WRIT402: Methods and Materials of Research

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

Course Description

An introduction to the research and bibliographic methods necessary for successful creative writing.

Rationale

Christian writers bear a particular obligation to research, read, and write well so that the ideas and interpretations they advance, whether specifically religious or secular, will bring credit to their faith and their Father. In-depth research into a variety of types of primary and secondary source material allows the student to gain credibility as a writer by gaining a fuller understanding of the historical, theoretical, and critical implications of a text. Jointly, practice in bibliography, interviewing, and other common forms of information gathering and usage will equip the student to process ideas thoughtfully and communicate them clearly within his or her writing.

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: Writing and Research Interests

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words.

Peer-Review Discussions (2)

For Peer-Review Discussions, the student will upload his/her project proposal (for Peer-Review Discussion: Peer-Review of Proposal) or project rough draft (for Peer-Review Discussion: Peer-Review of Creative Writing Research Project). Then, the student will write a 500-word review of one of his/her classmates’ work, followed by a 250-word response to the review a classmate posts on the student’s thread.

Creative Writing Research Project: Proposal Assignment

The student will write a 2-page proposal that explains the topic choice, source types, and planned research methodology for the Creative Writing Research Project. The student will submit his or her proposal to the instructor for approval. The student must cite 2–3 sources both in-text and in a reference page/works cited/bibliography.

Creative Writing Research Project: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

Using the documentation style most commonly used in the chosen field, the student will correctly cite at least 10 sources that may be used in the Creative Writing Research Project. Each citation must be followed by a summary and evaluation of 100-200 words.

The student will submit a two-page partial draft of the Creative Writing Research Project: Final Product in order to receive feedback from the instructor. 

Creative Writing Research Project: Final Product Assignment

The student will write an 8–11-page work of creative fiction or non-fiction that benefits from the research the student has performed throughout the project. At least 8 sources must be used, and they must be cited according to the conventions of the genre and format.

Research Blog Assignment

The student will create a blog post, using an informal tone, to explain some of the lessons they have learned about creative writing research—either from this class or from formal or informal learning outside of this class. The blog should be the equivalent of 1-3 pages.