Course Outline for English 12A
Beginning Fiction Writing

Effective: Fall 2020
SLO Rev: 09/11/2019
Catalog Description:

ENGL 12A - Beginning Fiction Writing

3.00 Units

English 12A serves as a beginning course in the practice of writing fiction. Students will learn to develop internal and external sources for stories and novels. Class assignments will focus on characterization, plotting, point of view, and narrative techniques. The class will give considerable attention to the analysis and criticism of published writing and the individual's own work.
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or Eligibility for ENGL 1 as determined by multiple measures or other appropriate method.
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 the basic skills of fiction writing: description, dialogue, characterization, point of view control, plotting and theme;
  2. demonstrate critical analysis of fiction from a writer's point of view;
  3. recognize and identify trends inherent in current fiction markets and publishing;
  4. complete at least one short story of at least 7 pages and revise it based on criticism of the instructor and the class.
Course Content:
  1. Analysis of the works of professional writers
    1. Development of vocabulary needed to read and analyze fiction from the perspective of a writer
  2. Controlled assignments to enable the student to practice specific elements of fiction and writing techniques
  3. Workshop of student fiction
    1. The analysis and discussion of student writing by the class and instructor
      1. Written feedback with an aim toward revision
      2. Oral feedback with an aim toward revision
  4. Study of markets for fiction writers 
    1. Consideration of editorial requirements
    2. Problems of copyright
    3. Manner and manners of submitting manuscripts
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. Write a character sketch of a character for a short story
  2. Write a description of a setting from an assigned point of view
  3. Write a 7 page short story using limited third person point of view for peer/workshop review
  4. Submit a written analysis of an assigned story discussing the author's choices regarding point of view, characterization and dialogue
  1. Written exercises and stories
  2. Participation in the evaluation of the work of others
  3. Compilation of a portfolio of original work
  4. Final Examination or Project
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. student should be able to revise original fiction
  2. Student should be able to identify and manipulate source materials for creative journal
  3. the student should show familiarity with the stucture and elements of fiction
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. LaPlante, Alice (2010). The Making of a Story W.W Norton and Co.
  2. Burroway, Janet (2019). Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft Longman.
  3. Goldberg, Natalie (2016). Writing Down The Bones Shambhala.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
This class serves as a beginning course in the practice of writing fiction. Developing internal and external sources for stories and novels; characterization, plotting, point of view, narrative techniques; analysis and criticism of published writing and individual's own work.
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or Eligibility for ENGL 1 as determined by multiple measures or other appropriate method.
Discipline:
English*