Course Outline for English 11A
Introduction to Creative Writing

Effective: Fall 2020
SLO Rev: 12/09/2016
Catalog Description:

ENGL 11A - Introduction to Creative Writing

3.00 Units

English 11A is an introductory creative writing course, offering practice in the elements of creative writing, including narrative, verse, and dialogue. Students will read, write, and respond to poetry, fiction, and dram. Class assignments will use materials drawn from individual's own work and selected texts.
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or Eligibility for: Eligibility for ENGL 1 as determined by multiple measures or other appropriate method. Advisory: ENGL 1 or ENGL 1A.
1507.00 - Creative Writing
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate skills in writing poetry including the function of image, metaphor and symbolism, and the use of traditional and modern forms;
  2. demonstrate skills in writing fiction including narrative, dialogue, characterization, and description;
  3. demonstrate skills in writing drama including dialogue, characterization, and dramatization;
  4. identify and manipulate source materials for creative writing;
  5. compile a portfolio of original work;
  6. demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and interrelatedness of each genre and select the appropriate vehicle for creative interests.
Course Content:
  1. Modes of Creative Writing
    1. Analysis of selected works of published writers.
    2. In-class exchange of work with peers  
    3. Development of the beginning vocabulary of criticism a writer must have to self evaluate work
  2. The Craft of Creative Writing
    1. Specific training through controlled assignments to enable the student to explore specific elements and techniques in the different genres
      1. Poetry assignments
      2. Fiction assignments
      3. Drama Assignments
  3. The Creative Experience
    1. Consideration of creative writing as a means of discovery.  
    2. Introduction to the creative writing process and the possibilities offered through exploring imaginative techniques
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Analysis and discussion of the student's work by the class and the teacher
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Group Activities
  4. Written assignments
  5. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Compose a poem based on an autobiographical incident for peer/workshop review
  2. Write an analysis of an assigned story discussing the author’s choices regarding point of view, characterization, or dialogue
  3. Give an oral presentation of an assigned poem discussing the author’s choices regarding image, metaphor, and/or symbolism
  4. Write a short story in limited Third Person for peer/workshop review
  1. Creative writing exercises and original work
  2. Participation in the evaluation of the work of other members of the class
  3. Compilation of a portfolio of original work
  4. Final examination or final project
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Student should be able to revise original poetry.
  2. Student will identify and manipulate source materials for creative writing journal.
  3. The student shows familiarity with the structure and elements of fiction
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Starkey, David (2016). Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief Bedford/St. Martin's.
  2. Sanchez, Medina, Rivera (2001). Bum Rush the Page Three Rivers Press.
  3. Knorr and Schell (2006). Mooring Against the Tide: Writing Fiction and Poetry (2nd). Prentice Hall.
  4. Burroway, Janet (2019). Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (10th). Longman.
  5. Goldberg, Natalie (2016). Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within Shambala Library.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
This is an introductory course offering practice in the elements of creative writing, including narrative, verse, and dialogue, using materials drawn from individual's own work and selected texts.
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or Eligibility for: Eligibility for ENGL 1 as determined by multiple measures or other appropriate method. Advisory: ENGL 1 or ENGL 1A.
Discipline:
English*