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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CW 205"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Creative Writing"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Dews Carlos
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 17:30-18:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: EN 103 or 105 with grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an introduction to the creative practice of writing fiction, nonfiction, and writing for the stage, while probing major issues of literary aesthetics. This course does not satisfy the General Distribution requirement in English Literature. Prerequisites: EN 110 with a grade of C- or above or permission of the instructor. This course is a prerequisite for all higher-level Creative Writing courses.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course presents opportunities for creative writing, while probing major issues of literary aesthetics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the conclusion of this course students will be familiar with the skills needed to produce literary fiction, nonfiction, and drama; have the ability to self-edit work in progress; and be able to discern the qualities that make good, literary fiction, nonfiction and drama.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Creative Writing: Four Genres in BriefDavid StarkeyBedford / St. Martin's PressISBN: 13-978-0-312-46866-8 or 0-312-46866-0     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Students will be assessed on their attendance, participation, and conscientious reading of assigned materials.  20
Conscientiousness of self-editing. 20
Criticism/editing of classmates' work. 20
Final portfolio of work. 40

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Students will be assessed on their attendance (10%), participation (10%), conscientiousness of self-editing (20%), criticism/editing of classmates' work (20%), and final portfolio of work (40%).
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are required to attend all scheduled class meetings and to participate in all classroom activities. In addition to this weighting of attendance, students are allowed only two absences (no questions asked, no excuse needed). However, each additional absence beyond the two allowed will result in the reduction in the final grade for the course by 5%. Students with more than five absences, in addition to the two allowed absences, will automatically fail the course (receive a grade of F).  Student arriving at class after the class attendance has been taken will be counted as absent. Students arriving to class after the beginning of class, but before attendance has been taken, will be counted as late.  Two late arrivals will count as an absence. Students may also be required to attend literary events held at JCU.  Students may be required to attend a limited number of literary events held at JCU. These required events will be announced in class.  Please refer to the JCU catalog for the attendance and absence policies.

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

Detailed schedule provided at the first meeting of the class.

Spring 2012 Schedule

Tuesday, 17 January:  Course introduction.

Thursday, 19 January: 

Tuesday, 24 January: 

Thursday, 26 January: 

Tuesday, 31 January: 

Thursday, 2 February: 

Tuesday, 7 February: 

Thursday, 9 February:

Tuesday, 14 February: 

Thursday, 16 February: 

Tuesday, 21 February: 

Thursday, 23 February: 

Tuesday, 28 February: 

Thursday, 1 March: 

Tuesday, 6 March: 

Thursday, 8 March: 

Tuesday, 13 March:

Thursday, 15 March: 

Tuesday, 20 March:  No class.  Spring Break.

Thursday, 22 March: No class.  Spring Break.

Tuesday, 27 March: 

Thursday, 29 March: 

Tuesday, 3 April: 

Thursday, 5 April: 

Tuesday, 10 April: 

Thursday, 12 April: 

Tuesday, 17 April: 

Thursday, 19 April:

Tuesday, 24 April: 

Thursday, 26 April:  Final class meeting.

Saturday – Friday, 28 April – 4 May:  Final exams.