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Introduction to Creative Writing
Writing 2300 / Spring 2008
Instructor: Terry Wright
Office: Thompson 316
Office Phone: 450-5108
Email: terryw (at) uca.edu
Web Page: http://faculty.uca.edu/~terryw/
Office Hours :
M: 11:00-12:00, 2:00-3:00
TU: 2:30-3:30
W: 11:00-12:00, 2:00-3:00
TH: 2:30-3:30
F: 11:00-12:00
Other times are available by appointment.
Course Description:
Using a fine arts model, this is a studio-designed, workshop-based course in writing in various creative writing genres: poetry, non-fiction, and fiction. The bulk of the course will center on discussions and critiques of student-written creative works. In addition, some time will be devoted to invention exercises, reading selected contemporary creative writing (as models), discussions on writing techniques and approaches, discussions on the form and theory of creative writing, and marketing strategies. However, most class time is devoted to group discussions of students' original works .
Texts and Materials:
You will need to purchase one book: Three Genres: The Writing of Fiction/Literary Nonfiction, Poetry, and Drama (Eighth Edition) by Steven Minot (Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2007). You will also need a spiral-bound notebook (or laptop), a pocket folder, and access to a computer or typewriter.
Course Format:
Class is basically a discussion workshop. At various times throughout the semester, I will ask you to read assignments for discussion and to submit drafts of original creative writing. Workshop submissions will be discussed on a first-come, first-served basis. If workshop submissions do not come in with sufficient frequency to fill class time, I will ask all members of the class to submit work by a designated deadline. When submitting work for class discussion, please type, include page numbers, and single-space. Worksheets for the class will be distributed via email. This kills fewer trees and makes the Writing Department's copy budget more manageable. You are responsible for printing each worksheet and bringing it to class. If your submission cannot be reproduced in email or Microsoft Word, then give me a hard copy to reproduce for the class or to place online. I will try to reproduce several copies of each worksheet for “emergencies.”
I will establish an email list for the class to keep you abreast of submissions and other class activities. I will set up a threaded discussion forum and/or chat room for the class, if there is any interest in using such an online forum. In addition, I will conduct occasional writing exercises, and sometimes lecture on aspects of the creative writing process. Several films may be shown as well.
Course Policies:
It is important that you understand you will receive a grade for the class --and not strictly for your work. This is a critical distinction. 50% of your final grade will be determined by the creative work you submit at mid-term and at semester's end. I will expect a works-in-progress portfolio (10-15 pages) at mid-term. I will expect a second works-in-progress portfolio (10-15 pages) at the semester's end. The remaining 50% of your grade will be determined by your actively being a contributing member of the workshop.
Other Expectations and Qualifiers:
-- Obviously, your regular attendance and critical feedback are crucial for a healthy and successful workshop. Every class you miss deprives the writer-under-discussion of your insights, observations, revisions, and suggestions. Feedback to writers can take different forms. If you are comfortable speaking out in class, you can use discussion as a way to provide constructive criticism. If you prefer not to talk in class, you can provide writers with written (including email) or recorded comments. Of course, combinations can be used, too. The main point here is that you must react in some fashion to the work of other workshop members, and you must provide some samples of your own work for group discussion. Your portfolios and active workshop participation are non-negotiable matters, and both criteria must be met in order to receive a passing grade in the course. You could be a budding literary giant, a Shakespeare in the making, but if you are slack in meeting the outlined criteria, you will probably receive an unsatisfactory grade for the course. You can assume to have an X grade at mid-term, but I will also schedule a conference with you around that time to discuss your progress and standing in the course. Please feel free to come by my office at any point in the semester to confer about any aspect of the course.
-- I expect you to be kind, tolerant, helpful, and understanding to others in the workshop. The Golden Rule of Creative Writing rules here: Critique unto others as you would have them critique unto you . However, I also expect you to be candid, honest, and constructively critical. No one enjoys having his or her soul stomped on, but I also suspect most of you would welcome some straight-forward and close scrutiny of your work that goes beyond the familial "that's-nice-dear-but-what-does-it-mean" school. Ideally, the workshop should strive for a “help but do no harm” balance.
-- I am your teacher. I am not your editor. Do you understand the difference?
-- There is no formal syllabus for this course. There will be weekly readings in the textbook, as well periodic worksheet updates. You are responsible for keeping up with breaking developments.
-- You may work in mixed media, if you wish. That is, your portfolios can be combined with other art forms and disciplines. These might include visual art, photography, music, dance, video, web design, comics, and other forms.
-- I expect you to attend class on a regular basis -- especially since part of your grade depends on you being an actively engaged member of our workshop. I take attendance at the beginning of each class. If you miss more than three weeks of class -- for whatever reasons -- I reserve the right to drop you from the class for non-attendance.
-- As a parent, I understand the constraints and pressures on working student-parents. You may bring children to class as long as they are not disruptive -- and as long as you understand the material being discussed on a given day could contain adult themes.
-- Do not bring pets to class.
-- I expect polite class decorum. Please refrain from talking or other noticeable distractions. Please turn off cell phones, pagers, iPods, and other similar electronic devices.
Inclement Weather Policy: It is the policy of the University of Central Arkansas to usually not close because of bad weather. However, if getting to class involves a reasonable risk of personal injury or damage to property, you should use your own discretion about the feasibility of attending classes under such conditions. I commute to class; therefore, if the roads are not passable, you can generally assume that I will not be having class.
Sexual Harassment Policy: Sexual harassment by any faculty member, staff member, or student is a violation of both law and University policy and will not be tolerated. Please read the appropriate pages of your Student Handbook for the policies, definition, and procedures concerning sexual harassment.
Disability Policy: The University of Central Arkansas adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need an accommodation under this act due to a disability, contact the Office of Disability Support Services at 450-3613.
Other Policies: You should familiarize yourself with all academic policies in your Student Handbook , including policies on plagiarism/academic dishonesty.
Special Problems: If, during any point of the semester, you find that personal problems are keeping you from completing your course work, you may find it beneficial to visit the counseling center. All students are entitled to free, confidential, professional counseling. Contact the University Counseling Center (Bernard Hall 313) at 450-3138.
An online copy of this course description can also be viewed on my web site. In fact, you are reading it right now.
