UL's MA in creative writing has already begun to distinguish itself among programmes of its kind internationally by having a strong, focused community- engagement dimension. The addition of the elective module 'Creative Writers in the Community' has added a hugely engaging and important value to programme. Since this module was established as an elective, strong community ties have been established and reinforced. We now propose to remove this module as an elective and to re-organise this part of the curriculum into two core modules to make it an integral part of the learning experience for all MA Creative Writing students. This will respond to student preferences (large numbers of students are interested in this module) and also by making these part of the core programme this will have the additional benefit of freeing students up to take more literary, specialised electives on offer in the Spring semester. This will be the first of these two newly developed modules.

The key activities, considerations, criteria and reflections required to prepare for an plan a community-engaged creative writing project. Drawing from theoretical, practical and creative ideas associated with the creative writing process, students will engage in collaborative dialogue to develop a robust and workable plan for community engagement. Through this students of creative writing will develop practical and research skills and competencies that enhance their professional practice and skillset. It is envisaged that typical projects will include: designing and delivering creative writing workshops in the community; mentoring less experienced writers; designing, programming and hosting literary events. Collaborating with established working relationships that already exist between UL Creative Writing and community groups such as: Writepace (writers' co-operative) Limerick City library, The Limerick Writers' Centre, The Irish Writers' Centre, Narrative 4 and others would be typical contexts within which the project based work and engagement could take place.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Engage in the planning and development of community-engagement projects creative writers Demonstrate competence and knowledge in the collaborative design of creative writing events Identify the key issues that need to be considered when creative writers engage in community projects Analyse and respond to creative writing opportunities in the community

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Take account of the ethical and interpersonal considerations that need to be engaged with when writers lead and develop plans for community engagement projects Appreciate and demonstrate commitment to the role of creative writing in society

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Creative writers in the community 1 will be a project-based module with a focus on the thinking, reading, preparation and engagement required to prepare an effective community engagement plan. Students will research and identify community engagement projects, outline the requirements of those projects, engage in collaborative discussion to scope out and develop a strong plan for delivery, and will be assessed on the basis of the development and presentation of this present this plan. How writers can and should engage in community work, support community development and respond to community needs and goals will form a key part of this module and up-to-date, ethical approaches to community engagement as outlined in the prime texts for this module, will be adopted. Students will be required to produce and present a professional project plan of a type commonly undertaken by creative writers. Graduate attributes will be incorporated into the teaching and learning of this module. Students will engage CURIOUSLY with the identification of potential projects, will be supported to respond in AGILE ways to the development of their plans, will be proactive and COURAGEOUS in the ambition associated with their planned impact and will carry out planning and preparation in ethical and RESPONSIBLE ways. At all stages of the planning process, they will be required to ARTICULATE clearly, precisely and creatively the nature of of those plans. The module will be taught using problem and project based learning approaches and will develop among students a strong sense of responsibility in the sharing of their creative practice, a proactive orientation towards engagement and outreach and a stronger ability to articulate ideas and processes relating to creativity in the community. In particular, they will draw on current theoretical models and recent research in creative processes. Students will work in small teams and be assessed according to the innovative activities and a rigorous, scholarly, evidence-based analysis of the effectiveness and outcomes of these activities in context.