This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will investigate the theory and practice of writing contemporary historical fiction. For the first half of the term students will be exposed to a variety of stimulating contemporary novels and encouraged to make connections between them and assess the ways in which they engage with the historical period(s) in which they are set, and the ways in which history is (re)presented. We will analyse approaches to research; the use and incorporation of other texts and the engagement with historical prose styles and forms; the boundaries between fictionalised history and invention; experimental form and voice; the ways in which the past is refigured in the present, and the ways in which the past might speak to the present. Students will be asked to consider the ways in which authors use form and voice to interrogate the possibility of representing history, and the limitations of the attempt to do so. We will consider how postmodernism has impacted on questions of narrative and historiography. Alongside these theoretical and critical questions, students will be encouraged to develop a robust and creative approach to independent research, using a variety of research methods and including a research trip 'in the field'.
In the second half of the term students will build upon the writing exercises and research of the first half, to work on the introductory chapters to their own novels. Regular writing workshops will encourage students to share ideas and work in progress; and technical skills sessions will encourage them to experiment with punctuation, metaphor, voice and viewpoint, as well as considering how they might incorporate their research into their writing. We will consider different structural approaches and students will be encouraged to find innovative ways to address their chosen historical material.
10 x two-hour seminars for mini-lectures, discussion, student presentations, group work and writing workshops, plus 10 additional hours for workshops and one-to-one tutorials
100% coursework: seminar performance (10%), 1,500-word critical outline (25%), 5,000-word Novel Opening and 1,000-word Synopsis (65%)
Mantel, Hilary, (Fourth Estate, 2009) Wolf Hall
Spufford, Francis. (Faber & Faber, 2016) Golden Hill
Ondaatje, Michael, (Bloomsbury, 2004) Coming through Slaughter
Kang, Han, (Portobello, 2016) Human Acts
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate the following subject specific learning outcomes:
1. Read and respond to a range of contemporary historical fiction, developing their capacity for close reading and critical analysis and apply these skills to their reading of fiction.
2. Make connections between contemporary critical analysis and the writing of historical fiction.
3. Be able to identify and critically evaluate approaches to the research and writing of historical fiction, and consider the ways in which thematic and theoretical questions might be refracted through a fictional-historical lens, including the ways in which historical fiction might address and question the ways in which narratives are constructed, both thematically and formally.
4. Be able to respond creatively to critical questions and use creative writing as a means of critical enquiry.
5. Identify their own formal, stylistic and thematic approaches.
6. Develop their own method of research through a variety of approaches.
7. Be able to reflect on the wide range of narrative and descriptive choices open to the contemporary writer.
8. Be able to apply sophisticated writing techniques to their own creative work (e.g. experimental narrative perspective and structure, form appropriate to theme)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate the following generic learning outcomes:
1. Develop their capacity for close reading and critical analysis and make comparisons across a range of their reading.
2. Develop their creative writing skills to an advanced level.
3. Extend their range of critical and creative vocabulary and broaden their conceptual framework.
4. Develop their communication skills, particularly in responding to others' work in the context of the workshop.
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