ENGL 6 - Creative Writing

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Prerequisite

Eligibility to enroll in ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or equivalent

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the craft of creative writing through the study and analysis of works by established literary writers. Students will practice writing in various genres and will be introduced to the workshop method. Graded only. (C-ID ENGL 200).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate use of literary techniques in the production of original works in different genres.
2. Read professional and student texts actively and critically.
3. Use the writers' workshop and/or peer and instructor feedback to evaluate their own manuscript as well as the manuscripts of others.
4. Participate in a community of writers.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Class Activities
2. Discussion
3. Group Discussions
4. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
5. Lecture
6. Reading Assignments
7. Writing workshops in class or on line
   Public readings (applies to both in class and online students)

1. Quizzes
2. Portfolios
3. Papers
4. Oral Presentation
5. Journal
6. Class participation
7. Written or Oral Examinations
8. Writing assignments (min. 4000 words), Creative Writing manuscripts, Written and oral analytical critiques

Reading Assignments

1. Analyze one of the assigned texts for use of basic literary techniques, e.g. image, metaphor, and symbolism. Be prepared to present findings in class discussion.
2. Read and analyze assigned poems. Compare and contrast the poets' use of form and voice in each, and analyze the efficacy of each strategy. Be prepared to discuss your findings.

Writing Assignments

1. Analyze a poem in a particular style. Discuss it with peers, focusing on elements of craft, e.g. image, line, voice, style, and form. Then, write a poem in the same style, using the first poem as a  model to write your own original poem. No more than 200 words.
2. Write a one-act play in which you develop the characters and action through dialogue and stage directions. Use any of the genre's conventions to create a well-defined, character-driven world. Present the play with classmates in class. Minimum 500 words.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Write a short story in which you develop characters through dialogue and action. Consider the use of metaphor, repetition of imagery, and the effectiveness of the setting in the context of the plot. Be prepared to discuss this in class with peers. 500-3000 words.
2. Attend a literary reading/lecture and write a critical essay about the reading/lecture. Research the writer's work and write an analysis of it. Be prepared to discuss it in class.  250-1000 words.

Alice LaPlante. (2009). The Making of a Story: A Norton Guide to Creative Writing. Norton, 1st. 978-0-393-33708-2.

Burroway, Janet. (2023). Imaginative Writing. Pearson, 5th. 9780137674039.

Minot, Steven. (2012). Three Genres. Pearson/Prentice Hall, 9th. 9780205012756.

King, Stephen. (2009). On Writing. Pocket Books, n/a. 978-1982159375.

Cheney, Mathew. (2022). Creative Writing, Creative Process. OER Plymouth State University Press, n/a. Creative Commons: https://www.oercommons.org/courses/creative-writing-creative-process.

Michelle Bonczek Evory. (2018). Naming the Unnamable: An Approach to Poetry for New Generations. Open SUNY Textbooks, n/a. https://www.oercommons.org/courses/naming-the-unnameable-an-approach-to-poetry-for-new-generations/view#.

Other Learning Materials

A contemporary book of poems and/or a contempoary book of literary fiction

English (Masters Required)