Modules

Life-Writing: History, Form, Practice (EAS3178)

30 credits

This module explores the history and contemporary practice of life-writing, a genre that encompasses biography, autobiography, autofiction, memoir, travel writing and other hybrid forms. In seminars the module charts the development of life-writing from the eighteenth century to the present day, before investigating the range and potential of the genre through analysis of the work of some of the most innovative twenty-first century exponents of the form.  In workshops you will develop the skills necessary to pursue either an independent piece of life-writing (creative non-fiction) or an extended study of the genre. The module thus welcomes both students who wish to develop their own creative practice and those who wish instead to investigate the form through an extended critical essay. It is suitable for all and no pre-requisite modules are required. Students enrolled on the combined-honours degree in English and Creative Writing, and who are taking this module as part of the Creative Writing component of their programme, will take the Creative Writing assessment. Those taking the module as part of their English degree will have their choice of assessment type.