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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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