EDUCATION DIRECTORY
PÅ SVENSKA
Malmö University

Course syllabus

Autumn 2012

Course syllabus, Autumn 2012

Title

Creative Writing I

Swedish title

Creative Writing I

Course code

EN212A

Credits

15 credits

Grading scale

UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)

Language of instruction

English

Decision-making body

Faculty of Culture and Society

Syllabus valid from

2012-09-03

Syllabus approval date

2012-02-24

Level

Basic level

Entry requirements

The special prerequisite for this course, besides basic eligibility for university studies, is fieldeligibility 6: Civics A and English B. Applicants are exempted from the Civics A requirement.

Main field

English

Progression level

G1N / First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements

Progression level in relation to degree requirements

The course can normally be included as part of a general degree at undergraduate level.

Course objectives

This introductory course in creative writing in English develops student awareness of imaginative writing as a craft and establishes a student-centered venue for the development of that craft, the student’s own creative writing. While developing the craft of writing, the student acquires numerous transferable skills, enumerated below in Learning Outcomes.

Course contents

The course consists of acquiring basic imaginative writing skills in the following genres:
  • creative nonfiction
  • fiction
  • poetry
The course concludes with the submission of a portfolio containing the student’s work for the term.
The course recognizes that good reading is at the heart of good writing. Reading broadly in the genres studied in the course is thus emphasized.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course, the student:
  • understands imaginative writing as both craft and self-expression;
  • understands writing as a process;
  • has an awareness of literary forms and genres;
  • can show knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives, as they pertain to creative writing.
Skills and ability
After finishing the course, the student:
  • has developed basic imaginative writing skills;
  • can write imaginatively at a basic level in creative non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and drama;
  • can edit his/her writing and the writing of others;
  • can analyze and critique creative work;
  • can write persuasive and expressive texts;
  • can read both critically and creatively;
  • understands style concerns of written English, such as punctuation and formatting;
  • understands applied aspects of English syntax and diction;
  • has increased his/her general English language proficiency.
Critical skills and approach
After finishing the course, the student:
  • can reflect on how creative and analytical skills interact;
  • has gained an awareness of the importance of self-learning;
  • can read literature analytically from the perspective of writerly craft.

Learning activities

This is a workshop-centered course in the "studio" model. It features:
  • distance learning via an online learning platform
  • online writing workshops
  • formal, written peer review at workshops
  • writing exercises
  • reading

Assessment

The student is assessed through:
  • the mastering of skills and concepts learned in the course, as evidenced in the submission of three creative assignments;
  • the submission of an end-of-term portfolio, including a self-reflective essay, reflecting knowledge of writing as a process;
  • essays/and or quizzes on the breadth reading materials;
  • the quality of his/her participation and peer review in online workshops.
The total grade for the course is the amalgamate grade of the Creative Portfolio: 50%, Essays and Exercises: 25%, Workshop Skills and Workshop Skills: 25%).

Course literature and other study material

Creativity and Craft: A Coursebook for Creative Writing I. ISBN 978-1-84959-041-9
Halpern, Daniel. The Art of the Story: An International Anthology of Contemporary Short Stories. ISBN-10: 0140296387
Milosz, Czeslaw. A Book of Luminous Things: An International Anthology of Poetry. ISBN-10: 0156005743

Course evaluation

Towards the end of the term, students are required to give anonymous formal feedback in an online survey. The results are available for viewing by all students in the course. Students are also given the opportunity to offer oral feedback at various points earlier in the term.