ࡱ> KMJy =bjbj :T{{4LL8D\fR^$tf111Tev1111 |1Q,0\1|11 11\L l: English 71: Introduction to Creative Writing Section 08 Spring 2012 Instructor: Leah Griesmann Office Location: Faculty Offices Building, Room 115 Telephone: (408) 924-4423 Email:  HYPERLINK "mailto:leah.griesmann@sjsu.edu"leah.griesmann@sjsu.edu Office Hours: T/R 3-4:15pm and by appointment Class Days/Time: Tuesday, 6pm-8:45pm Class Room: BBC 121 Course Description: Introduction to Creative Writing (English 71) is a 3-unit lower-division course, designed, implemented, and administered by the Department of English & Comparative Literature at San Jose State University in accordance with the Universitys General Education Program Guidelines to fulfill Core general Education requirements in the Letters area of Humanities & the Arts. In this course we will read, discuss, and write poetry, creative non-fiction and short fiction. The course will be taught using a combination of discussion and writing workshops. In the discussion, contemporary and historical published works will be closely read and analyzed. In the writing workshops, creative work by class members will be analyzed and critiqued for revision. Student Learning Objectives: 1. Decipher and understand the form and content of assigned literary works; 2. Comprehend the historical and cultural contexts of assigned literary works; 3. Recognize the accomplishments of and issues related to writing by women and men representing diverse cultural traditions; 4. Acquire through both individual and collaborative/workshop efforts of a written and oral nature the skills necessary for reading, discussing, analyzing, interpreting, and-most importantly-emulating and writing works of poetry, creative non-fiction, and short fiction; 5. Communicate such skills with clarity and precision; 6. Develop an appreciation of literary works as expressions of human intellect and imagination, and as representations of diverse human cultures; 7. Develop the ability to write literary works that express intellect and imagination and that represent diversity in human cultures 8. Respond to literature through clear and effective communication in both written and oral work; 9. Read and respond to texts with both analytical acumen and personal sensibility. 10. Appreciate how literary works illuminate enduring human concerns while at the same time representing their particular cultures; 11. Write works of poetry, creative non-fiction, and short fiction that are of interest and value to the writer, to other students in the course, and to a diverse reading audience. English Department Learning Objectives: Students will demonstrate the ability to 1) Read closely in a variety of forms, styles, structures, and modes, and articulate the value of close reading in the study of literature, creative writing, or rhetoric. (Objective met through reading assignments, writing assignments and discussions) 2) Show familiarity with major literary works, genres, periods, and critical approaches to British, American, and World Literature. (Objective met through reading assignments and discussions) 3) Write clearly, effectively, and creatively, and adjust writing style appropriately to the content, the context, and nature of the subject. (Objective met through writing assignments and critical reflection) 4) Develop and carry out research projects, and locate, evaluate, organize, and incorporate information effectively. (Objective met through Literary Event Research Paper) 5) Articulate the relations among culture, history, and texts. (Objective met through reading assignments, writing assignments and discussions) Required Texts and Materials: Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry, Jane Hirshfield Fiction Writers Handbook, Hallie & Whit Burnett Thesaurus, folder, notebook, stapler The ability to print and staple 8-16 copies of assignments for workshops, often 4+ pages Classroom Policies and