210C
ENGL 210C
Genres of Creative Writing
Fall 2019
Instructor: Dr. Lamees Al Ethari
Class Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00- 11:20
Location: HH 138
Email: lalethari@uwaterloo.ca
Office Phone#: x33029
Office: HH 142
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30-12:30 (By Appointment)
Teaching Assistant: Valerie Uher
Email: vuher@uwaterloo.ca
Office: PAS 2222
Office Hours: Thursdays 4:00-5:00
Course Description
Welcome! This course is an introduction to Creative Writing genre and focuses on reading, analyzing and, of course, writing poetry and prose (both fiction and nonfiction). We will explore and critique works by other writers, look into their writing experiences, and learn how to construct and develop our own written works in the process. Group and individual participation in class discussions are a very important part of this course. Students will need to share their work with their peers and learn how provide constructive feedback.
Calendar Description: This course introduces students to both contemporary and historical forms of creative writing. Students will explore genres of poetry, prose, and/or drama through their own writing. Students will also investigate the culture of publishing, learn key revision strategies, and workshop the writing of their peers to develop their critical abilities.
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes
Through this course students will:
- expand their knowledge and understanding of different creative writing genres.
- develop writing skills and techniques in order to produce effective creative written work.
- learn how to give and receive feedback from peers through workshops.
- learn about the experiences of being a writer through presentations by writers and publishers.
- complete and develop a portfolio of written work for submission.
Texts
- Courseware is provided through the UW Bookstore.
- Readings not provided in the course pack can be found online and/or will be provided through Learn.
Schedule
Please keep in mind that certain topics and discussions may be changed in the schedule due to unforeseen circumstances or cancellations. Some class discussions may take more or less time than expected. Students will be informed ahead of time when such changes take place.
|
Date |
Topics |
Readings |
Sources |
Class Activities & Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sept. 5 |
Introduction to the Course |
Syllabus & Assignment Overview |
Learn |
|
|
Sept. 10 |
What is Genre? |
Morrison, “Genre” Goodman, “Calming the Inner Critic” |
Learn CP |
Group Discussions |
|
Sept.12 |
Life Narrative |
Neilsen, “Life Writing” |
CP |
Discussion & Activity |
|
Sept.17 |
Reading, Analyzing and Understanding |
Johnston, from Baltimore’s Mansion Brand, from A Map of No Return Salah, “Surgical Diary” |
CP CP CP |
Group Discussions & Activity |
|
Sept.19 |
Reading, Analyzing and Understanding & Developing a Narrative |
Van Der Meer, “Prologue” Gebreyohannes, “Refugees” Eisenstein, from I was a Child of Holocaust Survivors |
CP CP CP |
Group Discussions & Activity |
|
Sept. 24 |
Putting Together Your Narrative |
Bring Outlines & Drafts |
Workshop |
|
|
Sept. 26 |
Proof-Reading and Editing |
Bring Your Drafts |
Workshop |
|
|
Oct. 1 |
Fiction: The Short Story |
Constructing a Short Story |
Due: Personal Narrative (In Class) |
|
|
Oct. 3 |
Outlining Your Short Story |
Minot, “Creating Tension” & “Dialogue and Thoughts” |
Learn |
Discussion & Activity |
|
Oct. 8 |
Reading & Analyzing |
? ? ? |
Learn |
Discussion & Activity |
|
Oct. 10 |
Sub-Genres |
Gunn, “Science Fiction” Vreeland, “Historical Fiction” York, “Romance Writing” |
Learn Learn Learn |
Discussion & Activity |
|
Oct. 15 |
Fall Break |
|||
|
Oct. 17 |
Fall Break |
|||
|
Oct. 22 |
Writing Session |
Bring Your Drafts |
Workshop |
|
|
Oct. 24 |
Proof-Reading and Editing |
Bring Your Drafts |
Workshop |
|
|
Oct. 29 |
Poetry |
Minot, “Where Poems Come From” |
Learn |
Due: Short Story Discussions |
|
Oct. 31 |
Poetic Forms |
Lea, “Poetics and Poetry” |
CP |
Discussions |
|
Nov. 5 |
Reading and Analyzing |
Browning, “Porphyria’s Lover” Camp, “One Hunger” George Elliot Clarke “Discourse on Pure Virtue" |
Learn CP Learn |
|
|
Nov. 7 |
Reading and Analyzing |
Driskill, “Beginning Cherokee” Wah, “Race to Go” Hughes, “Dream Boogie” |
Learn Learn Learn |
Discussions |
|
Nov.12 |
Developing your Poem |
Minot, “Varieties of Tone” (Pp.127-137) |
Learn |
Discussions |
|
Nov. 14 |
Proof-Reading and Editing |
Bring Your Drafts |
Workshop |
|
|
Nov.19 |
Publishing Your Work |
Visit: Pamela Mulloy |
Due: Poem |
|
|
Nov. 21 |
Prof/ Student Conferences |
Group 1 |
Workshop + Conference |
|
|
Nov. 26 |
Prof/ Student Conferences |
Group 2 |
Workshop + Conference |
|
|
Nov. 28 |
Prof/ Student Conferences |
Group 3 |
Workshop + Conference |
|
|
Dec. 3 |
The End- |
Due: Final Project |
Division of Marks
|
Assignment |
Length |
Due Date |
Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Personal Narrative |
1000-1500 Words |
Oct.1, 2019 |
15 |
|
Short Story |
1500-2000 Words |
Oct. 29, 2019 |
20 |
|
Poem |
Limit of 3 Pages |
Nov. 19, 2019 |
15 |
|
Final Project |
2000-2500 Words |
Dec. 3, 2019 |
15 |
|
Attendance |
20 |
||
|
Participation |
15 |
Brief Assignment Descriptions
Personal Narrative [15 points], Poem [15 points], and Short Story [20 points]
Students will have 3 major writing assignments this term, in addition to the final course project.
