School of English
Module manager: Ross Raisin
Email: r.r.raisin@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will provide a relaxed, creative environment for a close examination of the short story form. You will engage in the pleasure of reading and writing stories, and in the technical approaches involved in constructing them. Led by Ross Raisin, winner of the BBC National Short Story Award, the module will encourage you to focus on different aspects of the form, producing new writing for yourself as well as engaging with the writing of your peers, through a supportive and attentive workshop forum. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The aim of this module is to enable students to gain a new range of skills, momentum and confidence in the writing of short form fiction. These objectives will build upon the knowledge and practice gained from Creative Writing core modules during Level 1 and Level 2.
As in those modules, on which students studied a range of different forms, the learning activities will involve reading widely and closely – specifically within the short story form. The focus will be on contemporary texts, with select and salient reference to classic works too. Students will receive constructive feedback from the tutor, and peers, on writing which will be produced for the workshop element. In-class writing exercises, pertaining to a variety of specific craft focuses, will also form part of the learning activities
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
LO1. Create new writing in the short story form.
LO2. Evaluate critically, and learn techniques, across a broad range of contemporary and classic short story texts.
LO3. Apply techniques of structure and subtext inherent to the form.
SLO1. Demonstrate an understanding of their own practice of reflecting on and developing writing as part of an ongoing dialogue with fellow students in the group and with the tutor. (Leeds Skills Matrix: Work-Ready).
SLO2. Write with objectivity about their own critical perspective on this process and on the work that it produces. (Leeds Skills Matrix: Academic).
SLO3. Use their technical knowledge, gained through critiquing the work of peers and concomitant discourse, to reflect critically on the work of other writers in the contemporary field. (Leeds Skills Matrix: Technical).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The module is focused on weekly seminars and makes frequent use of regular tutor and peer feedback and group discussion. Seminars are, in part, spaces to which each student is expected to bring new work developed through private study; work which will be given verbal and written formative feedback by the seminar tutor, as well as verbal peer feedback, by way of a group discussion facilitated by the seminar tutor. This feedback will be given to works in progress of creative writing in short story fiction.
Introductory module material will provide guidance for private study time – to include: (a) the reading of primary and critical literature, (b) the planning and writing of new work, and (c) the revision and reorganisation of existing drafts.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Written Work | Creative work | 80 |
| Coursework | Reflective Log | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 06/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team