Improve your English through creative writing (level 2)

Develop your skills in reading and writing short stories and poems by studying specific texts. Build an understanding of the structures used in creative writing by working with the group to complete a story of your own. Create and edit a class magazine. You will further improve your skills in spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and descriptive language. At the end of the course you will have the opportunity to take the level 2 adult literacy test. Priority will be given to students who have successfully completed the level 1 course. N.B. The January term finishes on 23 March; the next term starts on 17 April.

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Key course information

Dates
10/01/12 - 01/06/12

Day(s)
Tue+Fri

Duration
18 weeks

Time
15:45 - 18:00

Fees
Full fee: £0
Senior fee: £0

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW201*

Availability
Contact department

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

Improve your English through Creative Writing aims to help you to use creative writing as a way of improving your skills in reading, writing and understanding language at an intermediate level.

What topics will we cover?

You will explore the works of different authors from a variety of stories, poetry and plays.
Creative texts you write about might include stories drawn from your autobiographical or actual historical and news events or you might be inspired by work we have read and discussed. You will be encouraged to read out and discuss published stories and poems from classic and contemporary literature, and your own writing in class, in a supportive workshop environment.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Describe the structural and stylistic features of stories and poems we study
- Use appropriate literary terms to discuss and write about stories and poems you read
- Use words, sentences and paragraph structure more creatively to express feelings and ideas
- Use a computer to research, draft, edit and save your work
- Respond to other people’s writing with sensitivity
You will also have the opportunity to sit a level 2 national literacy test.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an intermediate Creative Writing course and is intended as a progression course to build on the skills and knowledge that you achieved on the beginners course (HW200 - level 1) and develop your skills and knowledge to an intermediate level so that you are able to move onto mainstream writing classes or GCSE. You will need:
- A desire to complete a written creative piece (e.g. short story or play)
- An interest in using and exploring words to express your ideas and feelings in a creative way
- An interest in developing your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to an intermediate level
- You will be able to read different types of text confidently, write for different audiences using paragraphs, present information clearly and make relevant contributions during discussion.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Writing exercises in class; whole and small group discussions; reading and discussion of your writing and published writing; practical application of skills to create a magazine for the class. Some reading and writing tasks will also be set as homework.

The Tutor
Linda Quinn trained as an actress, and worked as a performer and director for 15 years, during which time she started to write and edit plays. She has recently completed a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and is currently writing her first novel. Linda is a fully qualified teacher with an additional specialist Literacy qualification.

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need to bring paper (A4 pad) and a pen or pencil.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions. For this course please contact the English, Maths and ESOL department on 020 7492 2511 or e mail: skills@citylit.ac.uk.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. You will receive feedback from the tutor and other students after reading your work out in class.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students You can discuss any support you need at the assessment and enrolment session or with your tutor during the course.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

When you have completed this course, you can progress to Ways into Creative Writing or GCSE English (level 2).

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2511

skills@citylit.ac.uk

If you would like to do one of the ESOL courses starting in July, please contact us in May.

For the Preparation for IELTS course starting in July, please call or email us leaving your name and contact telephone number.

If you would like to do one of our courses starting in September, please check our website from the beginning of July for more information.

Contact us

English, maths & ESOL

Tel: 020 7492 2511

skills@citylit.ac.uk

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