EL5028 - Pitch to Publication

The module is taught through two weekly 1.5 hour sessions which will be a combination of lectures, seminars, writing exercises, writing workshops, and one-to-one tutorials.

Lectures cover key aspects of running, promoting and contributing to professional writing projects. In seminars and workshops you will develop ideas and pitch them to peers, and work collaboratively to turn the best pitches into real writing projects, under the guidance of the module tutor. You will learn to write for different projects and in response to particular briefs, and develop creative contributions to your group’s project. The sessions encourage you to think about your own writing identity and to connect your creative work with real projects and audiences, helping you to understand your studies as a preparation for your later professional life. The aim of the module is to begin developing your professional writing portfolio and give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need in your career. The module makes appropriate use of technology enhanced learning through use of the Blackboard electronic learning platform and the online support offered by Northumbria’s SkillsPlus programme.

In addition to the scheduled lectures and seminars, you are expected to undertake both directed and independent learning. Directed learning includes preparation for lectures and workshops (including both reading and written work) individually and in groups. Independent learning includes further reading and investigation, the consolidation of seminar materials, and revision/preparation for the module assignments. The writing projects will be produced through group working and a key aim of the module is for you to learn to work collaboratively, although you will be assessed on your own individual contribution and your own reflection on the process.

Your learning will be academically supported by peer and tutor feedback on your work within writing workshops. Your tutor will support the development and realisation of group projects, and provide one-to-one tutorial support.

The module handbook provides details of lectures, seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning platform, together with links to relevant skills materials in the library.
The module tutor is available in lectures and seminars, as well as during office hours, to discuss any queries or concerns you have.
You are advised to see your Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress. The Guidance Booklet, which you receive at the start of your first year, includes structured materials designed to help you develop your self-reflection skills. These materials underpin the academic side of the regular Guidance meetings, helping you to learn how to best use the feedback you receive on your assignments, how to build on your strengths, and improve in the areas where you could perform better.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the process of developing and delivering a group writing project

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Produce effective creative/professional writing in relation to a brief
• Work with others to edit a writing project

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Reflect critically on work of self and others

Formative feedback is offered in individual 15 – 20 minute tutorials as well as through feedback in seminars and written feedback on draft materials. MLO 2, 3

Summative
Assessment 1 (100% summative):
A portfolio in two parts:
– A selection of pieces of writing which address specific briefs, totalling 2,000 words.
– A report describing and reflecting on the process of producing your group’s project, with particular reference to your individual contribution (2,000 words).
MLO 1, 2, 3, 4
Feedback will be provided using the Departmental template and comments on the script.

N/A

EL5022; EL5023

N/A