Attendance No late work is accepted. Work due in class is due at the beginning of class, at 6pm. No work is accepted by email. All work for workshop must be distributed in paper copies on the day it is due for distribution. No electronic devices may be on/used/or visible during class. Cell phones, iPods, texting, internet, MP3s and all other electronic devices are strictly forbidden. This is a once-a-week class so attendance is particularly important. Attendance on workshop days is mandatory to avoid a grade reduction unless prior arrangements are made. Academic Integrity Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University, and the Universitys Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The Policy on academic integrity can be found at  HYPERLINK "http://sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct"http://sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct. Avoiding Plagiarism Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of somebody elses words or ideas and is considered an instance of academic dishonesty that instructors must report. Dont do it. You commit plagiarism by: Buying, stealing, or borrowing a paper, story, poem, piece, et cetera Hiring someone to write a paper, story, poem, et cetera Building on someones ideas without providing a citation Coying from another source or using a source too closely when plagiarizing Turning in an assignment from another class In other words, submit only your own work. Disabilities Policy If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students register with the DRC to establish a record of their disability. Course Requirements WRITING WORKSHOP: Each student will revise and submit the following new writing. This includes bringing copies for workshop and participating in workshop. Non-fiction: Place description (1 page) Memoir or narrative vignette: (4-6 pages) Fiction: Character Sketch (2 pages) Short Story (4-10 pages) Poetry: 3 poems (sonnet, pantoum, free verse) Notebook: You are required to keep a notebook in which you will do creative writing activities inside and outside class. You will also record your responses to assigned readings here. You are urged to write down quotes from your readings that you may wish to share in class. You can slso use your notebook to develop new drafts of material. Your notebook is due at the end of the semester. You will be graded on the quality and quantity of your entries. Literary Event Research & Response Papers: All students must attend two literary events this semester on or off campus. Write a one to two page paper that includes 1) background of the writer and some of the writers works 2) your response to the event: what did you like and why? What did you lean? What questions did it raise? Would you attend a similar event again? At the top of the paper list the authors name, the title of the event, and the day, time, and location. For information on local literary events see:  HYPERLINK "http://www.litarts.org"www.litarts.org (Center for Literary Arts at 91)  HYPERLINK "http://www.pcsj.org/calendar.html"www.pcsj.org/calendar.html (Poetry Center San Jose)  HYPERLINK "http://www.poetryflash.org"www.poetryflash.org (All Northern California Literary Events) Final Portfolio & Poetry Reading: In lieu of a final exam, every student will turn in a portfolio which includes revision of major assignments. The class will conclude with a live reading. Workshops The core of this class is the workshop, where students will have ample opportunity to receive feedback on their work. Every student will have a piece from each genre (nonfiction, fiction, poetry) critiqued in a workshop setting with comments from other students and the instructor. During the workshop students will learn to critique each others work constructively. Students should 1) specifically praise what works 2) point out what is not working 2) offer constructive suggestions of how to