Course Syllabus

Creative Writing 2006

Instructor: Shawn Watts

Contact information: Email: swatts@ndsion.edu

                                                       Personal phone:  816-519-6158

                                                       School phone:  816-942-3282  (ext 1158)

Description:

Creative Writing, an elective course open to students in grades 11-12, offers an opportunity to develop more right brain composition skills. This class will

encourage imaginative writing of poetry, as well as short fiction, a one-act play,and a children’s story. In each unit of study, students will read selected works

from that genre, review literary theory and have ample opportunities to practice related skills before being required to write a creative work of their own.

Course objectives

Students will be given the opportunity :

*    To understand, apply, and recognize literary theory in regards to published poetry, short fiction, drama and children’s literature

*    To apply that knowledge of literary theory to one’s own imaginative output in order to create written work that is truly an expression of their hearts and minds

*    To enjoy the creative aspects of writing and to recognize the worth of writing as a creative output necessary in life.

*    To apply strategies that stimulate both brains, the academic and the creative.

*    To learn how to both recognize and create inspiration through journaling as well as through the development of a keener eye with which to observe the world

Class Expectations:

Students are expected to be in class on time with the necessary materials (Writing journal, Creative Writing Binder, assignments) each day. In addition,

students are expected to show respect towards each other and the instructor at all times.

     Students are evaluated on their efforts shown during the prewriting activities (journaling and others)of any given assignment as well as on the final product.

Evaluations:

Writing Journal

rough drafts and other pre-writing activities

personal poetry anthology

final drafts

Late Work policy:

Assignments are accepted for partial credit up to five days after the due date with 10 percent of the original score being deducted each day. Please see English department policy posted on my web site for additional information regarding late work due to absence.

Course Calendar      Semester 1     2009

August/September:  words and images  (poetry)

September:  people (plays and short stories)

October:  emotions  (short stories)

November:  objects and memories(childrens' stories)