Module manager: Dr Jess Richards
Email: j.richards3@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as an Elective
Myth and magic featured in oral storytelling practices long before stories were ever collected, written down or described as literature. Aspects of these ancient tales are still present within many contemporary fictional texts via the use of archetypes, intertextual references, symbols and metaphors. Fantasy, sci fi, literary fiction and speculative fiction often allude to elements of fairy tales, folklore and myths. In this module we will aim to understand some of these reoccurring magical elements by exploring their presence in contemporary fiction and using them in our own creative writing practice. Students opting from outside the creative writing programme will need to demonstrate creative writing skills, so should email a writing sample of 1000 words of fiction writing to the module manager.
We will examine a range of key examples of contemporary novels and short fiction (aimed at young adult (YA) or adult readers) with particular emphasis on texts that incorporate intertextual references to persistent fairy tales, folklore and myths. We will discuss these texts in relation to their literary and socio-political contexts and explore representations of magic in creative writing via creative practice. In workshops and through private study, students will be equipped to produce their own fiction (aimed at either YA or adult readers) and will submit a portfolio of creative writing and a short reflective essay for summative assessment.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. identify and discuss representations of magic in contemporary fiction
2. develop a range of creative writing skills to use within fiction writing (including worldbuilding, characterisation, the logic of magic, structure, transformations and reversals) from a practitioner’s perspective
3. reflectively consider representations of magic within a personal fiction writing practice
Skills Learning Outcomes
4. demonstrate effective decision making within an independent project (work ready)
5. engage creatively in the practice of fiction writing (work ready, technical)
6. give and receive critical feedback (work ready, academic)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 280 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
There will be an unassessed presentation and short extracts of writing-in-progress submitted for peer and tutor feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Portfolio – A fiction portfolio to include: 1. Extracts from a novel or a complete short story of 3,000 words. 2. A critical reflection / essay of 1000 words that locates the portfolio in its literary and other contexts drawing upon relevant literary, critical and practice-led material. | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students will submit a Portfolio comprising Fiction Writing and Critical Reflection Essay to make up 100% of their assessment.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 21/05/2024
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