Students will try fiction, memoir, poetry and script. They will learn to extend their control of structure, narrative voice, language and observed detail so that they can feel at home with their writing skills. They will have the opportunity to start from something already written, from games, conversations, and the handling of objects.
Course aim
This course will encourage students to improve their writing through reading and analysing stories and poems. Students will be encouraged to experiment with different kinds of writing across genres.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Write in a variety of genres
- Control structure in prose so that plot and storyline are effective
- Control structure in poetry so that line endings and stanzas are use to good effect
- Control narrative stance and voice across all genres, trying out first and third person approaches
- Control language with the use of appropriate metaphor and understanding of how to make language alive without using too many adjectives and adverbs
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
- You will be expected to carry out a range of activities in your own time
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
- A file of work will be kept which will help to record your progress
- There will be a number of tasks appropriate to your course such as written work, creating art or craft, video, photography or small projects. Some of these may be marked to help you progress
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
- It would be helpful if you brought your own notebook or laptop
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
- This course should give you a outlet for your interests and concerns and allow you to share these with other students.
Download full course information sheet
