Module Descriptors

The module offers postgraduate students the opportunity to interrogate the significant creative practice arena of biography and autobiography in various literary and inter-disciplinary creative forms (notably life-writing, memoir, essay and journalism, but also script, film, photography, animation, audio/podcasting, for example). The relationship between fiction and non-fiction will be examined with reference to a range of creative investigative methods and research formats. The module's first assessment will take the form of an academic essay-style written task (40%) where students will undertake an academic literature review to inform and enhance their understanding of the academic field of biography and autobiography. The second assessment will take the format of practical work (i.e., a creative output/artefact) (60%). This task requires students to each provide a professional standard or 'scaled draft' creative art/media output as a response to the concept of creative lives and the portfolio submitted must include a short contextualisation (300-500 words) demonstrating the application of module learning (biographical and autobiographical research and practice) as informing of this practical creative work. In regard of the postgraduate level, students are encouraged to engage with external – industry and community - partners such as creative media competitions; local, national and/or international events and festivals; publishers and/or broadcasters to inform this artefact's form and each student's individual professional and creative industry ambitions.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Evidence a critical understanding of research and professional concepts and principles underpinning auto/biographical creative practice through a critical review of key research literature.

L2. Demonstrate professional ambition, substantial autonomy and initiative in management of creative engagement in the delivery of a “Creative Lives” portfolio.

L3. Produce an industry and/or competitive standard creative practice output, informed by module themes, learning and reflection.

A critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles associated with research for and related to biographical studies and “life writing”.

An extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding in biographical research methodologies much of which is at or informed by developments at the forefront of research in and focused on creative practice.

Use a selection from a range of research methods techniques and practices at the forefront or informed by key developments in biographical studies and associated creative practice.

Demonstrate originality or creativity in the application of knowledge and understanding of research and research methods as applied to biographical studies and creative practice.

Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to the deployment of research methods informed by developments at the forefront of creative research related to biographical studies.

Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues relating to creative practice and related research in the context of biography.

Deal with complex issues and make informed judgements in situations in the absence of complete or consistent data/information.

Use a range of advanced and specialised communication and dissemination skills relevant to the accounting for creative research such as:

• communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise;

• communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists.

Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities.

Take responsibility for own work and/or significant responsibility for the work of others.

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on AULA, and complete assessments and submit these on time.

1.03

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.