Course Description:

Study of the fundamentals of good writing in a variety of genres (may include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama). Focus on the connection between reading and writing. Analysis of professional and student writing.

Prerequisites:

Prerequisites: ENG 103-104

Textbooks: Selected Readings and Attendance at Events will be announced in class.

Statement of Plagiarism:

If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel finds that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances.

Withdrawal from Classes:

After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. Written request for withdrawal must be received by the Registrar by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed. Note: Degree Completion Division (DCD) students should consult the DCD Student Handbook for information on DCD withdrawals.

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a

course without written permission automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see

Refund Schedule).

Class Policy on Attendance: In accordance with English program policy, any student missing more than nine (9) hours of class will receive an F. These nine hours include both excused and unexcused absences. Please be aware these hours include birthdays, sports events, illness, work, etc. If a problem arises with your absences, please come and talk to me immediately.

Class Policy For Assignments: All assignments must be handed in on time. Late papers will adversely affect the student’s grade. I will not accept late papers the last week of classes.

Course Objectives:

Students in this course will:

Keep a writer’s journal.

Work on developing a strong, clear voice in their writing.

Explore their own storytelling capabilities with the goal of bringing a scene or story to

completion.

Assessment:

Final grades will be based on many things:

a. oral and written performance in class

b. progress and improvement in writing as reflected in the student’s portfolio

c. fulfilling the requirements of each of the assignments

d. quizzes (if given)

Format for Written Assignments:

All papers will be/have:

a. typed

b. double-space

c. one inch margins

d. stapled or paper clipped together

Class Participation:

The class is a workshop. This means what goes on in class is extremely important. It is absolutely imperative that students attend all the classes and participate fully in the exercises, as well doing all the required writing.

Class Assignments:

Weeks 1-5:

There will be an emphasis on journal writing and exploration of realistic and dream imagery and narrative movements in assigned readings, in-class reading, oral telling, in-class writing, and outside writing assignments. Readings that are heightened examples of the realistic and dream modes will be selected to be read in class. Students will write their dreams and journal entries with an emphasis on telling them as effectively and fully as possible.

Weeks 6-10:

Emphasis on reading published work and student work in class. Discussion of elements of story: characterization, plot, conflict, setting, point of view, etc. Students will see a video adapted from a short story and comment on the differences and similarities, the problems that must be solved by a writer versus a filmmaker. Specific writing assignments will be made to heighten an aspect of storytelling (e.g., opposite—point of view; monster telling—exaggeration and sense of drama; folktale—plot movement).

Weeks 11-15:

There will be a move toward adapting the raw material from one’s life or one’s journal into fiction. We will read examples from writers who address this process (Tobias Wolff, Alice Walker, and Patricia Hampl). Students will be guided toward noticing and discussing how other writers mold their experiences into the “stuff” of fiction. The final emphasis will be to have each student explore his/her own storytelling capabilities with the goal of bringing a scene or telling to completion and possibly submitting it for publication.