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Research for writing

Research for Writing (convened by Dr Rochelle Sibley)

This module for MA in Writing students focuses on how research and creative writing stand side by side, whether you’re writing fiction, poetry or non-fiction. It gives practical guidance on:

  • academic literature searches
  • checking your sources
  • identifying electronic sources for writers
  • research facilities available after leaving the university

The module uses collaborative workshops to create open discussions about the role of research in creative writing and will give opportunities to experience it first-hand. These sessions will also offer practical support for the MAW programme, such as how to write the reflective pieces for MA assessment. The Writing Centre aims to encourage students to locate, incorporate and respond to different forms of sources, both textual and otherwise, in their writing, and to explore different methods of communicating that research.

The module teaching takes place on Wednesdays 13:00-15:00 in Weeks 5-7 in Term 1. These sessions will be led by Rochelle Sibley and by the English subject librarian, Kate Courage, with additional support from Warwick Writing Programme colleagues.


Session 1 (Week 5): Research in creative writing (1.5 hours) – B2.02

This session covers the uses and function of research in creative writing, as well as outlining the first formative assignment, and will be co-taught with members of the Creative Writing team.

 

Session 2 (Week 6): Writing reflective assignments (1.5 hours) – B2.02

This session focuses on the reflective elements of many of the MA in Writing modules, and will be co-taught with a member of the Creative Writing team.

 

Session 3 (Week 7): Communicating research (2 hours) – B2.02

This session discusses the different ways in which research can be communicated creatively, thinking about different media and the aims of the piece of writing itself.

 

Session 4 (Week 8): Identifying research sources for writers (1.5 hours) – Library Seminar Room

This Library-based session will explore electronic research sources available to students during and after their degree, which will help you research topics for your writing. This session will be led by the English subject librarian, Kate Courage.

 

Session 5 (Week 9): Researching for your writing (1.5 hours) – Library Seminar Room

This Library-based session will allow you to share and gain support with your approach to research so far. This session will be led by the English subject librarian, Kate Courage.

 

Formative assignments for Research for Writing

The Research for Writing provision requires students to complete two short assignments (Parts I and II).

Part I: a 1,000 word formative referencing assignment. This assignment can be EITHER a 1000-word formative reflective assignment on the texts that have most influenced the student OR a 1000-word critical review of a fictional text. Both versions of this assignment will be assessed according to the accurate use of MLA or MHRA referencing. This assignment must be submitted on Tabula by 12 noon on Monday, week 10, term 1.

Part II: a short annotated bibliography of 5-6 sources useful for your own research. You should include a mixture of academic and free sources and a brief account of how you searched for and selected them. The assignment will be assessed according to your selection of sources and demonstration of appropriate search methods. Full referencing, using MLA or MHRA should also be used. This assignment must be submitted on Tabula by 12 noon on Wednesday, week 1, term 2.

Both exercises are marked as Pass/Fail. If you receive a Fail, you will receive appropriate feedback and will be required to resubmit. The award of an MA is contingent upon successful completion of the assessments for this module.