HomeMy WebLinkAboutWRT-204Bergen Community College
Division of English
Composition and Literature Department
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WRT 204 – Creative Writing
WRT-204 Creative Writing is a workshop course in which students write in such forms as
poetry, fiction, and drama. Students read and discuss each other’s work as well as that of
published authors. 3 credits. Prerequisite: WRT-101.
Student Learning Objectives
As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, you will be able to
1. Recognize the special genre demands of poetry, short story, and drama by reading
and discussing the work of published authors. (PLG 1, 2) (Gen Ed Goal 1a)
2. Utilize the elements of creative writing in the genres of poetry, drama, and fiction.
(PLG 7) (Gen Ed Goal 1 a, b; 6 a, b)
3. Review publication conventions and apply standards of professional manuscript
preparation in revising and preparing drafts of work for classroom submission or
submission for publication. (PLG 3, 7) (Gen Ed Goal 1 c, d)
4. Employ critical approaches and exercise aesthetic sensibilities through interaction
with others in the workshop process. (PLG 3, 6) (Gen Ed Goal 1 c, d)
5. Locate and evaluate important writer resources such as publications, markets, and
continuing educational opportunities. (PLG 6) (Gen Ed Goal 4 a, b, c, d)
Requirements
You will be required to do the following:
1. Write and revise several different types of writing assignments (including, but not limited to
poetry, short fiction, drama.
2. Practice poetic and narrative techniques through assigned exercises which will be reviewed
during the semester by both the instructor and your peers.
3. Read, interpret, and analyze the craft of professional literary and model student works.
4. Comprehend and apply various literary terms/techniques in discussion of professional
and student works.
5. Present various works in workshop and participate in the discussion of other students’ work
6. Participate in discussions and other class activities (visits of guest speakers, play readings,
evaluation of writer resources) that support the development of quality work.
Course Content
As a student in this course, you can expect to explore your creativity by practicing the craft of
writing fiction, poetry and drama. Many of you have already done some creative writing, but
whether you are a practiced writer considering writing as a career or are trying creative writing
for the first time, this course will give you the opportunity to work in a friendly and supportive
atmosphere. As we read and discuss the work of professional writers, we will note their
techniques and see how various elements combine to create good creative writing. You will
apply this knowledge in writing your own work. You will hone your critical skills and benefit
from receiving “audience” reaction by participating in workshop with your fellow students. As
you listen to, read and discuss the works of others, you will be exposed to the diverse voices and
worlds of the other students.
Course Texts and Other Required Materials
To be chosen by instructor
Grading Policy
A student’s final grade is based on his/her dedication to the creative process and the quality of
the work produced. A student’s participation and attendance are crucial components of the
grade.
Below is an example of an instructor’s grade breakdown:
1) Complete three minor assignments during the semester: three short story drafts, three scenes
from a play, three poems, three creative essays, etc.
2) Complete one major assignment by the end of the semester: one completed short story, short
play, set of poems, creative essay, etc.
Major assignments may be revisions of minor assignments. Evidence of serious intent and effort
will be a definite factor in grading. Grades will be calculated based on the following:
Major assignment 50%
Minor assignments 10% each
Participation 20%
All work must be typed and presented in legible format. Major assignments must be completed,
edited, and presented as if for submission to a publication. Missing work will be averaged in as a
zero. Exercises comprise a portion of the participation grade, but are significant. Letter grades
will not be assigned—work will be given a check (satisfactory) or perhaps a check plus (very
good) or minus (not satisfactory).
BCC Attendance Policy: All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled
meeting of each course in which they are registered. Attendance and lateness policies as well
as sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for each section of the course. These will be
established in writing on the individual course guide outline. Attendance will be kept by the
instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.
Attendance is critical. Excessive absence will result in failure for the class. More than two
absences may result in a full-grade penalty. Lateness also affects your grade; allow enough time
to arrive on time. Two lates = one absence.
