The course will be given over to reading a variety of poetry, fiction, drama, screenwriting and non-fiction. Alongside this students will be encouraged to develop their own creative work in all of these genres through in-class writing exercises prompted by these examples. Students will also be able to pursue an individual project over the duration of the course where they will be able to develop a portfolio of work in a specific area of interest. Classes will be split into three sections: appreciative/critical reading and analysis, individual writing time and a workshop.
Course aim
To introduce students to poetry, fiction, drama, screenwriting and non-fiction, to read important and contemporary examples of these, and to develop creative practice in these areas.
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:
- Demonstrate fundamental techniques of writing in the genres of poetry, fiction, drama, screenwriting and non-fiction
- Show knowledge of relevant important historical and contemporary writing
- Write with enhanced understanding in the above genres
- Edit their own work informed by feedback from tutor and other students and provide relevant, useful, informed comments and feedback to other students
- Produce writing is organised, grammatically correct, clear and well-presented
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
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?
- A selection of materials and basic equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring additional materials with you
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
- Creative writing anthologies and text books, poetry collections, novels, short stories, plays and any non-fiction are all good places to start. Reading some online and printed literary magazines would also be a useful thing.
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- This course could lead to a range of job opportunities. Follow link to National Careers Service for more details https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
Download full course information sheet
