CW917-45 Brave New Worlds: Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
Introductory description
This module offers an opportunity for students to engage with specific challenges of science fiction and fantasy writing, including (but not limited to): the use and inversion of existing genre tropes and conventions, convincing world building, ‘hard’ vs ‘soft’ science fiction, heroic and anti-heroic fantasy writing. Students will be expected to develop a rigorous, historical and comprehensive understanding of the genre they wish to write in, and (in keeping with the title of the module) to create work that is bold, original, and convincing in its portrayal of an invented world.
Module aims
Rather than look at each of the specific genres in turn, the course will seek to explore the common ground between the genres. As such, there will be a particular focus on authors (such as China Mieville and Ursula Le Guin) who have written both science fiction and fantasy. Reading each week in the first part of the module will typically consist of a novel and a short story exploring a particular theoretical aspect of the genres (world building, the story as parable, the genre spectrum, utopia/dystopia, and so on).
In the latter part of the module, there will be an increasing focus on the practical elements of genre writing – planning, research, character development – and will emphasise workshopping and peer review to allow students to develop their own writing within a supportive and critical environment.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1 - Journeys and Quests
Reading: A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula Le Guin
Week 2 - Worlds and Rules
Reading: Leviathan Wakes, James SA Corey
Week 3 - Fantasies and Magic
Reading: Perdido Street Station, China Mieville
Week 4 - Character and Desire
Reading: Under the Skin, Michael Faber
Week 5 - Writing Workshop
Week 6 - Politics and Puzzles
Reading: The Dispossessed, Ursula Le Guin; 'The Library of Babel', Jorge Luis Borges
Week 7 - Language and the Alien
Reading: Embassytown, China Mieville
Week 8 - Apocalypse and Rebirth
Reading: The Fifth Season, N.K Jemison
Week 9 - Future Now?
Reading: The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood
Week 10 - Writing Workshop
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the science fiction and fantasy genres; develop a broader range of reading across both genres and a greater intellectual understanding of them; show understanding of the specific challenges faced by writers in these genres and how these challenges may be overcome; develop their ability to plan, draft and edit science fiction and fantasy stories of their own.
Research element
Planning and execution of independent creative project for assessment.
Subject specific skills
Understanding of genre, genre specific creative writing, worldbuilding, narrative planning.
Transferable skills
Research, independent thinking, analysis, creative problem solving.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 3 hours (7%) |
| Tutorials | 10 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
| Private study | 410 hours (91%) |
| Total | 450 hours |
Private study description
Independent writing, reading, and planning for final assessment.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| 7000 word Creative Portfolio & 3000 word Essay | 100% | No | |
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Assessed portfolio of 10,000 words (45 CATS). Students must submit a portfolio of 70% creative work and 30% essay. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback, consultation with tutor
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 2 of TCWA-Q3P7 MA in Writing
- Year 2 of TENA-Q3P7 MA in Writing
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TCWA-Q3PB Postgraduate Taught Literary Translation Studies
- Year 1 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
- Year 2 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
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TENA-Q3PB Postgraduate Taught Literary Translation Studies
- Year 1 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
- Year 2 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies