What is ‘life writing’? How can a single genre contain such diverse forms as memoir, biography, nature writing, eco-critical writing, travel writing, confession, case study? Where are the borderlines between fiction and non-fiction? (Are there in fact borderlines between fiction and non-fiction?) These questions will be considered, and different stylistic and formal techniques investigated and experimented with, as you work towards finding your own subject matter(s) and your own narrative style and mode.
You will encounter a wide range of examples from antiquity to the contemporary. We will explore the topic thematically, working with different forms and sub-genres in turn. Writing exercises will enable you to experiment with various approaches. As the term develops, there will be more time given to the workshop component, as you create your own piece of narrative non-fiction—either self-contained, or as part of a wider project.
Workshop 24, Lecture/seminar 8
3,500 words Original Non-fiction. Assessment Details: Original piece of narrative non-fiction worth 80%. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
PowerPoint presentation 6-8 slides, not exceeding 500 words Presentation . Assessment Details: Presentation of research project worth 20%.
Reassessment Method: Single instrument 100% written assessment (4000 words)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Reflect upon a range of stylistic and formal approaches to life writing from antiquity to the present day
Discuss complex stylistic, formal and conceptual questions in relation to their own creative work and that of others
Create and experiment within a range of literary styles and approaches
Generate their own research question in response to various stimuli, at an advanced level
Compose a coherent, clear and sustained original piece of narrative non-fiction
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