Course Syllabus
Creative Writing Syllabus 2022-2023
Course Overview:
Creative Writing is an elective course that seeks to build basic writing and style skills for young authors. This course is arranged so that students can practice applying different techniques to their preferred genre of writing.
Class Expectations:
- Be on time - I close my door at the bell. If you are not in the room, you are late and must get a pass. This includes bathroom trips and lunch.
- Be prepared - Have your necessary materials with you, including your computer.
- Be respectful - Treat your classmates and me the way you would like to be treated.
- Be clean - Pick up after yourself and cooperate to keep the room free from trash and clutter
- Be attentive - Limit distractions, especially phones. I will take your phone after a warning if it proves too distracting.
- Be honorable - Please note our school handbook as it pertains to cheating and plagiarism. If you are academically dishonest, this will result in a referral and a zero for the assignment.
- Be adaptable - Own your mistakes and view critical feedback as an opportunity to grow.
Materials Needed:
A notebook for notes & a folder for handouts
Pens / pencils
Colored pens or highlighters for annotating
UCPS issued Chromebook
Workshops and Timeliness:
Each week begins with a writing assignment that is due the following Monday. You will share your weekly piece with a small group of students. On Wednesday, your groups will convene to workshop your pieces. In order for you to get good feedback, it is imperative that you turn the weekly piece in on time on Monday to give your peers time to read and make notes for the Wednesday workshop. It is also important that you closely read your peers’ pieces so you can give good feedback in workshop.
Final Portfolio:
Your semester will culminate with a portfolio that demonstrates your growth as a writer. Information on this project will be given out the first week of the semester.
Grading:
I use a total points system of grading.
Weekly writes: 50 points - will include your free writing exercises.
Workshops: 50 points - will include reflections
Published works each 6 weeks: 100 points
Final portfolio: 200 points
Smaller assignments: between 10 and 40 points
Class Topics Structure
1st 6 weeks:
Wk 1 - The Creative Process: Building Work Habits
Wk 2 - Finding Inspiration: Mentor texts
Wk 3 - Criticism: How to give and receive feedback
Wk 4 - Draw Them In: Using Imagery
Wk 5 - Chronology: Structuring a Story
Wk 6 - Publishing Week
2nd 6 weeks:
Wk 1 - Wandering: Stream of Consciousness
Wk 2 - Dialogue: When to let the Characters Speak
Wk 3 - Sentence Structure: Playing with Time
Wk 4 - Introductions: Characterization
Wk 5 - Nine-Tenths Reality: POV and Narrative Voice
Wk 6 - Publishing Week
3rd 6 Weeks:
Wk 1 - I Repeat: Ways to use Repetition Effectively
Wk 2 - Layers: Plot and Subplot
Wk 3 - Form: A Theme Study
Wk 4 - Portfolio Work Time
Wk 5 - Portfolio Presentations
Wk 6 - Final Exams