Course Syllabus CRW 1001 Introduction to Creative Writing FALL 2015

Transcription

1 Course Syllabus CRW 1001 Introduction to Creative Writing FALL 2015 COURSE TITLE Introduction to Creative Writing COURSE NUMBER CRW 1001 CRN PREREQUISITES CREDIT HOURS 3.0 CONTACT HOURS 45 CLASS MEETING TIMES CLASS METHOD 4:00-6:50 p.m. Wednesdays Middle Keys Center This course is designed to meet face to face in the assigned location once a week for 16 weeks. Primary instructional method is an interactive workshop in which student writing is read, discussed and studied in a critically supportive way. Course method also involves: critical discussion of assigned readings in fiction, drama and poetry; in-class writing; guided exercises; and basic instruction in elements of craft (characterization, plot, structure, perspective, setting, dialogue, pace and rhythm, tone, style, symbolism and figurative suggestion, use of language). This is a technology-enhanced course, which means that it uses Desire2Learn (D2L), an online setting, as an instructional resource. Students will be required to use D2L to access course materials, submit essays in the Dropbox and post responses in the online Discussion Board. Students can access the link to D2L on the FKCC home page. For D2L assistance, call the Help Desk at Coursework concentrates on student writing of original and insightful work and student recognition of elements of the craft. In brief, this course provides multidimensional support to beginning writers and also to more experienced creative writers who want to develop new work and extend scope and range of skills. Writing in multiple genres helps writers exercise varied approaches to their craft. Students engage in creative and practical stages of the writing process invention, drafting, revision, presentation and share their work regularly in a workshop format. A portfolio of completed work is due at the end of the term. This course fulfills a 6,000 word writing requirement INSTRUCTOR Dr. Lois Wolfe Markham lois.markham@fkcc.edu Cell # Marathon Center: Coral Shores Center:

2 OFFICE/CAMPUS HOURS Upper Keys Center: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Middle Keys Center: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Instructor is on campus and available to students during the non-teaching times above. As needed by appointment. Call or Please note that students should feel free to call and with questions or concerns at any time. COURSE DESCRIPTION CRW 1001 is a course designed to develop students literary voices through the study and application of techniques of writing fiction, poetry, drama and the essay. Through supportive in-class critiques and occasional discussion of professional models, the student learns the craft of writing. This course includes a 6,000 word writing requirement. Gordon Rule Writing Requirement: This course satisfies the Gordon Rule writing requirement. COURSE OBJECTIVES Identify basic elements and structure of narrative, dramatic, lyric and expository writing Creatively express and convey ideas in fiction, drama, poetry and non-fiction. Read and analyze literary elements in published works. Constructively critique creative writing. Create and develop characters Develop plot, conflict and structure in writing Create, edit and revise dialogue Employ different points of view / means of perception Describe and evoke experience, setting and time Use language for aesthetic effect Revise work REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS No textbook required. Students will use instructor-generated and Web-based materials. - Students must provide photocopies of their work regularly and in sufficient quantity for class study and discussion, as indicated in course activity. - Students must have access to a computer, Internet and printer. For use of FKCC computers, contact the FKCC Marathon Center ( ), Coral Shores Center ( ) or FKCC library in Key West ( ). 2

3 COURSE SCHEDULE AND ACTIVITY - The course schedule is subject to change to meet the needs of the course and its students. - If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to stay current. - Student performance in this course is assessed by portfolio submission of work and by participation criteria. - Students accrue participation points for performance in specific areas, noted in Course Policies below. - See the Student Evaluation and Course Policies section of the syllabus for details on grading criteria and the Portfolio Assessment instrument. Course Schedule CRW 1001 Wednesdays Middle Keys Center MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION AND ORIENTATION TO WORKSHOP METHOD Class 1 Wednesday, Aug. 26 Welcome, introductions, syllabus review, course overview and the workshop method Supplementary reading materials Discussion: process of creativity, process of writing. Craft talk questions: What is narrative? How do we structure narrative? What is a scene? What are a reader s means of perception? What are a writer s means of delivering perceptions? Critical reading due in class: -Flash Fiction: The Paring Knife by Michael Oppenheimer, instructor handout and posted in Content, D2L -Fables: Creative Writing Advice from the Ancients instructor handout Orientation to Course site on D2L Craft Talk handouts: Getting Started and Fiction Exercises from Jerome Stern In class writing: capturing experience the present, the remembered, the imagined. Be a prisoner of perception, a compulsory witness (Saul Bellow, author of Herzog). Brainstorm ideas for Class 2 writing assignment. Online in D2L due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Aug Writing due: Short response (two paragraphs) showing that you have signed on to the Discussions Board in D2L. Directions for signing-on: Go to FKCC homepage. Scroll down the list of options on the left-hand side of the homepage. Find Desire2Learn Login and click. At Desire2Learn homepage, sign-on using your FKCC name and default password. When logged into D2L, click on dropdown arrow for Select a Course, found in the menu across the top of the page. Select your course: CRW At the course homepage, scan the top menu and select the drop-down arrow for Assessments. In the drop-down menu select Discussions. In Discussions, find the Forum field (shaded) entitled: Evidence that you signed on successfully. Below the shaded forum field is a Topic Thread of the same name. Click on the topic thread to open it. Select Compose to bring up a window in which you can write your message or, if you wish, upload your response in a computer file. First paragraph response: Introduce yourself, your goals and questions you have about writing. Second paragraph response: Describe a literary character you find memorable. Your paragraph should explore why and how the character is memorable. Be descriptive, detailed and reflective. Remember to click post in order to post responses in the Discussions thread. Check the forum thread after you post to make sure your name and response appear. MODULE 2: FICTION Class 2 Wednesday, Sept. 2 3

