This course aims to inspire the learner to write about their chosen places and how they have shaped their identity and sense of belonging/placelessness. Place is loosely understood as natural or built environment, a home, a school, or even a room. We learn our craft through published mentor texts to see how themes/associations and spirit of place are expressed as well as techniques used. In the class we respond to writing prompts to help us overcome writer's block as well as stimulate the imagination. Between the sessions we work on a longer piece or continue with a current writing project. Feedback is crucial - they'll be opportunities to share our work as well as give and receive feedback from peers and the tutor.
Course aim
This course inspires the learner to explore a variety of themes associated with place and identity drawing on their personal experience. It also introduces the learner to mentor texts to discover techniques which can improve our writing.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
- Students need a level 2 qualification in English to join this course
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- 1. Identify themes and ideas for stories/writing about place and identity
- 2. Describe and explore techniques from mentor texts to use in own writing
- 3. Write from expressive writing prompts to overcome block or fear of writing and use for material for polished writing
- Respond to feedback from peers and tutor to improve their creative writing
- 5. Reflect on their developing awareness of own creative writing voice, preferences and strengths in a writer’s journal.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- Most of your learning will take place in your class, but one or two sessions will be online using WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas, working by yourself or engaging with other students. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- 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 will be expected to carry out a range of activities in your own time
- We will write during class from related writing prompts. Also learners will be encouraged to keep a Writerly Journal in between sessions - to capture ideas, inspiration for future writing, examples of shining craft!
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 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
- 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?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- Nothing else is needed
- All materials will be provided
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- Pre-course reading is required: resources will be made available to you using the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
Download full course information sheet