improve what isnt working. Students must bring copies of their writing projects to class the week before workshop. The work will be distributed, critiqued at home with typed and written comments, and brought to the following class for discussion. It is critical for students to distribute their work according to schedule and to be present on the day they are critiqued. Missing workshops or failure to distribute work will result in major grade deductions. All students must provide the student being critiqued with thoughtful, legible comments on the page. Students must turn in an extra copy of their end notes to the instructor. Feedback and Constructive Criticism When giving feedback, it is important to be specific. Statements such as this sucked or I liked this are not sufficient. Instead, approach the piece from an analytical standpoint in order to determine which elements are working well, and which could be improved. When receiving feedback, try to listen objectively, as it is your work, and not you that is being criticized. Approach your work as a craftsman would, with an eye towards improving it. Grading Fiction 20% Non-fiction 20% Poetry 20% Class participation 15% Event papers 10% Final Portfolio 15% Departmental Grading Policy The Department of English reaffirms its commitment to the differnetial grading scale as defined in the official 91 Catalog (The Grading System) Grades represent a full range of student performance: A=excellent; B=above average; C=average; D=below average; F=failure. In English Department courses, instructors will comment on and grade the quality of student writing as well as the quality of ideas conveyed. All student writing should be distinguished by correct grammar and punctuation, appropriate diction and syntax, and well-organized paragraphs. A: Creative writing that receives an A is likely to: Fulfill assignment requirements Demonstrate complex, unique, or insightful approach Function well as a whole Demonstrate engaging voice Incorporate strong word choices Incorporate, where appropriate, striking imagery Lack clichd or over-used language Incorporate unusual/unique associations that fit the tone of the piece Lack grammar, spelling ,and punctuation errors, typos, etc. B: Creative Writing that receives a B is likely to: Fulfill the assignment requirements Demonstrate insightful approach Function generally well as a whole Demonstrate a generally engaging voice Incorporate some strong word choices Use some concrete imagery Mostly lack cliched or over-used language Mostly lack spelling and punctuation errors, typos, et cetera C: Creative writing that receives a C is likely to: Meet the assignment requirements Be derivative of other works Not completely function as a whole (be in parts underdeveloped) Incorporate some strong and some weak word choices Lack concrete imagery Include clichd or over-used language Have some grammar, spelling and punctuation errors, typos, et cetera. D: Creative Writing that receives a D is likely to Not fulfill the assignment requirements Not function as a whole Be a cursory response that demonstrates lack of motivation and/or poor understanding of the assignment F: Unacceptable Progress Your writing should improve dramatically through completing the exercises, giving your full attention to the response papers, and listening carefully to the critique you receive from others. Writing is a process, and forward movement is important to that process. No matter where you start out, do your best to improve with each draft. Revised drafts will be graded in the final portfolio. A Final Word of Advice Writing is hard work, and good writing requires steadfast attention to all elements of craft. Be prepared to write, read, revise, consider comments on your work, read, write, and revise again. Keep an open mind and be willing to take risks. Never take criticism of your work personally--separate yourself from the words on