Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CW 205"
COURSE NAME: "Creative Writing Workshop: Mixed Genre"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: William Schutt
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: EN 103 or 105 with grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an introduction to the creative practice of writing fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and stage/screen writing, while probing major issues of literary aesthetics. This course does not satisfy the General Distribution requirement in English Literature.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course is made up of workshops, discussions of short readings, and in-class writing exercises. We might also take excursions to literary events in Rome. Readings will provide models for the writing assignments and foundations for discussion of literary craft. They will also serve as an introduction to modern and contemporary fiction and poetry. Workshops help students develop critical thinking and editorial skills, consider the strengths and weaknesses of their own writing, and expand their understanding of writing as a process of drafting and revision.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this course, students will become familiar with writing techniques specific to the making of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Students will develop healthy writing habits, including good journaling and revision practices and strategies for tackling the blank page. They’ll learn how to read their own work and the work of their peers with a critical eye, and how to give and receive constructive feedback. They’ll expand their imaginative reach and editorial skillset. And they’ll broaden their knowledge of the foundations of three different genres of writing.

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Class participation	Regular and punctual attendance, considerate observations of class readings, enthusiastic involvement in in-class writing exercises, and, most importantly, constructive commentary (oral and written) on classmates' work that demonstrates preparation, thoughtfulness, and respect.	40
Drafts and Comments	Timely submission of all written assignments that engage with the writing prompt dynamically and demonstrate an understanding of the technique and craft discussed. This is not a reflection of your talent or my taste. I am looking for clear signs of your having read and absorbed the material under discussion. Proper spelling and grammar help, as do creative titles. You will receive a check, check + or check- on your work (roughly equivalent to A, B, C but without the sting and fuss). In addition, students must provide written comments on their peers' work for workshop	30
Final Portfolio	A final portfolio of original work demonstrating thoughtfulness, creativity, and revision based on comments from classmates and the professor. Must include a written reflection and original draft/s, so make sure to hold on to your early drafts or set up a folder now.	30

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

FICTION UNIT 1

Weeks 1-5

WEEK 1

READINGS: Lydia Davis, “Ten Recommendations for Good Writing Habits” + handouts

ASSIGNMENT: Life Story

WEEK 2

READINGS: Joy Williams, “The Farm” and Dino Buzzati, “The Falling Girl”

ASSIGNMENT: Consciousness slowed

WEEK 3

READINGS: George Saunders, “Puppy” and Jim Shephard, “Love & Hydrogen”

ASSIGNMENT: Setting the tone

WEEK 4

READINGS: Amy Hempel, “Today Will Be a Quiet Day” and Denis Johnson, “Steady Hands at Seattle General”

ASSIGNMENT: All Talk

POETRY UNIT 2

Weeks 5-9

WEEK 5

READINGS: Intro to Lyric Poetry

ASSIGNMENT: First words

WEEK 6

READINGS: Altitudes of Register Packet

ASSIGNMENT: High/low

—FALL BREAK—

WEEK 7

READINGS: Poetic Line Packet

ASSIGNMENT: Short/long line

WEEK 8

READINGS: Image packet

ASSIGNMENT: Thinking in images

WEEK 9

READINGS: Borrowed subjects, borrowed forms packet

ASSIGNMENT: Ekphrastic or sonnet

CREATIVE NONFICTION UNIT 3

Weeks 10-14

WEEK 10

READINGS: Brainard, Vara, Khotari

ASSIGNMENT: House Rules

WEEK 11

READINGS: Dillard, Ruefle, Smith

ASSIGNMENT: Experience

WEEK 12

READINGS: Baldwin, Coates, Didion

ASSIGNMENT: Portraits

WEEK 13

READINGS: None; individual conferences

ASSIGNMENT: Nonfiction Essay Due

WEEK 14

There is no final exam for this course; however, we will meet during the time scheduled for the final exam.

ASSIGNMENT: FINAL PORTFOLIO