Content
This module is delivered via a craft lecture, manuscript workshop, and editorial tutorials, which amount to two hours per week for twenty four weeks across both semesters. The structure of the module is a chronological survey approach to practical poetics from Modernism to current practice.
In semester one, this module will familiarise students with the basic elements of form and structure: traditional verse forms (e.g. sonnets, sestinas) and how they have been developed in modern poetic practice. European and Anglo-American Modernism will also be taught in semester one. This part of the course is assessed by exam. There will also be non-assessed formative and diagnostic appraisals in the form of blended learning tasks and class-work.
During semester two, students will engage with texts from 1950-present. It will provide an introductory overview and practical guide to poetics for students and allow them to reflect on a variety of poetic practices. The practice-led workshops will supply in-depth practical help with students own poetic writing and explore the theoretical aspects of poetics through discussion through peer groups with particular attention to craft. Students will learn a number of writing techniques and be encouraged to use them in writing imaginatively. They will be given opportunities to practise traditional as well as more experimental forms of poetic expression.
Students will gain practical professional knowledge of the industry by reading and analysing literary magazines and contemporary poetry collections, and also though the application of industry-specific knowledge about the composition of cover letters to editors.
Additional Assessment Details
TTeaching Block 1:
PORTFOLIO 50% which contains:
A Portfolio of six original poems that demonstrate application of knowledge of the forms and poetics covered in semester 1 of the module. (Learning Outcomes 2, 4) and a 750 word reflective personal essay on poetics. (Learning outcome 1, Learning outcome 5.)

Teaching Block 2:
PORTFOLIO (final work) 50% which contains:
a) evidence of workshop participation (dated draft work, edits, process notes) with a 500 word contextual reflection on the editing process. (Learning Outcome 3)
b) collection of SIX poems (Learning Outcome 4, Learning Outcome 2 )
c) Cover letter to an editor of a little magazine/literary journal (Learning Outcome 5)

Key Information Set Data:
100% Coursework
Module Texts
Rothenberg and Joris. (1999) Poems for the Millennium. Volume 1. LA: University of California Press.
Paul Hoover. (1994) Postmodern American Poetry. NY: Norton.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. UNDERSTAND AND RETAIN KNOWLEDGE OF LITERARY TERMS, TECHNIQUES, MOVEMENTS AND PERIODS.
[Knowledge and Understanding; Learning]

2. APPLY KNOWLEDGE OF LITERARY TECHNIQUES, TERMINOLOGY TO CREATIVE PRACTICE.
[Analysis; Learning]

3. PARTICIPATE ORALLY AND TEXTUALLY IN PEER EDITORIAL FEEDBACK AND APPLY THIS TO CREATIVE PRACTICE.
[Application; Communication]

4. CREATE A PORTFOLIO OF ORIGINAL CREATIVE WORK THAT REFLECTS THE TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES STUDIES IN THE MODULE
[Application; Reflection]

5. DEMONSTRATE ABILITY TO REFLECT CRITICALLY ON WRITTEN WORK AND REFLECT UPON CREATIVE PROCESS
[Reflection]