Syllabus autumn 2020
Malmö University
Syllabus autumn 2020
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 approval date
2020-08-11
Syllabus valid from
2020-08-31
Entry requirements
General entry requirements + English B.
Merit rating is calculated based on Swedish upper secondary grades achieved, according to specific entry requirement 6/A6.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1N
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:
  • literary nonfiction
  • fiction
  • poetry
The course involves weekly assignments, and the submission of a portfolio of revised work.
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 literary non-fiction, fiction, and poetry;
  • 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 course 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 based on the submission of a portfolio of texts written and revised over the course the semester.
Course literature and other study material
  • Janet Burroway – Imaginative writing, The elements of craft. ISBN: 9780134053240
  • Daniel Halpern (ed.) – The art of the story. ISBN: 0140296387
  • Billy Collins – Poetry 180. ISBN: 0812968875
Course evaluation
The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to
the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
If a course ceases to be available or has undergone any major changes, the students are to be offered two opportunities to retake the examination during the year following the change for re-examination, based on the syllabus which applied at registration.