Writing comic prose

Bill Bryson, Douglas Adams, PG Wodehouse, and more. Enjoy some of the funniest writing of the last century and start creating some original and funny work of your own.

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Key course information

Dates
17/06/12 - 24/06/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
2 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £95^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW216

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Explore comic prose - Bill Bryson, Douglas Adams, PG Wodehouse and more. Enjoy some of the funniest writing and start creating some original and funny work of your own.

What topics will we cover?

Over the course we will look in detail at excerpts of writing from the main genres of comic prose. We will analyse the comic travelogues of Bill Bryson, Tony Hawks and David Sedaris as well as the surreal genius of Douglas Adams’ and Woody Allen’s fiction, and the witty worlds of PG Wodehouse.

As well as exploring sections of these authors’ prose, we will also draw out the techniques and devices used by the authors and use them in exercises and games to help us create these types of comic fiction of our own.

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

- identify key qualities of some of the masters of classic comic prose
- be able to identify some of the techniques that writers use to create comic writing
- respond to this tradition in your own writing.

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

All levels. No particular skills required though fluent spoken and written English is essential. Some writing and reading will be done in the session.

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

Talks, discussion, pair work, group exercises and games; a writing exercise will be set for completion outside of class.

The Tutor
Barry Ferns holds a BA in Creative writing. He is a writer, performer and director of comedy. He has taken numerous shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, has written for BBC Radio and E4 and developed his own sketch show with Carlton Television.

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.

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

No.

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. Feedback will be given on work produced during the course by fellow students and the tutor. Exercises will be completed in class that will illustrate the students' increasing insight on the material being examined.

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

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

There are a range of City Lit comedy courses including the writing workshops in the Humanities section, which include joke writing, sketches and sitcom.

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 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.