Module Code - Title:
EH6112
-
INDIVIDUAL CREATIVE WRITING PROJECT
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
* To develop a high-level, individual Creative Writing project, drawing together plot, characterisation, narrative conflict, editing, rewriting and presentation skills.
* To develop strategies for students to engage meaningfully with their own Creative Writing practice through critical analysis of the above work.
* To develop a reflective treatment or outline, demonstrating understanding of Creative Writing skills appropriate to a Master's level qualification, leading to preparedness to write the Master's level dissertation in Creative Writing.
Syllabus:
This module follows on from the autumn term taught element of the MA in Creative Writing. Students must work independently with guidance from their supervisor.
Students must develop a plan, outline or first draft (or combination of all three) for an individual Creative Writing project. Using tutor guidance they must ensure that their work will be adequate to produce a piece of high-level Creative Writing, either as one piece or a group of related pieces, in one or more genres or forms. Target publication(s) or broadcast/performance venue(s) will be identified.
Under supervision, students produce a piece of finished Creative Writing, prepared and presented to professional standard, a final list of target publishers or broadcast/performance venue(s), and a draft, outline or detailed notes on the proposed Master's level dissertation in Creative Writing.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
* Demonstrate an understanding of the skills required to write a piece of narrative fiction or drama to a high standard.
* Analyse their strengths and challenges as Creative Writers.
* Relate their findings to a plan for the final dissertation in Creative Writing.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
* Acknowledge and reference literary precedents and examples.
* Question and defend their Creative Writing decisions.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module consists of three one-to-one meetings between the student and her/his supervisor. At the first meeting, the student and supervisor will agree a schedule of meetings, e-mails, communication and review of work.
The student will work independently with guidance from her/his supervisor who will guide the student through the process of:
* Planning, organising and controlling the work.
* Targeted restructuring, self-editing and rewriting.
* Working independently on a complex project.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Mullan, John (2006)
How novels work
, OUP
O'Connor, Frank (1985)
The Lonely Voice: A Study of the Short Story (edition with introduction by Russell Banks
, Harper and Row
Wood, James (2009)
How Fiction Works
, Sage
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MACRWRTFA - CREATIVE WRITING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
joseph.oconnor@ul.ie