Introduction to Creative Writing
Professor Michael Meyerhofer
Summer 2012
I
think one of my early motivations for writing was that other people's
versions of experience didn't gel with my own. It was a gesture toward
sanity to try to get the world right for myself. I've since learned
that if you get it right for yourself, it often has resonance for
others.
-Stephen Dunn
Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That's why it's so hard.
-David McCullough
Course Description
This course offers an introduction to the art and craft of writing poetry and prose that’s worth reading. We’ll
also discuss what qualities distinguish a good piece of writing
(for instance, how good poetry has almost nothing in common with the
lyrics of insipid pop songs). As students
and writers, you will read and analyze high quality published work,
write and revise your own pieces, and read and discuss the work of
your classmates. Time permitting, I also hope to introduce you to the world of literary journals and publishing as well. This course does not require you to be an experienced and/or gifted creative writer; it does require you to be willing to read, analyze, and do your best on your own work.
Required Texts
This
course does not require you to purchase a textbook; instead, I’ve
put together a substantial collection of short stories, essays,
poems, and exercises that you will be required to read from beginning
to end. I’ll email this document to you; you will be required to print it off on your own time and bring it to class.
Student Learning Objectives
English
285 is designed to introduce you to contemporary poetry and fiction
so that you can become a better reader and writer. Course
objectives include: learning to do “close readings” or “analysis” of
contemporary poetry and fiction, learning to identify and discuss
the devices that poets and prose writers use in their work, learning
to use these literary devices to improve your own writing, learning
to read and respond to the work of your peers, and learning to
respond critically to and revise your own work.
Coursework
In
English 285, you will be called upon to read and analyze a great
deal of writing, as well as produce a substantial body of your own
work. Heavy emphasis will also be placed on
analyzing published works, helpfully critiquing the work of your
classmates, and recognizing that writing is an ongoing process by
working to revise and improve your own pieces. This includes:
· Journal responses to assigned readings (always at least two full pages, double spaced, as detailed as possible), due the day the reading is to be discussed. 20% of course grade.
· Participation:
Includes reading the required material, participating in class
discussions, attending conferences with your instructor, and being a
reader and responder for your classmates. 20% of course grade.
· Final
portfolio: Your final portfolio will contain all your major poetry
and prose assignments for the semester, as well as two substantial
revisions. Your grade for the portfolio will be based on the amount and quality of revision. 40% of course grade.
· Final Presentation: This can be either a substantial, solo presentation on a contemporary writer we haven’t discussed or a filmed, group adaptation of a short story (either one written by a published author or a group member). 20% of course grade.
Attendance Policy
Students are allowed TWO “unexcused” absences. Each additional unexcused absence will lower your final grade by 1/3 of a letter. Please note that even in the case of “unexcused” absences, homework assignments must be turned in on time. If
you know in advance that you’re going to be absent, let me know
ASAP so we can make arrangements for you to turn in assignments
ahead of time. Also, note that daily in-class journal assignments cannot be made up.
Excused absences can be given for religious reasons, University activities, and other special circumstances, but these must be arranged beforehand, and proof may (and probably will) be required. In the case of excused absences that fall on paper due-dates, arrangements will be made to turn in the papers early.
Note
that in accordance with university policy, a student missing 20% or
more of the course automatically receives a failing grade.
Participation
Class
Participation counts toward a large part of your grade. It is
important to understand that class participation is not related to
attendance. You can come to class every day without ever participating.
I will keep track of your participation over the course of the
semester, and you will be graded on how much you contribute to the
class discussion, not on whether or not you were physically present.
Class participation includes, but is not limited to: coming to class
prepared (with the appropriate materials, and having read and
responded to the assigned texts), completing assigned work, asking
questions for clarification or to further the class
discussion/workshop (this includes asking questions of both the
instructor and your peers), and responding to the work of other
students (this includes orally during workshop and in writing on the
students’ drafts).
Format
All
assignments should be typed (unless otherwise specified) with your
name, the class section, and the title of the assignment (“Poem #3”,
“Short Story”, “Journal Entry #2”, etc.) in an upper corner. Multiple pages should always be numbered. Note:
especially when we start workshopping poems, it will get difficult
to keep different assignments straight, so writing “Poem #3”, “Poem
#4”, etc., will help a lot.
Also, always save everything you write for this class!! You’ll need it for the final portfolio and revision exercises. Note: while the major workshopping assignments (the poems and stories) must be turned in printed, I will accept journals via email! Attach them as doc or docx and be sure to type something in the body of the email so it doesn’t go to spam folder instead.
Classroom Environment
English
285 is a combined discussion and workshop course. This means, in
part, that all students are responsible for contributing to both their
own learning experience and that of their peers. It
is important to understand that workshop involves criticism; the
point of having your writing workshopped is to listen to advice and/or
suggestions from others that can help you become a better writer.
It’s difficult to be critiqued, but it’s essential to the writing
process. Please note that classroom criticism should be useful (i.e., constructive). Unproductive or mean-spirited criticism will not
be tolerated. Also, because the contribution of ideas from each
student is critical to the learning process, any behavior that makes
other students feel uncomfortable in their learning environment will
not be tolerated either. This includes interrupting others while
they’re talking, carrying on conversations separate from the class
discussion, or making comments that could be perceived as racially,
sexually, ethnically, culturally or in any other way offensive. Please
make every effort to maintain an atmosphere where everyone feels
comfortable sharing and responding to ideas. Also, as a way of avoiding
disruptions, please make every effort to get to class on time and
turn off all cell phones prior to class.
Plagiarism
For
the purposes of this class, plagiarism essentially means taking
another author’s written work and attempting to pass it off as your
own. Doing so may result in a failing grade,
disciplinary reprimand, censure, probation, and even suspension or
dismissal from the University.
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