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ENG-20078 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

ENG-20078 - Sources of Writing
Coordinator: Emma Henderson Tel: +44 1782 7 33758
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Where does new writing come from? How do writers begin a new piece of work, especially when struggling with writers' block? What are the key 'ways in' to a new poem or story?
This module explores ideas of creativity and the techniques of writing, with a particular emphasis on sources, influences and inspiration. Topics such as 'Writing the Self' and 'Writing to Other Texts' involve you in reading and discussing other writers' texts and approaches, and comparing them to your own. You will have the opportunity to experiment with alternative methods of creative writing, to see how or whether they fit with your existing practice, or inspire new ways of writing.


Aims
To introduce students to key ideas about the creative processes behind the writing of original texts (poetry and prose).
To enable students to explore the processes of writing original work.
To develop students' understanding of the influences and sources which inspire new writing.
To provide students with an enhanced understanding and experience of writers' workshops and the giving and receiving of critical feedback among peers.
To extend and enhance students' understanding of literary texts through the production of their own creative work.

Intended Learning Outcomes

write poems or prose pieces and know how they are constructed: 1
reflect critically on the creative process involved in writing poems or prose pieces: 2
engage critically and creatively with the format, dynamics and purpose of the writers’ workshop: 1
critically appraise their own writing: 2
analyse and practice the typical sources of new writing for practitioners: 2

Study hours

12 x 1 hour reading groups/seminars
12 x 1 hour creative writing seminars
63 hours independent study (reading)
63 hours independent study (writing)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 80%
Portfolio of original writing.
A portfolio of original writing in either prose (2500 words +/- 10%)) or poetry (6-9 poems) – or a combination of the two, in which one poem equals 500 words.

2: Essay weighted 20%
1,000-word Reflective commentary
A 1,000-word reflective commentary on the creative writing process, incorporating critical reflection on the portfolio

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025