4 Creative writing due by class-time today: bring hard copies - A short piece of writing that presents a tense situation from the points of view of two characters. Length two or more double spaced pages. Bring enough copies to distribute. Need ideas? Use one of the prompts from the Getting Started handout. Or write from the point of view of characters who are connected by a situation but have conflicting goals or personalities: employee and boss; player and coach; student and teacher; husband and wife; customer and salesperson; burglar and police officer; bride and bridegroom; bride and mother of the bride; prisoner and guard; soldier and enemy. Critical reading due for discussion: - First pages exercise: how authors suggest arcs of story and plot in one or more pages -- To Kill a Mockingbird, autobiographical novel by Harper Lee; Snow Crash, cyberfiction novel by Neal Stephenson; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, mystery by Mark Haddon; The Shadow of the Wind, gothic mystery by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Instructional reading due: focus on characterization - Craft Talk handout: Elements of Short Fiction - Craft Talk handout: Characterization -- Describing a character vs. revealing a character. - Guidelines for Workshop Critique Craft Talk: discuss getting started; review other resources for prompts and exercises: In-class writing: write a scene that takes place in a kitchen. Inaugurate Workshop Critique of student work Class 3 - Wednesday, Sept. 9 Creative writing due by class-time today: bring hard copies. - A short short story that presents an internal and external conflict. Length two or more double spaced pages. Remember that you can create other characters who interact with your main character and generate tension. Bring enough copies to distribute. Optional prompt: If you re stuck, try using one of Jerome Stern s scenarios. Or try this exercise: Write a scene of a character alone. In the early sections, the character is doing something routine in a common setting and interacting with someone. Be detailed. The next section jumps to the future with the character in conflict with someone or in a tense or dangerous situation. The third section transitions to a scene in the character s past that helps explain or, perhaps, suggest additional complications to come. Remember that you can use thoughts, dialogue, behaviors and events to provide convincing details. Critique writing due: - Critique comments: marginalia and end notes on Class 2 manuscripts. Critical reading due for discussion: - Character description (traditional/ big chunk style exposition and description): Excerpt of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, posted in course Content, D2L - Character revelation (modern/ bits style information integrated in the flow of story and action): Intervention, a complete short story by Jill McCorkle, posted in course Content, D2L Instructional reading due: focus on plot - Craft Talk handout re: Plot: Creating Tensions That Motivate Characters and Readers - Craft Talk handout re: When You re Stuck Workshop: works by writers in rotation for critique Class 4 Wednesday, Sept. 16 Creative writing due by 11:59 p.m.: post in Discussion Board, D2L - A short story. Length three or more double spaced pages. Post your work in the Class 4 forum thread in the Discussion Board by 11:59 p.m. Fifty participation points will be awarded for posting a complete and on-time assignment. If you miss the deadline you will receive a 50% deduction in participation points for late submission. Critique writing due: - Critique comments: marginalia and end notes on Class 3 manuscripts. 4

