This course is a process-based approach to understanding the craft, tools, and techniques that inform successful creative writing. During this semester we will make a focused study of three genres of creative writing: poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. You will write in each of these genres and you will have the opportunity to study a selection of readings from each genre. However, a course like this can never hope to be exhaustive. Our goal this semester is to begin a conversation about creativity and communication, including the best practices writers can use to develop their skills.

In lieu of a textbook, I have selected readings for the class that are available on Canvas. You are required to print hard copies of these readings and bring them to class on the day they are assigned.

• Pen & paper (bring every day)

Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is the capacity to combine or synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways and the experience of thinking, reacting, and working in an imaginative way characterized by a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.

Communication

Written communication is the development and expression of ideas in writing. In this class we will focus specifically on content development, responding to large-scale ideas; genre conventions, an understanding of the expectations and conventions of creative writing; and control of syntax and mechanics, our proficiency with the tools we as writers have.

Assignment Alignment to Outcomes

Writing Assignments (40%)

Each week during the term, you will complete a formal writing assignment related to poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. These assignments will require you to try out new forms, experiment with language, and practice specific writing techniques and forms.

Readings & Reading Responses (20%)

A good writer must also be a good reader; because of that, you will do a lot of reading in this class. The readings are closely tied into the weekly writing exercises, so it’s important to keep up. Complete every reading carefully and annotate each reading, highlighting and noting specific techniques and how you might use those techniques in your own writing.

When you complete the assigned readings, you will be able to make valuable contributions to the class discussion—and class discussion is a big part of your participation grade in the class (see below). Bring copies of the reading (printed out, for the readings on Canvas) to class on the day we are discussing them. I will assign planned reading responses in addition to giving unscheduled, spontaneous reading quizzes in class.

In-class Writing Exercises (10%)

Periodically we will use in-class time to practice writing skills you will need to build in order to successfully complete the major writing assignments. To receive full credit for the writing exercises, you will need to be in class on the day they are scheduled.

Beautiful Sentences (15%)

Good writers pay attention to language and analyze beautiful writing to figure out how it works and how to replicate it. Throughout the semester, keep track of sentences from the readings that you feel are beautiful or impressive in some way. You will complete two main beautiful sentence "reports," all of which will give you the opportunity to analyze how effective writing works and how you have implemented effective writing methods in your own writing.

Class Participation (10%)

This course is designed around your active participation. First, you should prepare for class by completing the readings carefully (well enough that you can easily recall and discuss information from the material). Because the concepts we discuss in class are directly connected to assignments, you should also take notes to help you complete assignments successfully.

In addition to preparing for class and taking notes, you are required to participate regularly in discussions and other class activities, like group work and in-class writing. Remaining attentive and asking questions also help show your engagement in class. Demonstrate respect for others by listening when other people are speaking. Avoid distracting, disruptive behaviors such as doing outside work, sleeping, and improper technology usage (see technology policy below).

Attendance (5%)

Attendance counts as five percent of your final grade, with the attendance grade dropping for every class missed. Official University-excused absences for academic events are the only exceptions to this. Academic events include competitions (related to a major or an academic department), fine arts performances, course-related field trips, and conferences associated with professional organizations and honor societies. Note that if you want your absences "excused," I need to be notified directly from your coach or advisor prior to your absence(s).

You will receive five "free" absences, which will be applied at the end of the semester.

Note: I may make adjustments to assignments and point totals, but I will announce any changes in class and make corresponding adjustments on Canvas.

Grading Scale

A=93 to 100%; A-=92.9 to 90%; B+=87 to 89.9%; B=83 to 86.9%; B-=80 to 82.9%; C+=77 to 79.9%; C=73 to 76.9%; C-= 70 to 72.9%; D+=67 to 69.9%; D=63 to 66.9%; D-=60 to 62.9%; F=0 to 59.

