English: Intro to Creative Writing

Introductory course on techniques of writing poetry, short prose fiction, and creative nonfiction. Classes organized around discussion of student work; weekly writing assignments.

Open to Degree and PACE students Synchronous online

This course introduces students to the craft and critical study of first-person writing. Students will read examples of successful essays and compose original work, all while exploring how lived experience can be transformed into compelling, artful narrative. Emphasis will be placed on voice, structure, reflection, and the ethical dimensions of writing from life. In-class exercises are designed to refresh students on the elements of good writing, as well as help everyone develop skills in clarity, style, and ethical representation of self and others. Students are expected to engage in discussions of the readings and to read aloud from their work on a regular basis.

This is a virtual course that meets every Tuesday and Thursday for 75 minutes. There are no assigned texts to be purchased for this class; instead all reading will be provided via links or PDF postings to Brightspace. Every week students turn 300-word essays on assigned topics. In addition, this course requires to 5-page essays; one is due around midterms and the second one is due at the end of the semester. Final projects must also include self-reflection on the growth of your writing voice over the course of the semester.

You will be evaluated according to the sincere effort you put into this course. Grades are based on attendance, participation, weekly assignments, a midterm essay, and a final essay.