5 Instructional reading due: focus on dialogue - Craft Talk handout: Writing and Punctuating Dialogue Workshop: works by writers in rotation for critique Class 5 Wednesday, Sept. 23 Creative writing due by 11:59 p.m.: post in Discussion Board - Submit a short story that is four or more double-spaced pages in length. Post it in the Class 5 Discussion Forum by 11:59 p.m. If you miss the deadline you will receive a 50% deduction in participation points for late submission. Critique writing due by class-time: - Constructive criticism and feedback on your colleagues manuscripts in Class 4 Discussion Forum. Post one or more paragraphs of substantial observations and critique. Participation points are awarded for posting critique comments that are substantial and on-time. If you miss the deadline you will receive a 50% deduction in points for late submission. Critical reading that s due: - Metamorphosis, excerpt of novel by Franz Kafka, third person omniscient perspective. - Bigfoot Stole My Wife, short story by Ron Carlson, first person participating narrator. - Everything Is Illuminated, excerpt of a novel by Jonathan Safran Foer which interweaves first person present tense and third person past tense perspectives in separate chapters. - Herzog, excerpt of a novel by Saul Bellow; told in third person the writing moves quickly between internal and external perspectives, with epistolary sections (letter-writing) as an additional device. Instructional reading due: - Craft Talk handout on Perspective /Point of View. Workshop : work by writers in rotation for critique Class 6 Wednesday, Sept. 30 Critique writing due by class-time: post in Discussion Board - Constructive criticism and feedback on your colleagues manuscripts in Class 5 Discussion Forum. Post one or more paragraphs of substantial observations and critique. Critical reading that s due: - Fiction excerpts / short stories posted in Content on D2L course site Instructional reading due: - Craft Talk handout re: revision Workshop: work by writers in rotation for critique MODULE: Drama Class 7 Monday, Feb. 10 Creative writing due at 11:59 p.m.: post in Discussion Board Submit a revised short story that is six or more double spaced pages in length. Post it in the Class 7 Discussion Forum by 11:59 p.m. If you miss the deadline you will receive a 50% deduction in participation points for late submission. Critique writing due by class-time: - Constructive criticism and feedback on remaining colleagues manuscripts. Post one or more paragraphs of substantial observation and critique. Instructional reading due: - Craft Talk handouts on Drama and Formatting Scripts for Stage and Screen - Craft Talk handout on Elements of Film - Excerpts of scripts for stage and film Critical viewing 5

6 - Excerpts of stage play, The Piano Lesson by August Wilson (35 mins.), produced by University of Central Florida students; critical roles in production explained: - Excerpt of To Kill a Mockingbird and other films, TBA Group work: developing a dramatic question and situation of conflict; how to determine whether a dramatic situation should be staged or filmed. Class 8 Wednesday, Oct. 7 Creative writing that s due by class-time: Bring hard copies. Also post your scripts in the Discussion Board. A dramatic scene for two or more characters. Length two or more pages. You may choose to write in script format for a staged play or for a film in screenplay format. Bring enough copies to distribute. Critique writing that s due in Discussion Board by 11:59 p.m. Post one or more paragraphs of critique on the revised manuscripts of each writer in the Class 7 Discussion Forum. Workshop: cold readings of scripts by writers in rotation for critique Class 9 Wednesday, Oct. 14 Creative writing that s due by class-time: Bring hard copies. Also post your scripts in the Discussion Board. - A dramatic scene for three or more characters. Length three or more pages. You may choose to write in script format for a staged play or for a film in screenplay format. Bring enough copies to distribute. Critique writing due by class-time - Post one or more paragraphs of critique on the scripts posted in the Class 8 Discussion Forum. Workshop: cold readings of scripts by writers in rotation for critique MODULE: Poetry Class 10 Wednesday, Oct. 21 Critique writing due by class-time - Post one or more paragraphs of critique on the scripts posted in the Class 9 Discussion Forum. Critical reading due: - Poems of closed form (traditional sounds and rhythms); also posted on D2L - Poems of open form (free verse); also posted on D2L Instructional reading due: - Craft Talk handouts on poetry Critical viewing due: - Poetry readings and poetry slams, online videos TBA In class writing: use handout of poetry prompts to draft approaches to poems and find images, ideas and rhythms for poetic expression. Class 11 Wednesday, Oct. 28 Creative writing that s due by 11:59 p.m.: post in Discussion Board in Class 11 Discussion Forum - A poem of closed form (traditional sounds and/or rhythms). - A poem of open form (free verse). Critical reading due: - Samples of narrative poems, posted in Content, D2L - Samples of didactic, poems, posted in Content, D2L Class 12 Wednesday, Nov. 4 Creative writing that s due by 11:59 p.m.: post in Discussion Board in Class 12 Discussion Forum - Two poems written in your choice of form 6

