7/31/2019 Intro to Creative Writing - ENGS 053 Z2 - Course Syllabus

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ENGS 53: Creative Writing

Eve AlexandraEve.Alexandra@uvm.edu

ENGS 53 Z2 CRN 60885Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-4:45 pm OMANEX 303 July 3, 2012August 9, 2012

Office:400 Old Mill

656-3056Office hours by appointment

It doesnt matter what you think.Words are found responsible

All you can do is choose them

or chooseto remain silent.

Adrienne Rich, from North American Time

Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand

our sense of life: they feed the soul.

Anne Lamott,Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Course DescriptionThis is an introductory course on the techniques of writing poetry, short prose fiction, and

creative non-fiction. The class is organized around student work. There will be bi-weekly

writing assignments and revisions. Well workshop student writing each time we meet.We will examine the work of contemporary poets and writers in order to further

understand and challenge our own work and the creative process. Welcome to the

conversation and a writing community. You may be an experienced writer or perhaps

youve never written a poem, but you must be willing to consider yourself a writer (and areader!) for the duration of this course. Experimentation will be welcome. Risk-taking

recommended!

Required TextsThe Art of Description Mark Doty

Some EtherNick FlynnLightheadTerrance Hayes

Satan Says Sharon Olds

Selected short stories (to be distributed in class):

The Toughest Indian in the WorldSherman Alexie

This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona Sherman Alexie

GirlJamaica Kincaid

7/31/2019 Intro to Creative Writing - ENGS 053 Z2 - Course Syllabus

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Runaway Alice Munro

You will also be responsible for supplemental materials including films, individual

poems, critical essays, etc.

Reading and WritingIn the event you are absent, you are responsible for getting the assignment. The following

is a brief outline of the required assignments. We will discuss the details and objectives

of each assignment in class.

*You are required to read all texts and be prepared to discuss them.

*Submit a Word of the Day*Reading Responses: you must write a brief critical response (short essay 1-2 pages) for

each of the assigned texts. You must submit the response to me in class on the day it is

due to receive full credit.

*Creative writing assignment/revisions

*Final manuscript of revised work

Requirements and Grading: Regular attendance, full participation, and turning in all

work on time are basic requirements. If you neglect to fulfill these requirements, it will

be difficult to pass the class. You are allowed one absence. If you miss more than oneclass, I may suggest that you withdraw from the class and/or risk failing. We begin class

promptly. If you consistently come late to class, I reserve the right to mark you absent.

Attendance during the entire class period is required. I am happy to meet with you on an

individual basis, and I encourage you to meet with me whenever you feel it may bebeneficial to your work.

Grading Criteria:Each of the following will constitute roughly one quarter of your grade:*Class participation

*Reading Responses

*Creative writing assignments/revision*Final manuscript

ACCESS: If you require ACCESS accommodations, please bring me your paperwork assoon as possible so we can collaboratively develop a plan for you.

Integrity: All students should familiarize themselves with the Code of Academic

Integrity from the UVM Center for Student Ethics and Standards. I am responsible for

reporting any suspected violations of the Code of Ethics, including plagiarism, to theCenter for Student Ethics and Standards. The standard sanction at UVM in cases of

intentional plagiarism is a grade of XF in the course.

I look forward to the work we will be engaged in together. Welcome!