The Craft of Creation: An English Creative Writing Syllabus

This syllabus outlines an introductory yet intensive workshop-driven course designed to immerse students in the foundational elements of creative writing. Drawing upon selected readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, this course provides both a theoretical understanding and practical application of aht model methods and genres. Through a rigorous workshop process, students will learn to plan, write, critique, and revise their own original work, alongside the work of their peers. The ultimate aim is to equip students with the essential tools to discover and hone their individual voices, setting a trajectory for continued growth as writers.

Course Description: An Invitation to Write

This course serves as an initial exploration into the art and practice of creative writing, with a specific focus on original poetry and fiction. Students will engage with a curated selection of readings from poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, analyzing the various methods and genres employed by established writers. The core of the learning experience will revolve around a workshop format, where students actively participate in planning, drafting, critiquing, and revising their own creative pieces and those of their classmates. We will delve into fundamental creative writing concepts such as character development, setting establishment, and narrative construction, applying these principles directly to our own creations in creative nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. The workshop critiques will be instrumental in refining these pieces in preparation for a final assessment. This course is designed to initiate the crucial process of students identifying and developing their unique writing voices and charting their future paths in writing, skills that will be further cultivated in subsequent courses and through independent practice.

Learning Objectives: Becoming a Writer

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the fundamentals of creative writing: Grasp the core principles and techniques that underpin effective creative expression across various genres.
Comprehend the genres of creative nonfiction, poetry, and fiction: Develop a nuanced understanding of the distinct characteristics, conventions, and possibilities within each of these literary forms.
Effectively draft, revise, and workshop pieces of creative writing: Gain proficiency in the iterative process of writing, from initial conception to polished final drafts, incorporating constructive feedback.
Engage critically with the writing of others: Learn to analyze and offer insightful feedback on peer work, discerning its strengths, weaknesses, and artistic intentions in accordance with each piece’s specific goals and function.
Articulate the utility of particular genres and techniques: Develop the ability to explain and justify the use of specific literary devices, genre conventions, and stylistic choices to achieve desired writing outcomes.

The Workshop Model: A Collaborative Crucible

The cornerstone of this course is the workshop model. This pedagogical approach recognizes that writing is a process, and that valuable insights often emerge from collaborative engagement. Students will be expected to actively participate in every stage of the workshop, from preparing their own work for critique to offering thoughtful and constructive feedback on the work of their peers. This collaborative environment is designed to foster a sense of community and shared learning, where constructive criticism is viewed not as personal attack, but as an essential tool for growth.

The Art of Critique: Giving and Receiving Feedback

Critiquing is a skill that will be honed throughout the semester. Students will learn to approach each piece with an open mind, considering its individual goals and the writer's intentions. The "pat/slap" method, which encourages a balance of positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions, will be a guiding principle. Commentary on a peer's work should aim to be insightful and valuable, moving beyond superficial reactions to offer specific observations about what makes the piece effective and where it might be improved. Negative comments should always be presented in a supportive and encouraging manner, focusing on the craft and potential for revision. This process requires careful listening, respect for differing perspectives, and a willingness to examine one's own assumptions. The goal is not necessarily agreement, but a deeper understanding of the work and its possibilities.

Preparing for Workshop: A Writer's Responsibility

To ensure the workshop functions effectively, students have specific responsibilities. When submitting their own work for critique, they must provide enough copies for every member of the class. While "correct" manuscript style typically dictates double-spacing, for the purpose of workshop and to manage copying costs, single-spacing and double-sided printing are permissible. The submission will consist of the current draft of a short story or essay. The following week, during the scheduled workshop session, the piece will be discussed by the class. Students are also required to provide a written critique for each peer's work. This critique should include marginalia directly on the manuscript and a separate, typed, double-spaced page of summary notes (approximately 200-300 words). This summary should be divided into two to three paragraphs, offering overall comments on what made the piece work, areas where it could be improved, and specific suggestions for revision. It is imperative that these critiques are typed; handwritten notes suggest a lack of preparation and thoughtful consideration.

Genres of Exploration: The Pillars of Creative Writing

This course will delve into three primary genres of creative writing: creative nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. Each genre offers unique opportunities for expression and demands specific craft considerations.