RESOURCES FOR WRITING:
Writing Center Supervisor: John Findura
L-125F
201-447-7136 www.bergen.edu/pages/7195.asp
Professional, peer and faculty tutors will guide students in all aspects of writing.
English Language Resource Center:
Ender Hall 126/201-612-5292 www.bergen.edu/pages/2182.asp
Supervisor: Marilyn Pongracz
Provides help to students whose native language is not English: tutoring, computer programs,
books, tapes, conversation groups and specialized workshops.
Mon. 9:30AM-6PM; Tues. 9:30AM-7:30PM; Wed. 9:30AM-7:30PM; Fri. 9:30AM-3:00PM;
Sat. 10AM-2PM.
Tutoring Center L-125/201-447-7489
Manager: Khairia Fazal kfazal@bergen.edu
Peer, professional tutors and faculty provide free individual and group tutoring.
Online tutoring through Smarthinking http://www.bergen.edu/pages/2196.asp
Walk-in hours: Mon. through Thursday: 9AM-8PM; Fri. and Sat. 10AM-3PM
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students who require accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) can request these services from the Office of Specialized Services. To learn more about
how to apply for services, please visit them at http://www.bergen.edu/oss.
Sample Course Schedule:
Week I (January 27th ): COURSE INTRODUCTION/ name exercise/favorite poems
ASSIGNMENT:
SET UP YOUR BLOG to house your writing for workshop and for yourself.
www.livejournal.com .
READ: “A Few Things You Should Know About CW” (1-8) and “A Few Things You
Should Know about Poetry” (9-20)
Week II (February 3):
JOURNAL: Color Chant or poem
Memory Poems (Handout) Exercise to begin first poem
ASSIGNMENT: FINISH YOUR MEMORY POEM AND COLOR CHANT/POEM.
Read Starkey: “Lines and Stanzas” 20-26
Week III (February 10th): Present Memory Poems
Journal Exercise:
ASSIGNMENT: Write an Observation Poem on suburbia. (you may want to write more
than one observation poem). (Blog access or copies. ) JOURNAL: write a prose
observation of a picture, a room, an object, a scene in nature. Read Starkey: “Meter and
Rhythm” 27-34 and “The music of poetry” 34-38
Week IV (February 17th): Present Observation Poems
Journal Exercise in form: Haiku
ASSIGNMENT: Read Starkey: “Images, symbols and figurative language” 38-46,
“Diction, Syntax and the language of poetry” 46-50 and “Poetic Forms” 50-63. Write a
Fantasy or Dream Poem (using romance or surrealism) or a political poem. Enter
work on your blog.
Assignment: “Creating believable characters” “Writing convincing dialogue,” Crafting a
theme” and “Onstage : the elements of production” (261-291)
Week V: (February 24): Workshop POETRY FOLDERS DUE (Submisions to
Labyrinth)
ASSIGNMENT: Read “A few things you should know about the ten-minute play,” 228
“The elements of playwriting 233,” “Structuring the ten-minute play” 256, “Getting
Started Writing the Ten-Minute Play” 291. Start planning your 10-minute play
Create a character and write a dramatic monologue
Week VI (March 3 ): Dramatic Monologues Workshop/conflict scenes (in-class)
ASSIGNMENT: finish your play
Week VII (March 10): Play workshop (PLAYS DUE) March 9: 12:30-1:30 PM Poetry
Workshop for Women’s History Month website and possible publication—extra
credit.
Week VIII (March 17): No class
Week IX (March 24): Spring Break
Week X (March 31): Short fiction DRAMA FOLDERS DUE
Week XI (April 7): Short fiction
Week XII (April 14): Short fiction
Week XIII (April 21): Short fiction
Week XIV (April 28) Labyrinth Evening of Readings
Week XV (May 5): Workshop FICTION FOLDERS DUE
Week XVI: (May 12) Final Class