CRWT30190 Special Topics Workshop II

Academic Year 2024/2025

Special Topics is a module which provides student writers a workshop to practice the art of writing, and to explore a range of craft issues within the context of a special topic. In Spring 2025, this module will focus on Crime and Mystery Fiction as a literary genre. We will read fiction across the breadth and development of the genre and discuss the variety of stylistic and technical approaches writers employ. Assignments will be based on the readings and will focus on distinctive elements of mystery fiction, including, but not limited to, the central character, theme, plot structure, engendering suspense, research, the dramatic world and its limits, setting and atmosphere, point of view, the use of scenes and effective dialogue.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

• demonstrate knowledge of course texts in context;

• comment critically upon the texts assigned;

• make work that responds to the texts discussed and to the central ideas of the course;

• demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the significance of the distinctive elements of the genre and their measured application.

• reflect on your own practices and writing life in writing and aloud;
• offer meaningful feedback to peers.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics to be studied will include the central character, theme, plot structure, engendering suspense, research, the dramatic world and its limits, setting and atmosphere, point of view, the use of scenes and effective dialogue.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Specified Learning Activities

86
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Discusssion of texts and technical and stylistic approaches therein. Reflective and generative assignments to be workshopped in class with peer and moderator feedback.






 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Portfolio:
Portfolio: A portfolio of creative and critical work: 70%

Continuous Assessment: Participation (in-class workshop participation, assignment delivery and discussion/feedback): 30%
 Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10 Graded Yes

100

 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Assignments to be workshopped in class with feedback from moderator and peers; individual summative feedback for final portfolio.