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English 280 Section 2: Introduction to Creative Writing

Course Syllabus

Instructor: Julie Harris Email: harris1@rohan.sdsu.edu

Office: AL 244 Class Times: MW 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Office Hours: W 12:00pm-2:00pm and by
appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will introduce you to the theory and practice of poetry and fiction with emphasis on the basic
concepts and techniques used in these forms. We will be examining a variety of classical and
contemporary short fiction and poetry, using these texts to learn about the fundamental techniques used in
these genres. You will practice these concepts in your own creative writing, responding to prompts as
well as crafting and revising your own short story and poems. You will also participate in writing
workshop, during which you will analyze your peers’ work and have your own work examined. You will
give and receive critical feedback on texts produced by yourself and others during this process.

Please be aware that we will examine a range of texts with a variety of subject matter.

COURSE GOALS

You will learn some of the fundamental concepts and techniques of poetry and fiction in this course. You
will practice writing creatively in these genres and will gain a greater understanding of how to approach
this type of writing. Additionally, you will learn to analyze writing for craft and technique and respond to
an author about these subjects critically.

This is an Explorations course in the Humanities and Fine Arts. Completing this course will help you to
do the following in greater depth: 1) analyze written, visual, or performed texts in the humanities and fine
arts with sensitivity to their diverse cultural contexts and historical moments; 2) describe various aesthetic
and other value systems and the ways they are communicated across time and cultures; 3) identify issues
in the humanities that have personal and global relevance; 4) demonstrate the ability to approach complex
problems and ask complex questions drawing upon knowledge of the humanities.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

- Course Reader (available at SDSU bookstore)

- Materials posted on Blackboard: These should be printed out and brought to class the day they are up
for discussion
- Folder for storing all class work and revisions for final portfolio
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Short Stories: You will be required to write two short, 750-1500 word fictional stories incorporating
elements of fiction writing that we discuss in class. You will choose one story to be reviewed by your
peers and revised for your final portfolio. These stories are designed to be short so that you will have a
chance to complete two full stories. If you would like to write a longer story for one or both short story
assignments or if you would like to combine your first and second stories for workshop, please speak with
me. The specific requirements of this assignment will be given to you closer to the assignment due date.

Closed Form Poem: You will be required to write one poem which uses a closed form, incorporating the
elements of that poetic form that we discuss in class. One of your poems (closed form or free verse) will
be reviewed by your peers and revised for your final portfolio. The specific requirements of this
assignment will be given to you closer to the assignment due date.

Free Verse Poem: You will be required to write one free verse poem, incorporating the elements of that
poetic form that we discuss in class. One of your poems (closed form or free verse) will be reviewed by
your peers and revised for your final portfolio. The specific requirements of this assignment will be given
to you closer to the assignment due date.

Writing Prompts: You will be given short creative writing assignments in the form of prompts throughout
the semester. These prompts are designed to allow you to generate ideas for your assignments and
practice the elements of fiction and poetry writing that we will discuss in class. While the prompts will be
designed to help you focus on one or a few of the fundamental concepts we discuss, the content will be up
to you—the prompts are meant to help you practice certain basic concepts while allowing you creative
freedom. Developing prompt responses into short stories and poems to turn in is encouraged. Writing
prompts will be a component of your Homework and In-Class Assignments grade.

Critical Responses: You will be required to write four 1-2 page, double-spaced, critical responses to the
texts we discuss in class: 2 in response to short stories and 2 in response to poems. In these responses, you
will need to discuss fundamental elements of the text and how the author is using them. These responses
are to be turned in the same day that the text is up for discussion. These exercises are about learning to
break down and examine written texts; you will be graded on the effort and thought you put into your
analysis of the text and completion of the requirements, not “correctness” of interpretation. Critical
responses will be a component of your Homework and In-Class Assignments grade.

In-Class Assignments: Sometimes, you will be assigned work in-class. This work may include creative
writing prompts, group assignments, responses to the reading, questions on the reading, and—if
necessary—reading quizzes. In-class assignments will be a component of your Homework and In-Class
Assignments grade.

