English 126: Creative Writing

Catalog Description

Introduction to the basic elements of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and drama, including study and analysis of techniques in the works of contemporary and established writers. Practice in writing in the fours genres as well as introduction to the workshop method. Opportunity for publication in college literary magazine, participation in student readings, and inclusion in the online New Voices, the online college chapbook.

Course Description

English 126 is designed to introduce you to the theory and practice of creative writing. In our limited time together, we will delve into various genres including creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and drama. In order to make the most of this time, it is necessary to familiarize oneself with the vast conceptual practices within the construct of what is referred to as “creative writing.” In other words, what have and what are writers doing with language? What might you do? In response to these questions, we will read, study, dissect, and perhaps imitate a wide range of writers from the more traditional artist to the “experimental.” Through a variety of in-class activities, small group workshops, writing prompts and revisions, you will work towards crafting a range of original, quality creative texts. Be prepared to surprise yourself.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

1. Identify and employ basic elements in literature, working from imagination and memory, to invent, draft, revise, and reflect upon creative writing in the four literary genres: poetry, fiction, drama, and creative nonfiction.

2. Interpret  the poetry, fiction, drama, and creative nonfiction of established and/or emerging writers.

3. Use the writers’ workshop to evaluate their own manuscript as well as the manuscripts of others and work collaboratively instead of competitively to give as well as receive constructive feedback (both oral and written).

Ilya Kaminsky Reading & Book Signing: 10/21 in room 220 at Grossmont!

Syllabus & Calendar

Fall 2010’s Steamy Syllabus

Fall 2010 Texts

Kaminksy, Ilya. Dancing in Odessa. Dorset: Tupelo Press, 2004.

Minot, Stephen. Three Genres. 8th edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2007.

Recommended

Poets & Writers (my favorite periodical for writers)

Current Assignments

  • Assignment for CNF #2: Take Risks
  • Due this Thursday 8/26 Creative Nonfiction #1: Determine a metaphor/simile for your life thus far, and in NO MORE than one, double spaced, typed page: exhaust it. In other words, in what ways is your life that “thing” or like that “thing”? Focus and language economy are required to pull this off in one page. Revise after receiving my comments and place in final project, the portfolio or zine.
  • Due by Tuesday 8/31: Your six word memoir on the class blog.

Local Writing Scene

Cool Links for Creative Types

Publishing

'Hommage' by Argentine Conceptual Artist Leopoldo Maler

Class Blogs

Archives

Meta