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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "CW 205"
COURSE NAME: "Creative Writing Workshop: Mixed Genre"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2026
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
William Schutt
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 11:30 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: EN 103 or 105 with grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TEXTBOOK:
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Short Writing Exercises | Timely submission of all written assignments that engage with creative writing prompts 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. | 30 |
| Final portfolio | A final portfolio of revised creative work demonstrating thoughtfulness, creativity, and revision based on comments from classmates and the professor. The portfolio includes a written reflection and original draft/s, so make sure to hold on to your early drafts with comments. | 25 |
| Writing Journal | No writer doesn't keep some sort of notebook, a hodgepodge of transcribed quotes, thoughts, character descriptions, overheard conversations, very rough drafts -- anything believed to be worthy of note that can be made use of later in poems and stories and essays. You will bring a writing journal to every class and use it as your space for drafting, responding to readings, and taking notes in and out of class. I will collect these twice during the semester. | 15 |
| 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. | 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 ____________
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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Module 1: Fiction
Week 1: Writing as a Process, Intro to Genres
Week 2: POV and Tone
Week 3: Characterization
Week 4: Setting and Dialogue
Week 5: OK, Yes, Let's Talk About Plot
Module 2: Poetry
Week 6: Voice
Week 7: Figurative Values
Week 8: Line and Stanza
Week 9: Meter and Form
Module 3: Creative Nonfiction
Week 10: Essayism
Week 11: Turning Yourself into a Character
Week 12: Turning Others into Characters
Week 13: The One-Sentence Essay
Week 14: Revision, Final Thoughts, Final Readings
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