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.