Workshop Responses: You will be required to write 30 responses, 1-2 pages in length (double-spaced), to
your peers’ texts that are up for workshop: 15 responses to short stories and 15 responses to poems. Your
peer responses must be thoughtful analyses of the text you are responding to. You will summarize the text
briefly, discuss elements of the text that work well, and, using specifics, discuss what elements might be
improved and how. Your response must be one of constructive criticism and needs to focus on what the
author’s goals are for his/her text, not on what you would do if it were your own text. Rude or
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inappropriate comments about the text or author will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for
the response. To ensure that each student will receive 15 responses from the class each workshop, you
will sign up for your 30 response times in advance. I will provide a response for all student texts. I will
provide an example response before the first workshop in each genre.

Participation and Attendance: Coming to class every day is essential for learning the material in this
class—more than 2 absences will result in a lower attendance grade. Your attendance grade is calculated
by adding up the classes you attended and turning that into a letter grade by dividing the number of
classes you attended by the total number of classes. So, if you have 4 absences out of 29 total classes, you
will receive a B.

You are expected to come to class prepared with the assigned texts and ready to engage in class
discussion. Active discussion is essential in a writing workshop. Therefore, you will be expected to
participate in the discussion of the assigned texts or your peers’ work during workshops. Consistent lack
of participation will result in 3 points being taken off of your attendance total.

If you are absent, you are still responsible for knowing the material covered in class, what the homework
is, and when it is due. I suggest you exchange contact information with one or two of your classmates. In
addition, check Blackboard regularly for updates.

Portfolio and Reflection Essay: At the end of the semester, you will turn in a portfolio that includes your
original short story, a revised version of the short story, your original closed form and free verse poems as
well as one revised poem, your prompt responses, in-class assignments, and your critical responses. You
will also write a short essay reflecting on your progress as a creative writer. The specific requirements of
the essay will be given to you closer to the assignment due date.

Grade Breakdown

Short stories, poems, and the portfolio and reflection essay will receive letter grades. Workshop
responses, critical responses, and homework and in-class assignments will receive points from 0 to 6,
with 6 being the highest and 0 being incomplete. Points will be assessed based on the effort put into the
response, not on “correctness” or how advanced the creative product is. Assignments graded as
complete/incomplete will receive either a 0 or a 6. Reading questions and quizzes will receive one point
for each correct answer. Your final grade will be determined as follows:

Participation and Attendance: 10%

Workshop Responses: 10%
Homework and In-Class Assignments: 25%
Short Stories: 20% (10% each)
Poems: 20% (10% each)
Portfolio and Reflection Essay: 15%

Grading Scale

97-100 A+ 97-89 B+ 77-79 C+ 67-69 D+ 0-59 F

93-96 A 83-86 B 73-76 C 63-66 D
90-92 A- 80-82 B- 70-72 C- 60-62 D-
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CLASS POLICIES

Plagiarism: All work in this course must be original. Plagiarism will result in serious consequences
including grade reduction, failure in the class, or expulsion from the college. For more information on the
university cheating and plagiarism policy, please visit: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/senate/
policy/pfacademics.html. SDSU’s library also has an excellent tutorial on how to avoid plagiarism.

Late Work: Assignments are to be turned in the day they are due. Any short story or poem turned in late
will be marked down half a grade each class period it is late. One week after the due date, these
assignments will no longer be accepted. Homework assignments can only be turned in one class period
late for partial credit.

If you have a situation which will prevent you from turning in an assignment on the scheduled due date,
please talk to me about it two class periods or more in advance so that we can work out a solution. Note:
This may require that you turn in work early.

Grading Policy for Creative Assignments: This class is largely comprised of creative assignments. You
are here to practice creative writing and learn about the creative writing process. You will see—and turn
in—work that is at various stages in this process. Grades on creative assignments (short story, poems,
writing prompts, and creative in-class assignments) will be based on the thought and effort that was put
into them, not on how advanced the product you turn in is. If you put effort into your creative writing,
you will do well on these assignments.

