CRWT30160 Special Topics Workshop I

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 Autumn 2023, this module will focus on observation and attention as a basis for the writing life. We will ask questions through practical exercises that include what is attention? What does observation offer us as writers? How might we become more aware of our attention and of the world around us? We will read writers across disciplines whose work explicitly takes up themes of (or practices) attention and observation; we will do in-class and out-of-class observational practice work; we will discuss practices of attention and their broader possibilities for artistic life. The term will culminate in a project that embodies a practice of sustained attention.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of course texts in context;
• develop observational and attentive practices that support your writing life;
• make an extended piece of work that responds to the central ideas of the course;
• reflect on your own practices and writing life in writing and aloud;
• demonstrate an understanding of the significance of cross-disciplinary study for writers;
• comment critically upon the texts assigned;
• show an understanding of a range of theoretical and aesthetic concerns related to attention;
• offer meaningful feedback to your peers.

Indicative Module Content:

Attention, observation, metacognition, reflection, the writing life, non-end-oriented artistic practice, developing contextual awareness.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Specified Learning Activities

116
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

240
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Observational practice (fieldwork); discussion of readings, concepts, and practices; reflective and generative (creative) writing exercises; drawing, listening, and movement exercises; lecture. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Participation in Learning Activities: Weekly prompt activities n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

20
Portfolio: A portfolio comprising a project developed in consultation with the module coordinator (±1800 words) and a critical-reflective essay (1000 words) as discussed in class or detailed in the syllabus. n/a Graded Yes

60
Reflective Assignment: Weekly reflective and preparatory activities (in and out of class) to be turned in simultaneously with the portfolio n/a Graded Yes

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring 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
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment, and Peer review activities

Sharpe, Christina. Ordinary Notes (London: Daunt Books, 2023)
Hasler, Emily. Local Interest (Liverpool: Pavilion Poetry/Liverpool University Press, 2023)
Baume, Sara. Handiwork (Dublin: Tramp Press, 2020)
Odell, Jenny. How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy (New York: Melville House, 2019)
Spahr, Juliana. That Winter The Wolf Came (Oakland: Commune Editions, 2015)