Applied Writing module (EN51044)

Applied Writing provides essential training in specialist skills including:

• collaboration, partnerships and engagement training for writers
• pitching
• research
• various forms of professional writing

During the first half of the module, you will gain critical perspectives on cultural politics. The second half will consist of masterclasses from creative industry professionals. These will cover specific aspects of professional practice.

There will be an emphasis on creative cultures and digital communication. This will include the impact of censorship, copyright law, social media and AI.

You will also engage with materials and resources provided by the industry professionals who deliver the masterclasses, such as:

• reports
• policy statements
• online materials such as blogs

You will learn the skills to respond to the module. These skills will allow you to innovate, show freedom of expression and to bring ideas together. They will help you to develop your individual approach to the texts and themes explored on the module.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn how to apply your knowledge and understanding to creative practices. You will do so by analysing a range of texts and through engagement with industry professionals
• understand and implement creative methods, critical debates, and formal and thematic analysis. You will also learn about their relationship to a range of professional, cultural and creative practices
• learn how to analysis reports, policy statements and blogs

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• show an understanding of the scope and defining features of writing for the creative economies. You will be able to do so in the context of applied writing through close readings of texts in a variety of media
• show a critical understanding of the principles, theories and publishing context of writing for the creative economies in the context of applied writing
• show knowledge about the historical development, critical perspectives, and cultural influence of these texts and methods. You will be able to engage with a series of critical debates about creative writing and the creative economies
• verbally present critical ideas. This will aid towards a variety of careers in the creative industries

Assignments / assessment

• Journals (20%)
• Essay/Case Study (40%)
• Creative Portfolio (40%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• six two-hour sessions
  • These will consist of three seminars and three masterclasses
• online sessions
  • These will include content-based discussions and opportunity for module-related academic questions
• discussion boards
• on-demand module materials to work through at your own pace

Self-driven study time will include:

• reading and completing associated tasks
• engaging with a wide range of online materials to support self-study
• writing and working towards your final assessment
• peer-to-peer learning opportunities