Module Descriptors
WRITING NARRATIVE
FTVR40293
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 4
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- CRITICAL ANALYSIS weighted at 20%
- COURSEWORK weighted at 20%
- SCRIPT weighted at 60%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
A Dossier containing three pieces of written work:
1. 20% An analysis of one media product (novel/ documentary/TV or radio programme/magazine feature article/film) with reference to cultural and institutional factors (Learning Outcomes 1]
2. 20% Either: a) A newspaper or magazine review of a media product [Learning Outcomes 2]
Or: b) A feature article (profile/lifestyle/celebrity/travel etc.) [Learning Outcomes 2]
3. 60% Either: a) A complete short script for a film/radio or TV programme (7-10 pages/equivalent to 1000 words) [Learning Outcomes 3]
Or: b) A complete short story (1000 words) [Learning Outcomes 3]
1. 20% An analysis of one media product (novel/ documentary/TV or radio programme/magazine feature article/film) with reference to cultural and institutional factors (Learning Outcomes 1]
2. 20% Either: a) A newspaper or magazine review of a media product [Learning Outcomes 2]
Or: b) A feature article (profile/lifestyle/celebrity/travel etc.) [Learning Outcomes 2]
3. 60% Either: a) A complete short script for a film/radio or TV programme (7-10 pages/equivalent to 1000 words) [Learning Outcomes 3]
Or: b) A complete short story (1000 words) [Learning Outcomes 3]
Module Indicative Content
Introduction to narrative in the media:
Writing styles/formal conventions in different media
Basic editorial skills (proof-reading, re-writing, polishing)
The message - cultural/social/philosophical approaches
Screen writing - visual storytelling/juxtaposition of images/tool for propaganda/silent film
Familiarisation with various script formats (film, TV, Radio, documentary script, news report)
The basics of prose narrative style
Narrative in the news
Analysis - learning to read beyond the surface of media products
Ideas (and how to get them)
Writing styles/formal conventions in different media
Basic editorial skills (proof-reading, re-writing, polishing)
The message - cultural/social/philosophical approaches
Screen writing - visual storytelling/juxtaposition of images/tool for propaganda/silent film
Familiarisation with various script formats (film, TV, Radio, documentary script, news report)
The basics of prose narrative style
Narrative in the news
Analysis - learning to read beyond the surface of media products
Ideas (and how to get them)
Module Texts
Keeble, R.: 'The Newspaper Handbook' (London Routledge, 1994)
Collinson, D., Kirkup, G., Kyd, R. & Slocombe, L. 'Plain English' (Open University Press, 1992)
Truss, Lynne: 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves' (Profile Books, 2003)
McKee, Robert: 'Story' (Methuen, 1999)
Field, Syd: 'Screenplay' (DTP, 1984 - ISBN 0440576474)
Cowgill, Linda: 'Writing Short Films' (Lone Eagle, 1997)
Crook, Tim: 'Radio Drama' (Routledge, 1999)
Forster, E. m.: 'Aspects of the Novel' (Penguin 2002)
Lodge, David: 'The Art of Fiction' (Penguin 1992)
George, Elizabeth: 'Write Away' (HarperCollins, 2004)
Collinson, D., Kirkup, G., Kyd, R. & Slocombe, L. 'Plain English' (Open University Press, 1992)
Truss, Lynne: 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves' (Profile Books, 2003)
McKee, Robert: 'Story' (Methuen, 1999)
Field, Syd: 'Screenplay' (DTP, 1984 - ISBN 0440576474)
Cowgill, Linda: 'Writing Short Films' (Lone Eagle, 1997)
Crook, Tim: 'Radio Drama' (Routledge, 1999)
Forster, E. m.: 'Aspects of the Novel' (Penguin 2002)
Lodge, David: 'The Art of Fiction' (Penguin 1992)
George, Elizabeth: 'Write Away' (HarperCollins, 2004)
Module Learning Strategies
Familiarisation with media genres through lectures, discussion, independent learning; seminar presentations of group analysis of various media artefacts with reference to their writing; group project to produce magazine; formal exercises in script forms; formal exercises in prose writing; creative thinking/ideas workshops/'pitching' ideas to class
Module Resources
Viewing facilities (video/DVD); book and video stock; scripts available on internet