Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the practice of creative writing in various forms within a workshop setting, utilizing texts as models that represent a diverse group of authors. If you bring your engagement, boldness, and dedication, you will learn: 1) to observe the world around you and inside you as writers, and translate it into words, 2) to read and analyze critically as writers, 3) to ignite and fan the spark of ‘inspiration’ (and to persevere with or without it), 4) to become fluent in the basic tenets of creative writing in three genres: poetry, short fiction, and dramatic writing, 5) to understand that writing is revision, 6) to contribute substantively and democratically to class discussion and workshop, 7) to contribute to an environment that is equitable to all its members, 8) and to be less afraid of using your voice in all its forms. Though some of you will end up in careers not closely related to creative writing, the efforts you put into brainstorming story and subject ideas, thinking about the ways stories matter, observing closely, identifying what’s working and what’s not in a piece of writing, and putting complex ideas into words that enliven, challenge, and create deep feeling in your reader/audience, will give you tools and confidence that will help you succeed in countless other areas. I will be available to you through conference or email to answer questions about your writing work, help you move forward when you feel stuck, talk about the English writing major and/or minor at DePauw—whatever you need.

Student Outcomes

by the end of the semester, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate creative writing skills in fiction and poetry, as well as a third genre such as creative nonfiction, playwriting, or screenwriting, depending on instructor.

2. Give and receive constructive feedback utilizing the workshop method.

3. Develop the ability to revise their own work based on the feedback they receive.

4. Build a portfolio of writing samples in multiple genres.

5. Engage with guest speakers, such as writers, editors, and/or publishers, who can provide insights into the field.

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