Types of CW (Poetry & Creative Non-Fiction)

The first eight weeks of the course focuses on the writing
of poetry, and the second eight weeks, on creative nonfiction.
The course is designed as an introduction to each genre.  We’ll do lots of writing both inside and
outside of class, in addition to reading and discussing the work of
accomplished writers from a wide range of traditions and sensibilities.  Class time will be devoted primarily to
writing exercises, work shopping student writing, and discussing assigned
readings.  My goal for the class is that
by the end of term, you will have begun (or continue) to develop a writer’s
voice distinctly your own.

Required texts (available from Revolution Books in
Puck’s Alley*)

  • The
    Teachers and Writers Handbook of Poetic Forms
    , Ed. Ron Padgett*
  • The Truth
    of the Matter: Art and Craft in Creative Nonfiction,
    Dinty W. Moore*
  • Course Reader (available from EMA
    Copiers, Campus Center, near Pizza Hut)

Also required:

Journal

 

Assignments

  • Weekly written responses to assigned readings
    and student work;
  • A short collection of poems (5-7) written during
    the course of the semester;
  • One piece of creative nonfiction (10-15 pages)
    written during the semester.

Grades

All work must be
completed to pass the course.

Poetry
Collection                                                                 30%

Creative
Nonfiction                                                              30%

Responses
to assigned readings                                       30%

Participation
in class discussion                                       10%

 

Extra credit is possible for work above and beyond
requirements, by individual arrangement with instructor.