Creative Writing



Creative Writing Course Outline

Welcome! The central purpose for this elective is to develop writing skills, specifically in the areas of poetry and fiction (not personal narratives). You will be expected to complete assignments and writing pieces during our nine-week course, which will then be compiled into a portfolio for evaluation. Your writing will be assessed on the quality of these various activitites and portfolio pieces.

Be aware that your writing will constantly be shared with your classmates and the instructor for feedback, criticism, and evaluation. This implies, then, that you will be discussing and evaluating your writing at all stages in its development.

In addition, keep in mind that much of your drafting material will come from your writing outside of class, when you can settle into the environment in which you feel most inspired for a particular piece; HOWEVER, you WILL BE REQUIRED TO WRITE IN CLASS on a daily basis

Course Requirements

You will be required to maintain a writer’s log and a writing portfolio for this class. All

writings other than your writing log work will be compiled in the portfolio. This includes: exercises, poetry, short stories, and conferencing sheets.

• Regarding the writer’s log, please recognize that this log is NOT a personal diary. The writer’s log IS a place for you to “pre-write” or sketch out ideas for various pieces. Consider this the initial/draft material for later writings. Write often, focusing on detail in language and imagery. Experiment with the different forms and styles that we may discuss in class, or take a chance with an idea you heard or read in someone else’s writing. Whatever the topic or format, the writer’s log is your place to describe, to try something new, and to be inspired. Your entries may be poems, paragraphs, or writings in which you check out the best forms and sounds of words. It is expected that you write daily; therefore, the log must include five entries per week (no matter the days off from school). Furthermore, the majority of the writer’s log work will be completed outside of class; all entries are to be dated, and credit will be given based upon extent (consider about a page per entry) and effort in writing the entries. The writing may be checked on any given day, and the log will be collected from time to time for closer readings. Due to this, please keep this writer’s log separate from other courses, and always have it with you for this class…Logs will begin next week., the first log with 5 entries is due FRIDAY, SEPTEMPBER12th.

• You will be expected to complete specific exercises regarding writing skills and literary components. The majority of these exercises will begin in class, but may require time outside of class for completion. Please be sure to neatly and chronologically organize these exercises for the portfolio assessment.

o One specific activity is the Reaction Sheet. This involves reading poetry and fiction, and analyzing the pieces from a writer’s perspective. Please keep this in mind as you write your reaction. You have been completing and will continue to complete literary analysis in your English courses. Yes, you may discuss the literary elements; however, you need to discuss these aspects from the view of a writer. Look at the writing style, voice, and specific techniques that the writer applies to this particular writing, and discuss these aspects in your Reaction Sheet. You may also compare/contrast among the selections as you complete these reactions. Three Reaction Sheets are due (1st: due 9/22 (Monday),

2nd: due 9/29 (Monday), 3rd due 10/6 (Monday).

➢ The Reaction Sheet is to be word-processed, 12 font, one-inch margins, single-spaced and one full page. Please recognize that your grade will reflect if these guidelines are not followed.

➢ You are to complete two poetry and one short story selections.

➢ In your heading, please include the bibliographic information for the piece (cite the source of your poem/short story. Please refer to the given model, cbsd website, or online resources for citation explanations).

➢ Please select poetry and fiction from established writers; this implies that they are published and acknowledged authors (no “anonymous” authors).

➢ Also, please no songs, children’s poems or children’s short stories (e.g., no fairy tales).

➢ Please select poems / short stories that we have not worked with in class.

➢ If these requirements are not fulfilled, the reaction sheet will be returned and asked to be finalized; this will result in a late penalty. Also, please know that class activities/discussion may be based upon your Reaction Sheet writings.

• The poetry work will include your initial outlines, drafts, conferencing sheets, revisions and “final” writings that have been completed during this course. In addition, you will write reflections and evaluations of your creative process and products. The portfolio must include a minimum of four fully processed poems. Several will have specific guidelines as to content and form. *

• As with the poetry, the short story work will include your work completed during all steps in the writing process, from initial outlines through “final” writings. Again, there will be peer conferencing sheets to be completed, as well as self-evaluations. The portfolio must include a minimum of two short stories (one fully processed story, and one drafted story). *

* Guidelines will be explained on the portfolio checklist sheet. *

Class Guidelines

1. Be on time. Be ready to begin when the bell rings.

2. Be prepared (homework, materials, etc.). No excuses. Be prepared for class every day.

3. Be respectful (be willing and be open-minded to listen to other points of view and opinions; cooperate with other class members; listen when someone is addressing the class or a group for discussion, etc.).