the page so that you can improve your writing. Schedule of Classes (subject to change): January 31 Introduction and Syllabus February 7 Introduction to Creative Writing: Forms February 14 Fiction Writers Handbook: The Usable Past, Notebooks and Diaries Cousins, Jo Ann Beard Serving in Florida, Barbara Ehrenreich Distribute copies February 21 Nonfiction Workshop Distribute copies February 28 Nonfiction Workshop March 6 Introduction to Fiction: The Short Story Customs of the Country, Madison Smartt Bell The Fiction Writers Handbook: Some Introductory Material March 13 Fiction: The Short Story The Man Who Knew Belle Starr, Richard Bausch The Fiction Writers Handbook: Elements of Fiction Distribute Copies March 20 Fiction Workshop Death By Landscape, Margaret Atwood Distribute Copies March 27 NO CLASS--SPRING BREAK April 3 Fiction Workshop Short story of your choice, author of your choice Distribute copies April 10 Fiction Workshop April 17 Introduction to Poetry Nine Gates: Poetry and the Mind of Concentration April 24 Nine Gates: Poetry and the Mind of Indirection Distribute copies May 1 Poetry Workshop Distribute copies May 8 Poetry Workshop May 15 Poetry Reading & Final Portfolio due     EFQaq * : O Z d x e #J\u /Uh'(+?3bv # L T !"?"$ϽϽϽϽhp$>*CJOJQJaJhp$6CJOJQJ]aJ"hp$>*B*CJOJQJaJph+jhp$>*B*CJOJQJUaJphhp$CJOJQJaJhp$5CJOJQJ\aJ?-EFa* O c d x e  rY1 ^`ddh$a$:6s#\  /TUh*+?Gd^h^h ^`G34`abv  K L ""$$w$$ ^`d$$B$C$R$S$w$x$$$$$$$%%%%E%g%&&(u)~**g,h,q,,-4466a6x678888888889'9N9`9999%:O:m:::::::;˾˯˯˯˾˯˯˯˯˯˯ˠˠˠ˯˯ˠˠˠˠˠhp$6CJOJQJ]aJhp$5CJOJQJ\aJhp$>*CJOJQJaJhp$CJOJQJaJ"hp$>*B*CJOJQJaJph+jhp$>*B*CJOJQJUaJph?$D%E%&&&&(')'(())}**g,h,p,q,,,,,,,,,--d-3/4/5/l/////0K0o0000+1P1q11111)2h2i2222 3d 3T3k3333484Q4444444_6a6x67788=8>8t8u888 d^d89'9(9J9`9a99999%:':K:|:::::;$;%;G;H;d;;;;;;;#;h;;;;;<%<&<3<?<b<c<g<x<<<<<<<<<<<<===== hp$KHhp$jhp$Uhp$6CJOJQJ]aJhp$CJOJQJaJhp$5CJOJQJ\aJ;;&<(<c<y<z<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<====== H$d800P/ =!"#$% Dpf 666666666vvvvvvvvv666666>6666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666hH6666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666662 0@P`p2( 0@P`p 0@P`p 0@P`p 0@P`p 0@P`p 0@P`p8XV~OJQJ_HmH nH sH tH \`\ Normald1$5$H$ CJKH^J_HaJmH sH tH DA`D Default Paragraph FontVi@V 0 Table Normal :V 44 la (k ( 0No List R@R  u0 Balloon Text dCJOJQJ^JaJR/R  u0Balloon Text CharCJKHOJQJ^JaJPK![Content_Types].xmlN0EH-J@%ǎǢ|ș$زULTB l,3;rØJB+$G]7O٭V$ !)O^rC$y@/yH*񄴽)޵߻UDb`}"qۋJחX^)I`nEp)liV[]1M<OP6r=zgbIguSebORD뛟qu gZf~ٺlAplxpT0+[}`jzAV2Fi@qv֬5\|ʜ̭NleXdsjcs7f W+Ն7`g ȘJj|h(KD- dXiJ؇(x$( :;˹! I_TS 1?E??ZBΪmU/?~xY'y5g&΋/ɋ>GMGeD3Vq%'#q$8K)fw9:ĵ x}rxwr:\TZaG*y8IjbRc|XŻǿI u3KGnD1NIBs RuK>V.EL+M2#'fi ~V vl{u8zH *:(W☕ ~JTe\O*tHGHY}KNP*ݾ˦TѼ9/#A7qZ$*c?qUnwN%Oi4 =3N)cbJ uV4(Tn 7_?m-ٛ{UBw6A)&!bvU,޲"zbf5fkpέV9pyahRCBT~CmEBd Adm0iRִY뤭o|O[KvEssr"Yر[hjq~11_8z L&;CL@[f_PK! ѐ'theme/theme/_rels/themeManager.xml.relsM 0wooӺ&݈Э5 6?$Q ,.aic21h:qm@RN;d`o7gK(M&$R(.1r'JЊT8V"AȻHu}|$b{P8g/]QAsم(#L[PK-![Content_Types].xmlPK-!֧6 0_rels/.relsPK-!kytheme/theme/themeManager.xmlPK-!štheme/theme/theme1.xmlPK-! ѐ' theme/theme/_rels/themeManager.xml.relsPK] 5T $;=#(G$- 38;= !"$%&')'BRw5XXXXX8@0(  B S  ?W`Q[w}(6=gkSThw2A%M% **,,,,1111444444444444555? ]j(( 0/011/292222244444444455333333333333(SwQ,Q,,,,,,,45p$ u44ColorPosColorSetStylePosStyleSet-1-1-1-1@5@UnknownG*Ax Times New Roman5Symbol3. *Cx Arial7.@ Calibri5. .[`)TahomaA$BCambria Math"h3'3'3' - ` - `!xx244KHP  $P u2!xx Gabriel RabanalGabriel RabanalOh+'0<x   $,4Gabriel RabanalNormalGabriel Rabanal2Microsoft Office Word@F#@v@F@F  -՜.+,D՜.+,, hp|  `4  Title 8@ _PID_HLINKSA<q+ http://www.poetryflash.org/ L "http://www.pcsj.org/calendar.htmlp:http://www.litarts.org/Db#http://sa.sjsu.edu/student_conductmailto:leah.griesmann@sjsu.edu  !"#$%&'()*,-./0123456789;<=>?@ACDEFGHILRoot Entry FN1Table+WordDocument:TSummaryInformation(:DocumentSummaryInformation8BCompObjr  F Microsoft Word 97-2003 Document MSWordDocWord.Document.89q