Writing the Domestic

This course takes the world of home, family, and community as inspiration for writing.

Over the course of ten weeks, we will take an intimate glimpse into the spaces we live and the spaces we grow; the stories we inherit and the stories we pass down; our rituals and routines; delights and desires; minutiae and milestones; rifts and reunions; the public and the private.

You are welcome to work in fiction or autobiography, poetry or prose; produce a family saga or a portrait in miniature.

This course is suitable for writers of any level of experience and you will be taught in an environment which is unconditionally warm and supportive

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered through ten two-hour sessions, made up of lectures, class discussions, small group work and debates.

Class sessions will be supplemented by resources available to students via Learning Central.

Topics may include:

• Writing the home
• Family & family stories
• Community
• Rituals and routines
• Public and private spaces
• Genre and the domestic

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.

Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.

Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

Students will complete a creative writing portfolio and write reflectively about their own process.

The portfolio will be around 1500 words in length.

Reading suggestions

Students will be provided with reading suggestions during the course.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.