EL5023 - Working With Structure

Teaching is through 2 x 1.5 hour sessions per week: a “practical” workshop followed by a “critiquing” workshop. The “practical” sessions will consist of tutor presentations and exercises, with writing in class. Students are then expected to complete a piece to bring to the subsequent “critiquing” session. In the final week of each module the 2 sessions are given over to student presentations.

The aim of this module is to create a supportive environment in which your knowledge, confidence, creative and critical skills in working on voice can develop.
The module makes appropriate use of technology enhanced learning through use of the Blackboard electronic learning platform and the online support offered by Northumbria’s SkillsPlus programme.

In addition to the scheduled lectures and seminars, you are expected to undertake both directed and independent learning. Directed learning includes preparation for lectures and workshops (including both reading and written work) individually or in small groups. Independent learning includes further reading and investigation, the consolidation of seminar materials, and revision/preparation for the module assignments.

Your learning will be academically supported by peer and tutor feedback on your work within writing workshops as well as tutor-led debates around different forms and modes of writing voice; your tutor will facilitate set writing exercises and help trigger new work and provide tutorial support.

The module handbook provides details of lectures, seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning platform, together with links to relevant skills materials in the library.
The module tutor is available in lectures and seminars, as well as during office hours, to discuss any queries or concerns you have.
Feedback in workshops on formative work serves as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module.
You are advised to see your Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress. The Guidance Booklet, which you receive at the start of your first year, includes structured materials designed to help you develop your self-reflection skills. These materials underpin the academic side of the regular Guidance meetings, helping you to learn how to best use the feedback you receive on your assignments, how to build on your strengths, and improve in the areas where you could perform better.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Develop an understanding of the nature of structure in different writing genres.

• Gain an appreciation of how structural techniques can be applied effectively.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• Achieve a variety of basic key skills related to structure, e.g. plotting, verse forms.

• Develop critical judgment and editing skills.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• Sensitivity and effectiveness when giving and receiving critical feedback in a group context.

Presentation (formative): A timed presentation of all or part of the creative work, in the manner of a reading.
MLO 1, 2, 5.
Portfolio (summative): A creative piece of 4000-4500 words (or equivalent). MLO 2, 3, 4
These will be assessed in relation to MLOs 1-4.
Verbal feedback will be given on the presentation.
Students will receive formative peer and tutor feedback during workshops on draft creative work during
Feedback on summative work will be provided using the Departmental template and comments on the script.

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Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.