CWRT 100 Introduction to Creative Writing I

School of University Arts and Sciences

CWRT 100 Introduction to Creative Writing I.  This course offers an introduction to composition and experimentation in the genres of poetry and creative non-fiction. Students will develop a working knowledge of modern aesthetics in poetry and creative nonfiction, as well as an objective appreciation of their own "voice" in the context of those aesthetics.

Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 60 with a minimum grade of 60%

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture3

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Distinguish the unique features of poetry and non-fiction
  2. Identify craft elements such as form, voice, metaphor, and imagery
  3. Integrate these elements into their writing
  4. Develop a practice of writing, analyzing, editing, and revising
  5. Provide constructive feedback based on the theories and practices discussed in class

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approaches used in class are based on collaborative processes such as group discussions of craft, sharing writing in a safe space, and offering craft-based feedback to peers. Your instructor will provide craft-based feedback and edits on your work based on the practices outlined in these books: The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop by Felicia Rose Chavez and Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses. There are opportunities in and outside the classroom to become active members of the writing community through workshops and drop-in writing events on campus, readings in the community, guest speakers, and our campus literary journal, the Black Bear Review.

Learning Resources

Required: Oliver, Mary. A Poetry Handbook: A Prose Guide to Understanding and Writing Poetry. Harcourt, 1994.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Introduction to Course and "Why I Write" statements 2. Introduction to Poetry: Form and Line Breaks 3. Voice in poetry 4. Language and Imagery in Poetry 5. Sound and Performance in Poetry 6. Poetry Workshop: Read all peer submissions before class Tuesday. 7. Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction 8. Structure in Creative Non- Fiction 9. Ethics: Writing the Self and Others 10. The Hermit Crab and Other Experimental Forms 11. Non-Fiction Workshop 12. Creative Non-Fiction: The Critical Voice 13. Introduction to Publishing + Preparing Portfolios 14. In-class zine making

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Weekly Journals1,2,3,4,515%
Poetry Revision Assignment1,2,3,420%
Non-Fiction Revision Assignment1,2,3,420%
Peer Feedback ( 5% for each workshop)1,2,4,510%
Community Engagement Reflection4,55%
Final Portfolio1,2,3,4,520%
Reading Like a Writer Assignment1,2,310%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
  DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.