Fiction: Crafting Worlds and Lives

In fiction, we will explore the essential elements that bring stories to life. This includes the development of compelling characters, the creation of vivid and immersive settings, and the construction of engaging plots. Students will learn how to imbue their narratives with conflict, tension, and emotional resonance, moving beyond simple storytelling to craft artful representations of human experience. We will examine various narrative techniques, points of view, and stylistic choices that contribute to a story's overall impact.

Poetry: The Power of Language and Image

Poetry offers a unique space for conciseness, intensity, and emotional depth. Students will explore the musicality of language, the evocative power of imagery, and the strategic use of figurative language. We will investigate different poetic forms, from traditional structures to free verse, and learn how to harness meter, rhythm, and sound devices to create powerful and memorable poems. The focus will be on how poets use language to explore themes, evoke feelings, and offer fresh perspectives on the world.

Creative Nonfiction: Truth, Art, and Narrative

Creative nonfiction blurs the lines between factual reporting and literary artistry. Students will learn how to tell true stories with the narrative techniques and stylistic flair typically associated with fiction. This genre demands a commitment to accuracy while embracing the tools of storytelling to create engaging and meaningful narratives. We will explore memoir, personal essays, literary journalism, and other forms of creative nonfiction, focusing on how writers use their own experiences and observations to illuminate larger truths.

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Course Structure and Assessment: A Journey of Revision

The course is structured around a series of writing assignments, workshop sessions, and readings, culminating in a final portfolio. The emphasis throughout is on the iterative process of revision, recognizing that a writer's work is rarely perfect in its first iteration.

Required Readings: Learning from the Masters

While there is no single required textbook, all necessary reading materials will be provided through handouts or accessible via the course's online platform. The reading assignments are not merely for comprehension but are intended to be studied as a writer would study them - to learn from successful writers the craft of creative writing. The course motto, "The more you read, the more you will write," underscores the importance of this engagement. Students will learn to identify and analyze the techniques employed by accomplished authors, applying these lessons to their own work.

Assignments and Grading: Measuring Growth

The overall assessment of student progress will be based on a combination of factors, reflecting the multifaceted nature of creative writing development.

In-Class Writing and Exercises (100 points): Throughout the semester, various in-class writing exercises and short assignments will be given. These are designed to encourage spontaneous creativity, practice specific techniques, and foster a sense of community. Failure to complete these exercises will impact the overall score. As these are in-class activities, they are generally not eligible for make-up.
Workshop Critiques (100 points): The quality of the written critiques submitted for peer workshops is crucial. This grade will be based on the insightfulness, thoroughness, and constructiveness of the feedback provided, as well as active spoken participation during workshop discussions. Engaging thoughtfully with classmates' work is as important as developing one's own.
Outside Writing Event/Book Critique (100 points): Students are required to attend at least one external literary event during the semester. This could include a reading by a visiting writer, a poetry slam, or a literary panel. A one-page report on the event, detailing observations and reflections, must be submitted. This requirement encourages engagement with the broader literary community and provides an opportunity to analyze writing in a live context.
Participation (100 points): Beyond simple attendance, active and engaged participation is vital. This includes asking questions during lectures, contributing to class discussions, and actively participating in workshops. Students are encouraged to be active agents in their learning, shaping the direction of the class through their inquiries and contributions.
Final Chapbook and Reading (500 points): The culmination of the course is a revised chapbook, comprising poetry, a creative nonfiction essay, and a short story. These pieces should represent substantial revisions from the drafts workshopped earlier in the semester. The grading of this portfolio will focus on the strength of the revisions, demonstrating growth and mastery of craft, as well as adherence to proper manuscript formatting. The expectation is that revisions go beyond mere proofreading and involve significant development of the work.

Attendance and Punctuality: The Foundation of Engagement

Attendance is mandatory and directly impacts the final grade. Students are allowed three "free" absences. Beyond this, each subsequent absence will result in a deduction of approximately one-third of a letter grade (around 33 points out of a total of 1000). Accumulating fifteen absences will result in automatic failure of the course. Lateness and leaving class early will be considered partial absences and will affect both attendance and participation grades. Students are expected to arrive on time and remain for the entire class period, unless prior arrangements have been made.

