20801244Creative Writing/Non Fiction
Course Information
Description
Students merge literary techniques with the skills of reportage to develop works of creative non-fiction. Reading assignments allow students to become familiar with principles and practices of literary non-fiction. Class meetings follow a workshop format.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Create Original Works of Creative Non-Fiction: Write original non-fiction, demonstrating a commitment to factual accuracy and genre-specific conventions
    Assessment Strategies
    Written creative works
    Criteria
    Write original pieces in non-fiction subgenres such as memoir, personal essay, literary journalism, and lyric essays
    Apply creative writing techniques such as dialogue, setting, description, point of view, while maintaining factual accuracy
    Develop compelling concepts and real-life narratives drawn from personal experience, observation, or research
    Ensure ethical representation of people and events

  2. Develop Writing Techniques: Apply essential techniques such as scene, dialogue, characterization, pacing, and description to shape non-fiction narratives
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Build vivid scenes using concrete imagery and sensory detail to engage readers.
    Use authentic dialogue to enhance character depth and narrative realism.
    Apply narrative suitable to the subject matter and style
    Develop characters (who are real people) with complexity and nuance, avoiding stereotypes or oversimplification
    Control pacing and rhythm to support tone and story arc

  3. Develop Voice and Style: Create an authentic narrative voice and personal style through experimentation, feedback, and reflection
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Experiment with different narrative point of views
    Develop a consistent and recognizable voice that reflects the writer’s perspective, tone, and values
    Explore the use of figurative language and style to enhance the impact
    Shift tone depending on audience, purpose, or subgenre
    Balance personal reflection with broader relevance or insight

  4. Use the Writing Process: Implement stages of the writing process, from idea generation to polished final drafts
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Use brainstorming tools (e.g., free writing, memory mapping, interviews, research logs) to develop creative non-fiction pieces
    Create at least two drafts
    Revise for structure, clarity, and progression of thought
    Edit for clarity
    Proofread for mechanics, grammar, and syntax
    Revise language and style to improve narrative flow and detail, in order to ensure cohesion and accuracy

  5. Peer Review and Feedback: Use and generate feedback to improve drafts
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Self-Assessment, and/or Discussion
    Criteria
    Create specific feedback grounded in observation
    Generate/ask neutral questions to help writers interpret how readers evaluate their pieces
    Analyze peers’ use of narrative techniques such as voice, pacing, and structure
    Analyze constructive criticism, recognizing areas for revision
    Demonstrate effective listening, speaking, and or writing within peer work group

  6. Revise and Edit Work: Use instructor and peer feedback to improve final drafts
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Revise structural elements such as story arc, transitions, and narrative flow
    Edit tone, diction, and sentence structure
    Demonstrate command of grammar, punctuation, and mechanics
    Demonstrate narrative integrity
    Revise voice and stylistic choices
    Final, polished drafts show evidence of cohesiveness and improvement from earlier versions

  7. Reflect on Writing Practices: Analyze your non-fiction writing process and growth as a writer, setting goals for future improvement
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Explain how specific feedback informed your writing habits
    Goals are actionable and address specific non-fiction techniques (e.g., improving dialogue, deepening character portrayal, enhancing structure)
    Articulate the relationship between personal identity, experience, and writing voice
    Use reflection as a tool for self-assessment and long-term creative planning

  8. Contribute to Creative Communities: Collaborate with other non-fiction writers
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, and/or Graphic
    Criteria
    Provide written and verbal feedback during workshops
    Generate comments on peers’ work
    Revise your work based on feedback and be open to receiving feedback
    Explain strategies for submitting poetry to campus literary journals or external venues
    Show interest in the broader literary environment beyond your own work

  9. Analyze Published Creative Non-Fiction
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Analysis, Oral, and/or Skill Demonstration (reading)
    Criteria
    Identify the key elements of narrative structure, theme, tone, and voice in published creative non-fiction
    Analyze how authors navigate ethical issues, factual accuracy, and creative liberties
    Discuss how personal and cultural identities influence the content and form of creative nonfiction writing
    Evaluate the effectiveness of specific craft choices in relation to audience and purpose
    Contextualize the work within broader literary, historical, or social frameworks