Writing in the public sphere involves negotiating a range of genres determined by the needs and expectations of range of publics. Taught by expert practitioners this course offers students a comprehensive survey of different forms and styles of writing in the public sphere from academic writing, public commentary and journalism to writing for museum and gallery displays and catalogues, writing for television and film and creative writing. It will also include units on professional editing and publishing. The course will have a strong practice-based element, focusing on the poetics of writing by exploring it in practice. 

By the end of the course students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the issues involved in writing for different publics within the public sphere
2. Write in a range of specific genres
3. Show an extended practical engagement with one form of writing (this will form an important platform for students wishing to further work via special subject or internship).

Six short (500-word) workshop exercises (50%) [Learning outcomes 1 and 2]

Longer (3000-word) assignment based on a specific writing genre (50%) [Learning outcome 3]

Preliminary reading for the intensive (20 hours)
Six half-day sessions (24 hours)
Independent research, reading and writing (approximately 80 hours)

No prerequisites are required.

No assumed knowledge, required skills or recommended courses

No prescribed texts

Access to a computer with an Internet connection.