7 Critique writing due by class-time - Submit one or more paragraphs of critique on poems posted in the Class 11 Discussion Forum. Up to 50 participation points are awarded for posting critique comments that are substantial and on-time. Collaborative planning (if publishing resources are available) Plan publication of portfolio booklet. Tasks include titling, theme, page design, art, choice of software platform, and criteria for accepting manuscripts. Assign roles and responsibilities. Review guidelines for manuscript format. Workshop: work by writers in rotation for critique Class 13 Wednesday, Nov. 11 No Class Meeting College Closed Veterans Day Class 14 Wednesday, Nov. 18 Creative writing that s due by 11:59 p.m.: post in Discussion Board in Class 14 Discussion Forum - One long poem that uses narrative or didactic techniques Critique writing due by class-time - Submit one or more paragraphs of critique on poems posted in the Class 12 Discussion Forum. Up to 50 participation points are awarded for posting critique comments that are substantial and on-time. Workshop: work by writers in rotation for critique Class 15 Wednesday, Nov. 25 No Class Meeting College Closed Thanksgiving Holiday MODULE: The END Portfolio Assessment, Publication and Presentation Class 16 Wednesday, Dec. 2 Writing due: all submissions for publication due in required format in attachments to instructor by 11:59 p.m. This includes submissions of bio paragraphs, art images and photography which may accompany your work. Critique writing due by class-time - Post one or more paragraphs of critique on poems posted in the Class 14 Discussion Forum. Instructional reading that s due: - Handouts re: revising for portfolio and assessment Workshop: work by writers in rotation for critique Class 17 Wednesday, Dec. 9 Manuscript consultations: individual 30-minute meetings with instructor to discuss writing progress review work for publication and address questions. Class 18 Wednesday, Dec. 16 LAST DAY Writing due by class-time: Portfolio submission Portfolio must include a minimum of: 10 pages of fiction; one revised short story; three poems; one dramatic scene/one-act play Student survey In-class writing: reflection and self-assessment. 7

8 Student Evaluation and Course Policies STUDENT GRADE DETERMINATION FKCC GRADING SCALE 60 % Portfolio of completed work See Portfolio Assessment Grading Form below 40 % Participation See performance areas defined below in Participation % A 80-89% B 70-79% C 60-69% D Total 100 % Final Grade (maximum 100 percentage points) Below 60% F Participation Participation accounts for nearly half of the grade. The interactive workshop methods relies on regular student involvement through submission of writing, consistent exchange of work and responsive critique of colleagues. Students receive participation points for each of the following activities: attendance and professional demeanor (max. 10 pts.) on-time submission of writing (max. 10 pts.) demonstration of basic writing standards and effective composition in writing assignments (max. 20 pts.) active involvement and preparedness in critical discussion of literary readings (max. 20 pts.) oral involvement and preparedness in workshop discussion of your colleagues work (max. 20 pts.) substantial commentary and response to your colleagues manuscripts (max. 20 pts.) Maximum participation points in a class meeting with all activities represented: 100 pts. Late Work Any assignment not submitted by the date and time specified in the Course Schedule is considered late, unless you have contacted me and I have approved an extension. Late assignments (other than class participation) will be assessed a late penalty. Revision Policy I encourage revision of submitted work. All writing may be revised for final submission in the end-of-term Portfolio. Please note that revising involves substantial change and improvement. Minor editing and proofing do not constitute revision. Special Needs If you have any special needs or requirements pertaining to this course, please discuss them with the instructor early in the term. If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and need assistance, please notify the Office for Students with Disabilities at or via at: suzy.park@fkcc.edu or through the course instructor immediately. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with FKCC Policies, which can be found in the current Student Handbook 8

9 Portfolio Assessment CRW Creative Writing I Student name: Date: Final point total: I. This portfolio includes: (5 points each) Ten pages of fiction One revised short story, six pages Three poems One drama (script for a staged scene or a film sequence) The portfolio is complete II. Work in this portfolio reflects student capacity to: (3 points each) Develop and organize ideas Adapt and extend ideas Capture / describe / evoke experience Relay purpose in writing Apply technical elements in dramatic, narrative or lyric contexts: narrative structure characterization plot / conflict / tension pace / rhythm dialogue setting point of view figurative language and symbolism tone Explore use of language for aesthetic or stylistic effect Write creatively in more than one genre (fiction, poetry, drama) Transfer ideas or knowledge gained from class discussion into personal work Take risks by exploring something new Challenge him/herself Revise work in meaningful ways Edit work Present insights and explore significant concerns Constructively engage issues in language and content Constructively engage issues in structure and genre Engage writing as a process (invention, drafting, revision, presentation) Manage creative tension and issues that emerge from workshop critique/reader response PORTFOLIO GRADE (60% of final): ADDENDUM on participation: Participation points were awarded during the term for each student s attendance, timely submission of assignments and active involvement in the following: class discussion, in-class writing, verbal analysis of published work, workshop critique of student work; special projects. Participation points for each student were totaled and divided by the maximum point count in order to determine a participation grade. PARTICIPATION GRADE (40% of final): * Denotes additional recognition and acknowledges student attention to revision, skill development and growth. Work in the portfolio notable for effective use of technique: Work in the portfolio notable for aesthetic or stylistic effects: 9