WRIT201: Introduction to Creative Writing

11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 08/08/2024

Course Description

Students will learn the literary components, complexity, and craft of creative writing.

Rationale

The student will study the literary components, complexity, and craft of creative writing, including how to successfully explicate selected poems, creative nonfiction essays, and short fiction. The student will also learn how to create original works of publishable quality. The course allows the student to develop creative writing skills to impact the world for Christ.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for the discussion and will also respond to at least 2 peers to foster an engaging discourse relating to the topic.

Analysis of Reading Assignments (3)

The student will analyze various creative aspects of the readings assigned throughout the course in the three genres of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The student will analyze the craft used by the author, and in the analysis, the student should convey an understanding of the story’s or poem’s content and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the author’s message and skill. As a result of this exercise, the student will observe writing strategies and techniques that he/she may end up adopting and using in his/her own creative pieces.

Original Work of Short-Short Fiction: Outline Assignment

The student will create an outline of a short-short fiction story, including the elements of theme, characters, conflict, and plot development.

Writing Workshop: Original Work of Short-Short Fiction: Rough Draft and Peer Review Assignment

The student will write a 300–500-word short-short fiction piece based on the elements of fiction described in the reading. The student will write a rough draft based on the outline and submit it for professor and peer feedback. In the peer review, the student will provide substantive feedback to at least 2 classmates regarding their original compositions.

Original Work of Short-Short Fiction: Final Draft Assignment

The student will revise and edit his/her rough draft and submit a final draft which incorporates the feedback from his/her classmates and professor.

Original Work of Creative Nonfiction: Outline Assignment

The student will create an outline of a creative nonfiction story, including the elements of theme, characters, conflict, and plot development.

Writing Workshop: Original Work of Creative Nonfiction: Rough Draft and Peer Review Assignment

The student will write a 500–750-word creative nonfiction piece based on the elements of nonfiction described in the reading. The student will write a rough draft based on the outline and submit it for professor and peer feedback. In the peer review, the student will provide substantive feedback to at least 2 classmates regarding their original compositions.

Original Work of Creative Nonfiction: Final Draft Assignment

The student will revise and edit his/her rough draft and submit a final draft which incorporates the feedback from his/her classmates and professor.

Writing Workshop: Original Work of Poetry: Rough Draft and Peer Review Assignment

After completing the assigned readings, the student will write 1 original work of poetry based on the elements of poetry described in the reading. The student will write an original poem. The student will also complete a set of questions detailing his/her reasoning for writing the poem. Then, the student will submit it for professor and peer feedback. In the peer review, the student will provide substantive feedback to at least 2 classmates regarding their original compositions.

Original Work of Poetry: Final Draft Assignment

The student will revise and edit his/her rough draft and submit a final draft which incorporates the feedback from his/her classmates and professor. The student will also respond to a set of questions detailing his/her process revising and improving the poem. 

Self-Evaluation and Writing Plans Assignment

The student will evaluate progress and growth in the course, reflecting on what he/she gained from the process of feedback and revision. The student will also forecast what he/she plans to do with the writing created throughout the course.