Late Assignments: Respecting the Process

Late assignments are disruptive to the learning environment for all students. Therefore, stories or assignments submitted past the deadline will be penalized, typically by a reduction of one letter grade or more. It is the student's responsibility to manage their time effectively and submit all work on schedule.

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Conferences: Personalized Guidance

Individual conferences with the instructor will be scheduled to discuss student work and progress. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities for personalized feedback and guidance. While scheduled appointments are preferred, impromptu meetings may be possible if the instructor is available.

Classroom Culture: A Space for Respect and Growth

A productive and supportive classroom environment is essential for creative exploration. Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect and maturity, fostering an atmosphere where diverse viewpoints can be shared and debated constructively.

Respectful Dialogue: The Heart of Collaboration

Disagreements are natural and even valuable in a critical discussion. However, healthy dialogue requires careful listening, respect for other people's perspectives, and a willingness to examine one's own assumptions. Disagreement should never devolve into dismissal or personal attack. Students are encouraged to maintain an open and inquisitive mind, recognizing that intellectual discomfort can be a catalyst for learning and growth. The aim is not necessarily to reach universal agreement, but to cultivate a deeper understanding of the work and the diverse ways it can be interpreted.

Technology Use: Minimizing Distractions

Cell phones and pagers should be turned off or set to vibrate mode during class. Texting is strictly prohibited. During workshops, laptops should be closed. The focus during these sessions should be on the written work and active participation in discussion, not on digital distractions.

Academic Integrity: Honesty and Originality

The work submitted for this course is subject to the Student Honor Code. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences, including potential failure of the course. Students are responsible for understanding what constitutes plagiarism and for ensuring that all submitted work is their own original creation. Plagiarism detection software may be utilized.

Content and Subject Matter: Embracing Diversity, Avoiding Pitfalls

The instructor welcomes a wide range of content, subject matter, and genre in student work. However, certain types of content require careful consideration to ensure they serve the narrative and are not gratuitous.

Erotica: While a market for erotica exists, blatant erotica intended solely to titillate or shock is discouraged. Sexual content must be integral to the story and serve a clear narrative purpose.
Violence: Gratuitous violence, presented for shock value or glorification, should be avoided. Physical confrontation is acceptable when it is essential to the plot and serves the story's development.
Profanity: While the instructor does not personally object to the use of coarse language when appropriate for the narrative, its use should be judicious and purposeful.
Fan Fiction: Writing based on existing copyrighted works (e.g., popular books, movies, TV shows) is generally discouraged. This type of writing can limit the development of original characters, worlds, and settings, and may also raise copyright concerns.
Personal Names: Students should avoid using the names of classmates, friends, or family members in their work unless there is a very strong reason and explicit permission has been obtained.
Clichéd Endings: "Surprise" endings and "joke" endings are often ineffective and should be approached with extreme caution.
Overused Tropes: Certain narrative tropes, such as the "abused child as excuse" for villainy, terrorists from the Middle East, spy stories in a post-Cold War era, haunted houses, or fantasy elements like dragons and elves, have become overused. While not entirely forbidden, their use requires a highly original approach and a deep understanding of the genre to avoid cliché.

Accommodations and Support: Ensuring Equity for All

Northern Kentucky University and Brooklyn College are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Special Needs and Disabilities: Accessing Support

Students who require accommodations due to a disability must contact the relevant Disability Services office at the beginning of the semester. Documentation authorizing accommodations must be provided to the instructor as soon as possible, before any assignments requiring accommodations are undertaken.

Student Bereavement Policy: Navigating Difficult Times

Students experiencing the death of a loved one should contact the Division of Student Affairs to discuss available bereavement procedures and potential leave of absence options.

Health and Well-being: Resources for Students

Campus health clinics offer primary care services, and counseling centers provide individual and group counseling, emergency support, and other mental health resources. These services are available to all enrolled students.

Immigrant and LGBTQ+ Support: Dedicated Resources

Specialized offices exist to support immigrant students and students identifying within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, offering academic, non-academic, and personal support services.

Harassment and Discrimination: Commitment to a Safe Environment

Both institutions are committed to fostering a safe, equitable, and productive learning environment, free from harassment and discrimination. Procedures are in place for reporting and addressing such concerns.

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