4. Be involved (ask questions, offer your reactions in class discussions, share your ideas, be responsible for your work).

5. Be enthusiastic (we are here to learn from each other... help make the class enjoyable).

Late Work

Your work is to be completed in a timely fashion. When it is due, it is due. When I collect your Writer’s Log, I expect all entries to be completed (points will be deducted for missing entries). Late homework (eg, for log entries) will not be accepted (zero for grade). When given specific deadlines (such as Reaction Sheets and Portfolio work), late assignments will incur penalties. Every day an assignment such as this is late, points will be deducted from the “Responsibility” category for your course grade. After three days, the project will not be accepted.

* If assignments are not completed when grades are due, it will be entered as “missing” (which may lead to a failure.)

* If you miss school due to illness or other unexpected reasons, your previous work is due the day you return to school, and then speak with me to determine a make up schedule. If it is an extended absence, please speak with me the day you return, and we will determine a schedule for your assignments.

* If you are aware that you will be missing school, you must speak with me before your absence to create a schedule for your work (if you fail to do this, the work will be late or unacceptable).

* If you are in school the day your work is due, even though you may be missing class, your work is due that day. If not submitted, your work will be counted as late.

* If you are having difficulties with an assignment, please speak with me. Do not wait until the work is due to express your questions.

Creative Writing - Portfolio Checklist Sheet

Attendance: Please know that regular attendance, prompt completion of the assignments, and active participation will help to make this class successful.

➢ Keep in mind that all work is to be individually written; there is to be no collaborative work regarding portfolio entries. Also, the class workshop time is to be devoted to drafting, editing, conferencing and revising. No other course work is to be completed during this period.

➢ “Final” Drafts for the portfolio should be typed, with clear headings (name, date, title, “final” and what requirement this fulfills). Title all of your major pieces for the portfolio, and attach in an organized manner all writing steps, including the conferencing sheets (1st draft on the bottom through final draft on top).

➢ It is expected that you will peer conference twice for the four poems and once for the short story. For these peer conferences, you are to gain feedback from a variety of people in the class. It is also expected that you will teacher conference once, after the completion of the peer conferences, for three of the four required poems, and the fully processed short story, as well. After every conference (peer or teacher), you are to draft, revise, and rewrite before completing the next conference. These elements are reviewed when assessing the portfolios. These multiple drafts and peer / teacher evaluation sheets are a significant part of the grade, and they should be completed as you progress with your writing. Do not delay with conferences; there will be five teacher conference slots per day. Please sign up for a slot, be prepared for the conference, and be watchful that you are completing this requirement.

Distribution of Requirements

1. Writer’s Log: five entries per week

2. Four fully processed poems (MINIMUM)

- ONE poem is to involve the concrete expression of a strong emotion/abstract concept.

- ONE poem is to involve a vivid and specific portrayal of a particular setting.

- ONE poem is to be written in a structured, traditional form (such as a sonnet).

• The above three poems are to follow the process of: full, first draft; peer edit, proofread, rewrite; second, revised draft peer edit, proofread, rewrite; third, revised draft teacher conference, proofread, rewrite; “final” draft (therefore, at least four distinct drafts).

- ONE poem is to be processed independently of instructor feedback (but must include peer feedback). Topic of choice.

• The above poem is to follow the process of: full, first draft; peer edit, proofread, rewrite; second, revised draft peer edit, proofread, rewrite; “final” draft (therefore, at least three distinct drafts).

3. Two short stories (MINIMUM)

- The short story work is to focus upon character and not plot. This will be further discussed in class, but for now, keep in mind that this implies that the central character motivates the story’s events, not the central conflict.

o Consider the idea of a “snapshot” story. Focus on one major character (with supporting minor characters), and a particular aspect of that character which causes a specific event or revelation. The story is to be at least five pages typed, and must include dialogue that you consider to be lifelike and convincing to the reader’s ear.

- One short story is to include symbolism, with an integration of literal and figurative meanings. This short story may be based upon the “brown bag” exercise (which we will begin in class), or your original ideas. As with the other story, include dialogue that you consider to be lifelike and convincing to the reader’s ear. The minimum length for this story is four pages typed.

