Areas of Creative Writing

Creative Writing as an academic subject has developed rapidly in recent years. However, as was the case with the previous chapter, this chapter is not about what you might do if you go to study the subject in its own right. Rather, the aim of this chapter is to consider how some of the approaches and activities that are characteristic of Creative Writing courses can contribute to an understanding of language. As was the case with the study of literary and media texts, the benchmark statements recognise that some English Language courses may draw on aspects of Creative Writing in order to develop students’ awareness and skills in particular areas. Benchmark statements

The following statements for English Language refer particularly to ideas and activities that are common on Creative Writing courses:

The nature and scope of the subject

awareness of the implications of language choices and of the cultural, literary and historical context in which the texts were produced.

Course coverage

the way language choices construct different genres, registers, and styles.

Subject-related skills

critical skills in the close reading, description, analysis, or production of texts or discourses;

responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning and a sensitivity to the affective power of language.