• Poetry Unit 1: Wednesday, Aug. 27 – Wednesday, Sept. 10
• Creative Nonfiction Unit 1: Friday, Sept. 12 – Wednesday, Sept. 24
• Fiction Unit 1: Friday, Sept. 26 – Friday, Oct. 10
• Poetry Unit 2: Wednesday, Oct. 15 – Monday, Oct. 27
• Creative Nonfiction Unit 2: Wednesday, Oct. 29 – Wednesday, Nov. 10
• Fiction Unit 2: Friday, Nov. 17 – Friday, Dec. 5

Late Work may be submitted up to two weeks after the original assignment due date; however, they will receive a 20% deduction. After two weeks, assignments will be locked. If you are struggling or experiencing extenuating circumstances and need an extension on a particular assignment, contact me before the assignment is due and we will set an alternate deadline. Also, note that I do not give feedback on late assignments.

Attendance and Absences

Attendance counts as five percent of your final grade, with the attendance grade dropping for every class missed. Official University-excused absences for academic events are the only exceptions to this. Academic events include competitions (related to a major or an academic department), fine arts performances, course-related field trips, and conferences associated with professional organizations and honor societies. Note that if you want your absences "excused," I need to be notified directly from your coach or advisor prior to your absence(s).

You will receive five "free" absences, which will be applied at the end of the semester.

Missing Class

To answer your question in advance, yes, we did something important while you were absent!

• If you are absent for any reason, you are still responsible for the material covered and assignments due during those missed classes. Arrange to get notes from a classmate to fill you in on any information you missed. If you have questions about the class material after getting notes from a classmate, email me or stop by during office hours.
• If you have any medical, psychological, or learning disability condition that might prevent you from regular attendance, you must go through the SUU Disability Resource Center to receive accommodations. If you are experiencing symptoms related to your condition, you must contact the DRC, and they will notify me to excuse your absence on that day. Please note: Having an accommodations letter does not automatically excuse you from class — you must contact the DRC every time you need an absence excused due to your condition.
• If you are experiencing a major conflict preventing you from attending class regularly, like extended illness or family obligations, please keep me informed and updated. Also be aware that you should not take classes that conflict with your work schedule, this one included.

Technology

For the most part, this will be a strictly pen-and-paper class. You must print readings and bring hard copies on the days they are due. Keep cell phones on silent and in your bag. No headphones or earbuds. On certain days, I will allow laptops for in-class writing; I will notify you which days you can bring and use laptops.

Schedule

A detailed course schedule is available on Canvas. The Canvas schedule includes readings and assignments, and it will designate which class periods will be face to face and which will be online. You are responsible to keep up with the schedule, so check it often. As I mentioned above, I might make changes to the schedule and assignments; if I do so, I will update Canvas and announce changes in class.

Length & Format Requirements

Each assignment will be accompanied by a required length. For poetry assignments, you will have a word count; for prose (fiction and nonfiction), there will be a page length requirement. An assignment may exceed the length requirement (within reason) but will receive a deduction for failing to reach the minimum page length.

All assignments must be double spaced, with size 12 font (using Times New Roman font, or something similar in size) and one-inch margins. Your name and class info should appear on the first page.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism of any kind is a violation of SUU's academic honesty policy (*see below for additional university policies). Any of the following constitute plagiarism:

• Submitting another person's work as your own.
• Copying work from another student in class (for quizzes and other in-class assignments).
• Submitting your own work from another class (double dipping) without prior approval.
• Submitting work that was generated by A.I. without prior approval (see below).

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Within this course, all submitted assignments should be written, developed, created, or inspired by you. If any work is created by artificial intelligence (AI) it will be considered plagiarized work and a violation of SUU Policy 6.33: Academic Misconduct. This could result in a failing grade to disciplinary action through the Dean of Students’ Office. AI is an evolving technology and will impact our academic, professional, and personal lives. It is important that as part of your education, you learn to critically think, create, and evaluate products/assignments.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and BingAI, are not allowed to be used in this class. Although the use of these types of tools may be allowed in other classes or are used professionally, this class will focus on learning foundations without the aid of generative AI. Any perceived use of generative AI will be investigated for possible submission to the university as cheating.