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)
Syllabus & Calendar
Recommended
Poets & Writers (my favorite periodical for writers)
Local Writing Scene
- Creative Writing at Grossmont
- City Works Press
- Poetix: Southern California Poetry
- The WriteWay: The e-zine for San Diego’s Writing Community
- San Diego City Beat
- The Reader
- San Diego Writers Ink
- Word San Diego
- Creative Writing at SDSU
- San Diego Art & Sol
- “Elevated” Collective Purpose Open Mic
Cool Links for Creative Types
- Poets & Writers Inc.
- AWP: Association of Writers and Writing Programs
- Chiasmus Press
- The Cult: Chuck Palahniuk
- Indiebound
- Creative Nonfiction Org.
- Brevity (short short CNF)
- McSweeney’s
- Quotations for Writers
- Center for Independent Publishing
- Ugly Duckling Press
- Los Angles Times Calendar
- Zoetrope: All Story
- Fishhouse: An Audio Archive of Emerging Poets