Course Syllabus

Creative Writing I

Faculty

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Course Description

This course is an exploration of creative writing as a means of self-expression. Students learn the process of creative writing: topic selection and form, planning, developing imagination, and revising drafts. This course focuses on characteristics of good writing and the discipline, practice, and self-awareness required. Prerequisite: English Composition.

Essential Objectives

1. Demonstrate a command of English grammar and usage suitable for intended audience and purpose.
2. Through reading work of established writers, identify and practice such craft elements as sound, imagery, diction, tone, and syntax; discuss choices a writer makes in regard to these elements.
3. Develop a process for drafting and revising toward a final product.
4. Practice creative work in a variety of forms.
5. Apply critical thinking and reading skills to discuss the work of other class members as well as the work of established writers from diverse cultures.
6. Explore how works of creative writing contribute to social change individually or collectively.
7. Submit a final portfolio of selected work which demonstrates a commitment to practice and revision.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Allowed: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges technology, including generative AI, plays a supportive role in learning and feedback. During our class, we may use AI writing tools such as ChatGPT in certain specific cases. You will be informed as to when, where, and how these tools are permitted to be used, along with guidance for attribution. Any use outside of these specific cases constitutes a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

ChatGPT is a great tool but not a substitute for your own creative process. And, here's a secret: it's also not nearly as good. What it tends to be good for in my experience is brainstorming, and we'll look at ethical ways of integrating that tool into our development process.

Methods

1) Readings about the creative process, point of view, setting/scene, and types of creative formats

2) Essays and short stories by established writers

3) Writing assignments responding to readings, including online discussion forums

4) In-class workshops of student writing

5) Two short stories and one essay, multiple drafts

6) In-class content generation exercises

Evaluation Criteria

Class participation including workshops: 30%

Essay: 15%

Short stories: 30%

Discussion forum: 15%

Response assignments: 10%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Creative writing is fun, and it also requires active and thoughtful engagement in class each week. The following habits and skills are important. Here's what I ask of students to get the most out of class.

• Attend class regularly, on time, and for the full session
• Complete all of the week's reading and assignments by the due date (usually the next class with the exception of discussion assignments)
• Listen to others attentively and with an open mind
• Positively contribute to class discussions and activities
• Ask questions and seek help when you need it
• Challenge yourself to do your best work

Missing & Late Work Policy

I deduct 5% for each day an assignment is late, up to one week. After that, you'll receive a zero.

You have three "life happens" passes. You just need to tell me you're taking the pass before the deadline. You don't need to tell me why you're taking the pass; you do need to give me the date and time you'll have the assignment in by. If you miss that new deadline, you receive a zero.

I'm fairly flexible if you are open to talking live. I don't negotiate any of my policies via email. I am very available and always happy to hop on a call or a Zoom meeting.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity