About ENGL 2702 A
Intermediate-level creative writing course. Representative topics: Literary Journalism, Travel Writing; Art of Adaptation. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals may exceed four years. Prerequisites: ENGL 1027, ENGL 1700, ENGL 1702, ENGL 1705, ENGL 1730, or ENGL 1740; minimum Sophomore standing.
Notes
Prereqs enforced by the system: ENGL 1700, ENGL 1702, ENGL 1705, ENGL 1730, or ENGL 1740; ENGL 1027; Minimum sophomore standing PACE students with permission and override System waitlisting enabled for this section
Section Description
In this course, students will first learn to identify what constitutes successful arts writing and compelling criticism, then employ those same standards while writing about a variety of arts and their place in our culture. Students will explore a canon of exemplary arts writing and gain familiarity with contemporary debates about its role in cultural life. Course assignments are designed to help students build a toolbox of critical/analytical skills and writing techniques essential to the role of the arts writer/critic as a mediator between creators and audiences, and as a translator of artistic languages.
Section Expectation
1. To gain a sophisticated understanding of arts writing techniques and conventions through studying classic and contemporary examples of the form, focusing especially on contextual background, perspective, use of anecdotal examples, weighing of cultural significance, and aesthetic evaluation.
2. To refine one’s ability to read for both meaning and mechanics, sensitive to how writers manipulate language and rhetorical techniques to powerful effect.
3. To recognize in exemplary models and incorporate into one’s writing key literary techniques such as the telling detail, scene setting, description, and narrative momentum.
4. To cultivate a writing habit centered on practices of drafting, workshopping, and revision, understanding such a habit as being vital to creative and intellectual exploration.
5. To work toward the development of a personal writing voice adaptable to varying rhetorical situations.
6. To gain fluency in adapting and translating specialized technical knowledge for non-specialist readers; more broadly, understanding the role of the arts writer/critic in explaining and clarifying artistic practices for public audiences.
7. To hone and fine-tune research skills using appropriate technology, including gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing primary and secondary sources.
Evaluation
Evaluation is based on:
-Showing up and being prepared (part of participation grade)
-Writing Exercises (part of participation grade)
-Peer feedback throughout the course (part of participation grade)
-Drafting and revision of several projects (part of participation grade)
-Presenting work to the class in workshop (part of participation grade)
-Reading aloud (briefly) from final portfolio near the end of the course (part of the participation grade)
-Final portfolio of each fully workshopped/revised piece of writing with brief introduction about drafting and revision process (50% of grade)
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
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Resources
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