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To Whomsoever it May Concern: Creating fiction through diaries, letters & other forms of communication - CED00225C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Helen Kenwright
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

The module seeks to deepen students’ understanding of the form and craft of the epistolary and diary-based fiction through reading, probing and responding creatively to a range of classic, modern and contemporary texts and looking at some of its most significant writers, as well as creating their own work in the genre.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Term 2023-24

Module aims

To introduce writers to the specific techniques required for writing stories in the genres of epistolary and diary-based fiction. Through close reading and discussion of a variety of examples, and creating and discussing their own works, the students will be led to:

  • Explore and analyse the history of epistolary fiction and fictional diaries.
  • Begin to understand what the key components of epistolary and diary-based fiction are; its opportunities and its limitations.
  • Explore key writing elements such as characterisation, setting, structure, movement in time and space, observation, point of view, opening and closing, voice, dialogue, cliché and description within the restrictions of this form.
  • Support fellow students as they draft, workshop, revise and rework an epistolary and/or diary-based narrative to completion.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • ·Apply and understand the techniques and conventions of epistolary and fictional diary story writing.
  • Recognise the range of writing produced within the epistolary and fictional diary fields.
  • Develop their own writing through reading, writing exercises and journal keeping.
  • Write their own pieces of epistolary and/or diary-based fiction and shared them with peers for critical discussion.
  • Actively listen to, critique and support other writers in their endeavours.
  • Discuss a range of classical and contemporary international authors.

Module content

The module seeks to deepen students’ understanding of the form and craft of the epistolary and diary-based fiction through reading, probing and responding creatively to a range of classic, modern and contemporary texts and looking at some of its most significant writers, as well as creating their own work in the genre.

Where appropriate the Virtual Learning Environment will be utilised to maximise blended learning opportunities with regards to; further reading suggestions; web site links; writing exercise; group feedback; building rapport with other writers and to encourage out-of-hours interaction.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Creative portfolio & critical commentary		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Creative portfolio & critical commentary		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Students receive regular verbal comment on their work through the critiquing workshops wherein they share their work. They may, in addition, elect to go online to share their work with one another. The tutor gives individual regular written and oral feedback throughout the module.

The assessment feedback is as per the University’s system and is written onto the relevant documents.

Indicative reading

  • Morley, D. (2007) The Cambridge introduction to creative writing. Cambridge:, Cambridge University Press.
  • Casterton, J. (2005) Creative Writing: A Practical Guide. Palgrave MacMillan
  • Fanny Burney (1778) Evalina, or the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World
  • Bram Stoker (1897) Dracula
  • Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1892) The Yellow Wallpaper
  • Sue Townsend (1982) The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾
  • Alice Walker (1982) The Colour Purple
  • Helen Fielding (1996) Bridget Jones Diary
  • Avarind Adiga (2008) The White Tiger
  • Cavin Kasulke (2021) Several People are Typing


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.