Students will have to write drafts, exchange work with peers for feedback and meet one- on-one with the instructor before handing in a final draft. Classes are divided into group discussions and writing workshops that aim to provide enough time and support for developing and revising your work.
These assignments will be described in more detail on Learn throughout the term.
Final Project [15 points]:
Students are required to revise and develop one of the 2 prose writing assignments (Personal Narrative or Short Story). Students will use the feedback and suggestions from workshops to correct spelling and grammatical errors, identify weaknesses, and build on their strengths.
Attendance [20 points]:
Attendance is very important in this course. Missing classes will lead to missing out on important points and writing techniques discussed in class, in addition to losing participation marks. Students receive 1 point for each day they attend class.
Participation [15 points]:
To receive full marks for participation, you will need to participate fully in both large and small
group discussions. If you feel anxiety about formal or informal public speaking, please meet with me in the first week of classes to discuss accommodations.
- In-Class Assignments (5 points): Students will be required to write paragraph length assignments that may include, but are not limited to, responses to articles we read, analyses of written work, brainstorming drafts, or short critical analyses of each other’s work.
- Group Discussions (5 points): The class will be divided into small groups responsible for answering and discussing a certain topic assigned to them. The group is required to present feedback to each other and to the instructor on the main points discussed in written form.
- Workshops (5 points): Participation in workshops is very important for all students in this course. You will work in pairs, groups and through professor/student conferences in order to receive and provide feedback on your written work.
|
Rarely participates or contributes to class and group discussions. |
Participates occasionally and sometimes contributes to the class and group discussions. |
Actively participates and contributes to class and group discussions. |
|---|---|---|
|
0-2 points |
2-3 points |
4-5 points |
Important Information:
- Please bring paper and pencils/pens to class. We will work on developing our writing skills in almost every class. You may bring your laptops to class for workshops or for taking notes.
- All Assignments should, generally, be in MLA format, double-spaced, written in font size and style 12 / Times New Roman. (Please consult your instructor if you wish to use a different font style or size).
- Cell phones should be turned off during class. Students are not allowed to call, text or browse on their phones. If you require the use of your phone for medical issues, please make sure to contact AccessAbility Services (see link below).
- All assignments MUST be handed in on the due date. Medical issues and other emergencies will be taken into consideration. Late assignments will have a late penalty of (5%) per day.
- You are always welcome to talk with me or email me about problems you may have concerning the course. I have office hours twice a week, however anytime you feel overwhelmed or confused about the material or assignments that we have, please contact me immediately.
Resources for Students
The following sources will be provided through links on the Learn course website for your section:
- The Writing and Communication Centre, https://uwaterloo.ca/writing-and-communication-centre/ provides one-on-one consultations, tutorials, and drop-in sessions to support student writing and related assignments.
- The centre works across all faculties to help students clarify their ideas, develop their voices, and write in the style appropriate to their disciplines. Writing Centre staff offer one-on-one support in planning assignments and presentations, using and documenting research, organizing and structuring papers, and revising for clarity and coherence.
- You can make multiple appointments throughout the term or drop in at the library for quick questions or feedback. To book a 50- minute appointment and to see drop-in hours, visit writingcommunication@uwaterloo.ca Group appointments for team-based projects, presentations, and papers are also available.
- Please note that writing specialists guide you to see your work as readers would. They can teach you revising skills and strategies, but they will not proof-read or edit for you. Please bring hard copies of your assignment instructions and any notes or drafts to your appointment.
- Student Success Office < https://uwaterloo.ca/student-success/>, providing workshops, study sessions, and online resources in the areas of academic performance, study skills, and stress management.
- http://writingcommons.org/
- https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
University Policies
- Academic Integrity: In order to maintain a culture of academic integrity, members of the University of Waterloo community are expected to promote honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. For more information please see http://uwaterloo.ca/academicintegrity/Academic_Integrity/index.html .
- Please read this very clear and helpful document: “Avoiding Academic
Offences: http://arts.uwaterloo.ca/arts/ugrad/academic_responsibility.html .
- Discipline: A student is expected to know what constitutes academic integrity, to avoid committing academic offenses, and to take responsibility for his/her actions. A student who is unsure whether an action constitutes an offense, or who needs help in learning how to avoid offenses (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) or about “rules” for group work/collaboration should seek guidance from the course professor, academic advisor, or the Undergraduate Associate Dean. When misconduct has been found to have occurred, disciplinary penalties will be imposed under Policy 71 – Student Discipline. For information on categories of offenses and types of penalties, students should refer to Policy 71 – Student
Discipline, http://www.adm.uwaterloo.ca/infosec/Policies/policy71.html.
- Grievance
A student who believes that a decision affecting some aspect of his/her university life has been unfair or unreasonable may have grounds for initiating a grievance. Read Policy 70 - Student Petitions and Grievances, Section 4 (https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat-general-counsel/policies-procedures-guidelines/policy-70). When in doubt, please be certain to contact the department’s administrative assistant who will provide further assistance.
- Appeals
A decision made or penalty imposed under Policy 70, Student Petitions and Grievances (other than a petition) or Policy 71, Student Discipline may be appealed if there is a ground. A student who believes he/she has a ground for an appeal should refer to Policy 72, Student Appeals (https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat-general-counsel/policies-procedures-guidelines/policy-72).
- Note for Students with Disabilities
The AccessAbility Services office, located on the first floor of the Needles Hall extension (NH 1401), collaborates with all academic departments to arrange appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities without compromising the academic integrity of the curriculum. If you require academic accommodations to lessen the impact of your disability, please register with the AS office at the beginning of each academic term.