20801240Creative Writing
Course Information
Description
Students learn to manage the creative process through exercises and activities that lead to short stories and poetry; drama and creative non-fiction may be addressed as well. Reading assignments allow students to become familiar with principles and practices of various genres of creative writing and classroom activities prepare students for participating in workshop discussions.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Create Original Pieces of Writing: Demonstrate creativity and effective application of genre conventions
    Assessment Strategies
    Written creative works
    Criteria
    Create original pieces in at least two different genres (e.g., poetry, short stories, plays, and/or creative nonfiction)
    Adapt writing style and techniques to fit the conventions and expectations of each genre
    Develop unique and imaginative ideas, characters, and settings, reflecting originality
    Employ new concepts and narrative and/or lyrical approaches
    Identify the conventions and key elements specific to each genre of writing
    Use structures, themes, tones, and stylistic choices that align with the genre's norms and enhance the overall impact of the writing

  2. Develop Writing Techniques: Use fundamental writing techniques such as imagery, rhythm, dialogue, and narrative structure
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Develop vivid and descriptive imagery in writing to create a strong sense of place, character, or emotion
    Use sensory details that engage readers' senses and enhance the overall narrative
    Demonstrate rhythm in writing, ensuring that the flow of lines, sentences, and paragraphs contribute to the overall pacing, mood, and/or lyric of the piece
    Apply craft techniques, according to genre conventions such as rhyme/rhythm, line, attention to language, exposition, character development, and engaging dialogue
    Articulate how craft choices contribute to readers’ experiences

  3. Explore Voice and Style: Demonstrate a unique writing voice and style, experimenting with different techniques and approaches
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Practice various writing techniques, such as different narrative perspectives, sentence structures, and literary devices (e.g., metaphors, similes, alliteration)
    Be willing to try new approaches to discover what best suits your unique voice and style
    Develop a consistent and authentic writing voice that reflects personal style and perspective
    Integrate a distinct tone and manner of expression that is recognizable and genuine throughout the creative pieces
    Demonstrate versatility by writing in various forms (e.g., poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, drama) while maintaining unique voice and stylistic elements

  4. Use the Writing Process: Implement stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, revising, and finalizing
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Generate imaginative ideas through creative brainstorming techniques (e.g., mind mapping, free writing, character sketches)
    Show evidence of experimenting with different concepts and selecting the most compelling ones for creative pieces
    Create initial drafts that outline the main ideas, structure, and content of creative pieces
    Pieces are coherent and engaging
    Drafts incorporate essential elements such as plot, character development, setting, imagery, sound devices, and thematic depth
    Evaluate drafts
    Implement substantial changes
    Revise language and style to enhance imagery, rhythm, dialogue, and narrative coherence
    Revise the work into a final polished piece suitable for publication or presentation

  5. Peer Review and Feedback: Use and generate feedback to improve your writing
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, Self-Assessment, and/or Discussion
    Criteria
    Create clear, specific, and actionable feedback that addresses particular aspects of the writing
    Feedback focuses on craft, including but not limited to line breaks, pacing, enjambment, alliteration, thick description
    Critique the effectiveness of imagery and descriptive language used in the writing
    Assess how well the writer paints a picture with words and evokes emotions
    Evaluate the depth and believability of characters, personas, and the natural flow of dialogue
    Assess the overall structure and pacing of the story/poem
    Create specific feedback that is constructive and kind Generate/ask neutral, clarifying questions to better interpret the poem with a focus on improvement Analyze constructive criticism, recognizing areas for revision Demonstrate effective listening, speaking, and/or writing within peer work group

  6. Revise and Edit: Apply revision and editing strategies to improve your writing, focusing on clarity, coherence, and style
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Revise work by addressing structural issues such as line breaks (poetry), stanzas (poetry), pacing, plot, character development (fiction and creative non-fiction), and overall coherence
    Multiple drafts show evidence of improvement
    Apply editing strategies to improve writing style, ensuring that tone, word choice, and sentence structure align with the intended idea and voice of the piece
    Illustrate clear attention to stylistic elements like rhythm, diction, and voice
    Use proofreading strategies, such as checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors

  7. Reflect on Writing Practices: Analyze your writing practices and growth as writers, setting goals for future improvement
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Analyze your writing process, identifying strengths, challenges, and patterns
    Recognize specific areas of improvement and future areas of improvement and growth
    Incorporate feedback received in workshops, from peers, instructors, or previous work
    Set clear, actionable goals for your development as a writer
    Goals address specific aspects of writing (such as figurative language, sound/tone, structure, voice, or character development) or broader objectives in terms of craft
    Goals include strategies for ongoing self-improvement and development
    Apply constructive criticism or personal reflections in subsequent drafts or projects, highlighting a progression in your writing skills and creative approach

  8. Contribute to Creative Communities: Collaborate with other writers to contribute to full-class workshops and/or small group peer review
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Provide written and verbal feedback during class workshops or small group, peer review sessions
    Generate comments on peers' work
    Revise your work based on feedback and be open to receiving feedback
    Show interest in the broader literary environment beyond your own work
    Explain strategies for sharing and submitting work to literary journals and seeking opportunities for publication or other public showcases

  9. Analyze Published Works of Creative Writing
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral, Graphic, Self-Assessment, and/or Skill Demonstration (reading)
    Criteria
    Study/read various genres and styles of creative writing
    Identify key themes, motifs, imagery, conflict/tension, point of view, and symbols
    Explain the structure, style, techniques, and craft used by authors
    Evaluate the effectiveness of literary devices
    Explain the historical and social contexts of the works studied
    Examine how historical events, cultural movements, and social issues might influence the themes and styles of creative writing
    Analyze elements of craft, including plot development, character creation, and narrative voice
    Explore the author's creative process and decision-making