Creative Writing

 

We often learn the most when we try something just a bit outside of our “comfort zones.” What a wonderful thing then, when we discover how to be comfortable doing things a little outside of our comfort zones!

 

Introduction to Creative Writing

Besides helping you discover that creative writing can be enjoyable and satisfying, the purpose of this course is to expand your skills and interests in expressing yourself more vividly and descriptively in written English.  Though we will focus on the popular genres of poetry, short story, and drama, you will become more familiar with literary concepts such as symbol, metaphor, plot, and catharsis and writing processes such as brainstorming, drafting, and peer review. You will also learn how these concepts and processes contribute to improving your creative writing skills.


Necessary Things

  1. 1.Course packet,  2. File and pages,  3. Courage,  4. Willingness,  5. Enthusiasm


Course Goals

  1. 1.Discover the joy and satisfaction of creative writing

  2. 2.Improve your ability to express yourself in creative writing

  3. 3.Become more familiar with basic creative writing concepts and techniques

  4. 4.Become more comfortable with doing things a little out of your comfort zone

  5. 5.Help create a positive learning and sharing environment


Grading & Assignments:

Evaluation will be based on your creative writing assignments, punctuality and attendance, and effort in class. Since assignments are closely related to class activities, it is essential that you come to class, be on time, and participate fully. A+ (exceptional), A (great), B (average), C (inferior), S (1/3+ absences).

  1. 1.Assignments — poetry (20), short story (20), drama (20): 60 points

  2. 2.Participation (talking in groups, presenting, volunteering, class discussions, etc.): 40 points

Note: If you miss a class, please understand that you are responsible for any assignments. Also, please come to class on time. Because our time together is precious, lates will negatively affect your participation score

Classes & Schedule

Classes are conducted in English using a mixture of short lecture, discussion, creative writing activities, group sharing, and student recitations related to each of the three creative genres: poetry, short story, and drama. Because success in writing creatively depends greatly on your ability to remove inhibition and “open up your creative self,” you will be asked to contribute to a friendly, relaxed, and supportive atmosphere. After all, it is through the courage to share ideas, experiences, and writings with others that you can discover your own creative voice.


Class, Date, & Homework assignments (HW)

Day 1                     (09:20-10:50; 11:05-12:35)

  1. 1.INTRODUCTIONS, Syllabus, Writing propensities; I. INTRO TO POETRY, (1) Acrostic (themes & lines) & (2) Haiku (word choice & mood)

  2. 2.Talking about poetry, Acrostics & Haiku; (3) Cinquain (metaphor) & (4) 10 ways... (extended metaphor). HW: ACROSTIC, HAIKU, CINQUAIN & 10 WAYS...

Day 2                     

  1. 3.Talking about poetry, Cinquains & 10 ways...; (5) Final poems (imagery & message)

  2. 4.II. INTRO TO SHORT STORY, Examples, Essential elements of short story. HW: FINAL POEM; SHORT STORY ELEMENTS & IDEAS

Day 3                     

  1. 5.Talking about poetry, SHARING FINAL POEMS 1

  2. 6.SHARING FINAL POEMS 2; Talking about short stories, Examples, Elements & ideas. HW: COMPLETE SHORT STORY DRAFT

Day 4                     

  1. 7.Talking about Short Story drafts, Examples

  2. 8.Talking about Short Story drafts; HW: FINAL SHORT STORY

Day 5                     

  1. 9.Talking about Short Stories, SHARING FINAL STORIES 1

  2. 10. SHARING FINAL STORIES 2; III. INTRO TO DRAMA, Examples, Essential elements of drama. HW: COMPLETE DRAMA DRAFT

Day 6                     

  1. 11. Talking about drama drafts, Examples and elements review

  2. 12. Performance practice HW: FINAL DRAMA; SELF-EVALUATION

Day 7                     

  1. 13. PERFORMING FINAL DRAMAS 1

  2. 14. PERFORMING FINAL DRAMAS 2; final comments, self-evaluations

  3. 15. PERFORMING FINAL DRAMAS 3 (if necessary)