Syllabus

The proposition: I want each student to recognize at least a glimpse of their inner voice, develop a small preference for a genre they are inclined toward, and develop a working familiarity with literary terms and processes.
On the Syllabus: Congratulations! If you are scanning this syllabus you are more than likely enrolled in Introduction to Creative Writing. In this class you will be reading for pleasure and writing for enjoyment. As students you will be reading a collage of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. You will explore various crafting techniques and literary vocabulary that introduce you to the basic foundation of writing. You will complete a final project of your choice (I’ll provide options, wise-guys) and will speak up during class discussion (a shy whisper is certainly permissible but remember a non-existent voice is no fun and disrespectful to your classmates and the author we are studying).
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The Proposition: I want students to feel confident and in command of the subject. Engaging in classroom discussion is a must. I also want students to feel comfortable about approaching me during office hours. Gaining a simple understanding of the history, influences and roots of a genre or the piece of literature that we are studying is also important. I would like to do ½ lecture and ½ discussion or workshop.

On the Syllabus: I will introduce the history, influences, and roots of the reading or author at the beginning of each class. During the second half of the class you will engage in discussion or workshop. Your thorough preparation and enthusiasm is necessary in maintaining a strong and invigorating learning environment. Remember to respect others when commenting; your words are powerful and may impact your peers in a positive or negative way. If you have any questions or want further discussion of a topic sign up for office hours and I’ll try to be as helpful as possible.
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The Proposition: I want the class to complete a proposal outline and a final draft of the actual project i.e. chapbook, short story. A steady progression of work throughout the course of a semester will develop discipline and be rewarding when the student sees their final project.

On the Syllabus: You are expected to participate to the best of your ability in all class requirements. Specifically you are responsible for all writing exercises, providing positive and constructive feedback on your peers writing, and completion of a final project. You should come to class having read the assigned material. No ifs, ands, buts, or maybes, will be accepted and I reserve the right to give an unexpected and unplanned “pop” quiz. To be a good writer one must be well read, therefore you should not be alarmed by the word “quiz”.
Above all I want you to have fun. I am flexible and when presented with a well-thought argument I am more than willing to negotiate the terms and conditions of this syllabus.
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The Proposition: I’m worried that students won’t stay motivated and may think that the class is dragging or lacking in material students can relate to.

On the Syllabus: I will limit my lectures to the first twenty minutes of the class on the day that a new piece of literature has been assigned. If time permits I will integrate outside sources like film and music into the class agenda. More importantly I am committed to providing each student the opportunity to workshop a significant portion of their final project.
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The proposition: Knowledge is power. I want students to develop an affinity for flipping open a page. I want students to find universal themes, specifically using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, in literature that is considered to be more popular culture and those considered to be more academic. Finding a happy medium is ideal.

On the Syllabus: Please refer to the assignment page in this syllabus for reading due dates. The literature read in this class will provoke thought that centers on class, morality, racial tension, and the loss of innocence.