Student Learning Outcomes:
In this course, students will develop a foundational
knowledge of creative writing theories and pedagogical methods; an
understanding of advanced creative writing techniques; an aptitude for
independent writing and research; and the ability to contextualize one’s own
creative work within broader artistic and scholarly debates and traditions.
Course Units:
Our first unit will explore the theories and pedagogical
methods in the field of Creative Writing. Students will learn, experience, and
conduct a variety of creative writing workshop models, and we will discuss best
practices for teaching creative writing at different levels and in various contexts.
We will also examine the range and importance of “community-engaged”
creative writing pedagogy.
Our second unit will focus on discussing our assigned texts
and completing independent research related to the theme, “archives”.
What is an archive? How do archives relate to place, history, culture,
politics, ecology, and memory? How do creative writers utilize archives in
their work? In conjunction, we will produce, workshop, and revise new writing
on the theme of “archives,” using a wide range of advanced creative
writing techniques.
Our final unit will concentrate on performance,
presentation, and professionalization. We will experiment with how different
elements of performance can enhance the oral and public presentation of our
work. Lastly, we will review the professional aspects of being a writer,
including publishing, publicity, funding, and employment.
Assignments:
- Read
and write responses to assigned readings - Complete
creative writing exercises/prompts -
Conduct
a mock workshop in the classroom and in the community -
Complete
oral presentations -
Attend
literary events on campus and in the community -
Final
portfolio
Required Texts:
- C.D. Wright One
With Others - Deborah Miranda Bad
Indians - Susan Schultz Dementia
Blog - Craig Santos Perez
from unincorporated territory [guma’] - Creative
Writing in America: Theory and Pedagogy, edited by Joseph Moxley - The Elephants Teach: Creative Writing Since 1880
Additional readings will be provided via Laulima