• Select one of the above story requirements to follow the process of: full, first draft; peer edit, proofread, rewrite; second, revised draft teacher conference, proofread, rewrite; “final” draft (therefore, at least three distinct drafts).

• Select one of the above story requirements to create an initial rough draft (conferences and drafting are optional).

• Please keep in mind that for both the poetry and fiction writing, your audience should not be young children; children’s rhymes and children’s short stories/fairy tales will not be accepted for this course.

4. Participation in and Completion of writing exercises/activities, conferencing, and reflection

As stated, active participation is extremely important in a creative writing course. Be sure you have completed the conferencing sheets. Neatly and chronogically organize all the writing stages for the piece, and attach the conferencing sheets for every piece. In addition, all course exercises must be organized and included in the portfolio for credit. Lastly, the mid-point and overall reflection writings are to assess your work as you are progressing and after completion of all pieces.

Mid-Point Reflection – Portfolio

Coursework will be assessed at the mid-point to help determine progress for the first half of the course. Please compile the work you have completed so far, including all exercises, pieces and conference sheets. Please be sure all work is clearly labeled (date/heading). To gauge your progress for the Final Portfolio requirements, you are to have begun working on a couple poems; be sure to include the writing in your portfolio, and identify the work through a heading/title. After you have collected all of this work, please word-process the following mid-point reflection questions:

1. What are the three goals you established at the beginning of the marking period (initial handout)? How successful have you been in achieving the above goals? Explain.

2. What are two aspects of the writing process in which you excel? .

3. In what areas do you feel you need to focus to improve your writing?

4. What do you need to do or change about your process during the second half of the course in order to better achieve your goals and to succeed in this class?

Overall Reflection – Portfolio

After you have compiled all of your work for the final portfolio, please word-process an overall reflection of your creative writing process, as well as word-process the final drafts of the pieces included in your portfolio. Respond fully and clearly to the following questions:

1. What are important aspects of the writing process that you are able to do well in regards to poetry? Provide specific examples from your writing to support your response.

2. What are some areas in writing poetry that still need development? Explain your response.

3. Select two poems. For each one, respond in depth to the following:

- How is the poem different from the other poems you have written for this class?

- Discuss challenges you faced in composing this poem, and how you handled them.

- How did this poem change from the first through the “final” draft?

- Discuss aspects of the poem of which you are particularly proud.

4. What are important aspects of the fiction writing process that you are able to do well? Provide specific examples from your writing to support your response.

5. What are areas in fiction writing in which you still need to develop? Explain your response.

6. Review your fully processed short story. Respond in depth to the following:

- Discuss any challenges you faced in the composition of the piece, and how you handled them.

- How did the story change from the first to the “final” draft?

- Discuss your overall analysis of the use of literary techniques and style.

7. What have you learned about your individual creative process as a result of writing poetry and fiction? Please use examples to clarify.

8. Which piece in the portfolio do you consider to be your best work? Why? Which piece do you consider to be your least-accomplished piece? Why?

Again, the reflections and the final drafts of all work should be typed (12 font, Times New Roman, one inch margins) and clearly labeled as “final” with an indication of the poem/story portfolio requirement. Portfolios will be evaluated on the basis of completeness, variety in meeting distribution requirements, development of poems / short stories, skillful use of poetic and literary techniques that we have studied, and degree of awareness of process and product revealed in reflections.

• The Mid-Point Portfolio (including reflections) is due: Wednesday, 5/14

• The Final Portfolio (including reflections) is due: no later than the end of class on

Wednesday, 6/11

Academic Integrity

It is extremely important that you take ownership for your work. We are here to learn from one another and to challenge ourselves to develop our skills. The way for this development to truly occur is for you to genuinely focus upon and complete your work. The CBE Handbook clearly describes the consequences of cheating and plagiarism, and these policies will be followed.

Grading System

Please be aware that the grading system includes formative and summative evaluations. The majority of the writing exercises and log entries will be included within the formative category. The portfolio work, and any selected / designated exercise chosen to illustrate specific techniques of prior focus and work, will be included within the summative category. Overall, the final portfolio is the major summative grade. Also, please be aware that the majority of writing exercises lead into materials included with the portfolio.

Student Signature:_________________________________ Date: __________

Parent Signature:__________________________________ Date: __________

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