Email: I encourage you to email me with any questions you have or if you have any problems. Although
this is the digital age, I am unfortunately not available to answer emails at all hours. Please allow 24 hours
for replies. If you have questions about an assignment the day before it is due, please email no later than
6:00 pm the day before if you would like a response before the next day. If you want me to look at a
draft, please bring it to office hours rather than sending it over email. If you have a question over a
paragraph or short section, you can send it to me in the body of an email (no attachments please) and I
will send it back with my comments.

Blackboard: Please check Blackboard regularly for updates. This is where I will email you, where urgent
announcements will be made, and where some readings or other course material not included in the
course reader will be posted. You will also be able to access assignment sheets, schedules, and the
syllabus on Blackboard.

Hard Copies of Assignments: All assignments must be printed out and turned in during the class period
of the due date. Please do not slip papers under my office door or e-mail assignments.

Electronic Devices: Cell phones must be kept off or on silent during class. If you have an emergency that
requires you waiting for a phone call, let me know before class. Laptops, Kindles, iPads, etc. are also not
allowed. Because we will be interacting in group discussion often, the use of these devices is distracting.
Students who feel they need to use laptops are encouraged to discuss the specific need with me in
advance. If you are in class listening to music, texting, etc. I will mark you absent.

Class Etiquette: Since this is a discussion-based class, it is vital that you listen and speak respectfully to
others at all times. I encourage you to express your thoughts and ideas, but keep in mind that a good
discussion is built on a thoughtful sharing of ideas, not harsh reaction.
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We will be looking at many texts this semester from published authors and from your peers. Remember
that even if you don’t like the subject of a story, etc., there are important lessons which can be learned
from published texts and from each other’s writing.

Please make arrangements for appointments, important phone calls, etc. so that they do not interrupt class
time. If you are disruptive during class you will be asked to leave, counted absent for that day, and will
not receive points for any in-class work done that day.

If you run into problems or emergencies, please talk to me as soon as possible.

Disabled Students: If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for
this class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6373. To avoid any
delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon as
possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon
disability cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from
Student disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated. SDS staff are available in the Capulli Center
in Suite 3101.

Student-Athletes: Student-athletes have demanding, dynamic schedules. As an instructor, I am committed

to helping you succeed in the course. To do so, regular and effective communication is needed. While
exceptions will not be made for attendance, assignment deadlines, or exams, I’m happy to work with all
student-athletes in conjunction with Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) to help you excel in this
course. For more information on SASS’ academic advising and tutoring services, please call (619) 594-
4743.

STUDENT RESOURCES

Academic Advising Center SSW 1551 | 594-6668

Counseling and Psychological Services Calpulli 4401 | 594-5220 | 888-724-7240 (after hours)
Student Disability Services Calpulli 3101 | 594-6473
Student Health Services Calpulli | 594-5281
Public Safety 594-1991 | 9-1-1 (emergency)
Public Safety Escorts 594-6659
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Course Schedule – First Three Weeks

Please note that the following may change, as dates and topics may shift as the semester continues. I will
always inform you ahead of time of any changes. Check Blackboard often for updated schedule
information.
All homework and reading assignments listed under a date are due on that date.

Workshop Schedule: Workshop dates will be rotated to give all students a chance to have similar time to
revise. For example, if you are up on the last day of fiction workshop, you will not be up for the last day
of poetry workshop.

Week 1

Wednesday, 1/21: Syllabus, Key Concepts of Fiction

Week 2

Monday, 1/26: Fiction: Dialogue

Hemingway, “Hills Like White Elephants”; Salinger, “A Perfect Day for Bananafish”
Go Over Sample Critical Response: **Please do not write critical responses for texts this day**

Wednesday, 1/28: Voice

Haynes, “That’s Right, You’re Not From Texas”; Gilb “Look on the Bright Side”

Week 3

Monday, 2/2: Character Development

Wallace, “Incarnations of Burned Children”; Nelson, “Dick”

Wednesday, 2/4: Point of View

Cheever, “The Swimmer”; Wolff, “Bullet in the Brain”