50003 Introduction to Novel Writing

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Writing and Contemporary Cultures
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): (50123 Narrative Writing OR 50243 Narrative Writing) AND (50223 Writing Short Fiction OR 50307 Ficto-Critical Writing OR 50308 Creative Non-Fiction OR 50002 Introduction to Short Fiction)

Handbook description

This is an introductory class in novel writing for students who have some background in fiction writing but who have yet to embark on writing a longer piece of work. Through a range of exemplary texts students firstly examine ideas about novel writing in a historical and cultural context; they then explore narrative strategies and ways to sustain the writing of a longer work of fiction by workshopping their own material. Experimental forms of the novel as well as more traditional narratives are considered. Students are expected to work consistently and intensively to produce the opening chapters or the short draft of a novel, 5,000 words in length, to be presented as a work-in-progress to the class. The emphasis is on process and consistency in output rather than on polished results. Students also develop their critical skills: reading and giving feedback on the final manuscript of another student is an important part of the assessment process. The intention is for students to end the semester with the confidence to continue writing longer fiction and the basis for a completed novel.

Subject objectives/outcomes

In this subject students

produce the short draft or opening chapters of a novel
acquire skills to reflect critically on their writing
acquire skills to revise and re-draft work in progress
acquire skills to reflect critically on fictional texts in English
study and practise formal and technical elements of novel writing.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject

enhances specific skills in writing
develops a knowledge of a specific genre of writing
encourages a practical understanding of aesthetic and cultural debates
enhances critical and creative thought in relation to contemporary writing.

Teaching and learning strategies

There will be more introductory material in the earlier part of the subject than towards the end. Activities will consist of a mix of informal lectures, workshops, required exercises, reading and commentary on students' work, brief seminar presentations, in-class discussion and analysis. Class exercise tasks will support the assessment items.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: To complete an opening chapter/section for a novel - minimum 1,000 words, maximum 2,000 words

Objectives	a, e
Value	20%
Due	by Week 10
Task	To workshop and hand in for critical feedback an opening for a novel
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated insight into techniques of work Ability to explore possibilities arising from set texts Ability to apply ideas to practice

Assessment item 2: To read and assess the full manuscript of another member of the class

Objectives	b, d, e
Value	20%
Due	Week 14
Task	To read and write an assessment approx 2 pages of the full manuscript of another member of the class
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated critical skills Insightful reading skills

Assessment item 3: To complete the draft of a further section of a work of fiction - 5,000 words

Objectives	a, b, c, e
Value	60%
Due	Week 14
Task	To complete the draft of a long work of fiction, 5,000 words
Assessment criteria	Accomplishment of style Demonstration of structure Some development of plot and/or characterisation

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Indicative references

There will be a Reader available for this subject. In addition two short novels have been set which students are required to obtain and read in full:

Amelie Nothomb, Fear and Trembling (St Martins Press: 2001)
NOTE: This text will be supplied by the lecturer.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Chronicle of a Death Foretold (Penguin)