Course Outline for English 11C
Advanced Creative Writing

Effective: Fall 2020
SLO Rev: 09/30/2019
Catalog Description:

ENGL 11C - Advanced Creative Writing

3.00 Units

English 11C is a course that offers practice in creative writing at an advanced level. It builds on the skills developed in English 11A/B including fiction, poetry, and play writing, using materials drawn from individual's own work and selected texts. In addition, the course focuses on revision of one's work with the intent to submit for publication.
Completion of: ENGL 11B.
1507.00 - Creative Writing
Optional
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 advanced skills of writing fiction: story development, dramatic scene, description, multi-layered characterization, point of view and tone, the use of subtext, theme;
  2. demonstrate advanced skills of writing poetry including the function of imagery, allusion, metaphor and simile, symbolism, persona, development of a distinct style, and the use of traditional and modern forms;
  3. demonstrate advanced skills of writing drama: dialogue patterns, rhythms, and textures; multi-layered characterization; scene building; play structure; the dramatic question;
  4. compile a portfolio of original work based on sustained revision;
  5. demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of how to respond and critique both student and published creative work across the genres;
  6. locate markets in which to publish one's work and submit to The Chabot Review (or a similar publication) following proper submission guidelines.
Course Content:
  1. Modes of Creative Writing
    1. A complex analysis of selected works of professional writers. 
    2. Sophisiticated development of the vocabulary of criticism a writer must have to self evaluate work and respond to course material, including the writing submitted in class by one's peers.
  2. The Craft of Creative Writing
    1. Specific training through controlled assignments (for instance, characterization, point of view, plot development, figurative language, modeling, guided writing) to enable the student to explore specific elements and techniques
      1. Assignments in poetry
      2. Assignments in fiction
      3. Assignments in play writing
    2. Emphasis on revision of work through the submission of a portfolio
  3. The Creative Experience
    1. Consideration of creative writing as a means of discovery. 
    2. Advanced exploration of the creative process and the possibilities offered by exploring imaginative techniques
  4. Publishing
    1. Discussion of Marketing
    2. Submitting work to magazines, contests, publishers, and/or agents
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 and revise a 20-page short story based on instructor and peer critiques.
  2. Compose, revise, and compile a portfolio of poems around a theme or a motif, based on instructor and peer critiques.
  3. Compose and revise a one act play based on instructor and peer critiques.
  4. Present an in-depth written analysis on multiple works of writing from a writer whose work has informed the student's poetry, fiction, and/or play writing.
  5. Present extensive written and oral critiques of workshop participants' work.
  6. Submit at least one revised piece of poetry, fiction, and/or play writing to The Chabot Review (or similar publication).
  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. Revision of work based on instructor and peer critiques
  5. Final Examination or 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. Goldberg, Natalie (2016). Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within Shambala Library.
  2. Walsh Jenkins, Linda (2017). The 90-Day Play 90-Day Novel Press.
  3. Starkey, David (2016). Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief Bedford/St. Martin's.
  4. Lockward, Diane (2018). The Practicing Poet Terrapin Books.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
English 11C is a course that offers practice in creative writing at an advanced level. It builds on the skills developed in English 11A/B including fiction, poetry, and play writing, using materials drawn from individual's own work and selected texts.
Completion of: ENGL 11B.
Discipline:
English*