LITT07022 2019 Writing and Practice 4
This module is an introduction to the writing of poetry, flash-fiction and other economical pieces of writing. We will look at the work of published authors and generate new work. Class will consist of mini-lectures, discussions, writing exercises and workshops, focusing on the elements of poetry and flash-fiction. Economy of practice and revision will be emphasised in creating concise effective texts.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Produce poems and flash-fiction applying principles of economy and efficiency
Apply devices of figurative language and sound in poetry and flash-fiction
Control word choices and word order to create a particular mood or tone in a work of poetry or flash fiction
Critique works in progress and revise and edit
Give public reading and identify publication methods for publication
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This is a workshop which develops opportunities for students to learn in student-centered environment. Teaching and learning strategies will combine, seminar, mini-lectures, discussion and student presentations.
Module Assessment Strategies
The assessment strategy in this module encourages different modes of production and performance. Learners will contribute micro-fiction pieces (poems, flash and other modes) through ongoing tasks and assignements (30%). Learners will organise a reading of work in a public venue and consider other avenues of having work published through journals and competitions (30%). Finally, students will submit a portfolio of work at the end of term that has been critiqued, revised and edited (40%).
Repeat Assessments
repeat project
Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to Poetry: What makes it poetry? Line breaks. Figurative language and imagery. Sound—rhythm, meter, rhyme. Free vs. form.
Line breaks: How line affects rhythm and sound. White space. Emotional impact.
Figurative Language & Imagery:—metaphor, simile, personification, onomatopoeia, synesthesia. Finding images. Bringing images to life.
Sound: Rhythm. Meter. Rhyme. Repetition. Alliteration. Assonance. Consonance.
Classic Forms: Sonnet. Sestina. Villanelle. Pantoum. Haiku. Haibun. Apostrophe. Narrative.
Contemporary Forms: Prose poem. Found poetry. Persona. Ekphrasis. Narrative.
Voice: Voice defined. Types of voice and vision. Finding your voice. Style. Digging deeper.
Revision: Stages of revision. Techniques for testing your work. The art of reduction. Knowing when it's done.
Publication and the Poetry Scene: Finding homes for your work. The submission process. Participating in the poetry scene.
Flash-Fiction Introduction
Conventional plot-based storytelling
Slice-of-life or ‘formless’ storytelling
Experimenting with different narrative voices
Applying principles of economy and efficiency to create a tight and effective piece of writing
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Short assignments | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4 |
2 | Reading performance | Coursework Assessment | Performance Evaluation | 30 % | Week 10 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
3 | Portfoli of Micro-Fiction | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 40 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Seminar/Workshop | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Module Resources
Letters to a Young Poet
by Rainer Maria Rilke
The Poet's Companion: A Gui... The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry
by Kim Addonizio
The Crafty Poet: A Portable Workshop
by Diane Lockward
The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry and Writing
by Richard Hugo
In the Palm of Your Hand: A Poet's Portable Workshop
by Steve Kowit
The Practice of Poetry: Writing Exercises From Poets Who Teach
by Robin Behn (Editor)
A Poetry Handbook
by Mary Oliver
The Art of the Poetic Line
by James Longenbach
The Making of a Poem: A Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms
by Mark Strand
The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets
by Ted Kooser
Wingbeats: Exercises and Practice in Poetry
by Scott Wiggerman (Editor)
Best Words, Best Order: Essays on Poetry
by Stephen Dobyns
The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within
by Stephen Fry
Writing Flash Fiction: How to Write Very Short Stories and Get Them Published
by Carly Berg
The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction: Tips from Editors, Teachers, and Writers in the Field
by Tara L. Masih (Editor)
Creating Short Fiction: The Classic Guide to Writing Short Fiction
by Damon Knight
http://www.poetryireland.ie
http://irishwriterscentre.ie/