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Spring 2022 Course Syllabus
Course: ENGL-2307- Section: 1C Creative Writing I |
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| Instructor Information | |||||||||||
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| Instructor | Jessie Doiron | ||||||||||
| doironjj@lamarpa.edu | |||||||||||
| Phone | (409) 984-6337 | ||||||||||
| Office |
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| COVID 19 Information | The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website. | ||||||||||
| Course Information | |||||||||||
| Description | Practical experience in the techniques of imaginative writing. May include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, or drama. | ||||||||||
| Prerequisites | This course follows the prerequisite courses of freshman composition (English 1301 and English 1302). See LSCPA College Catalog. | ||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes |
Student Learning Outcomes � Students will learn the basics of plot, detail, and voice for writing fiction. � Students will write exercises that will lead to a draft and then revision of a completed short story. � Students will learn critical methods for assessing narratives. � Students will become more accomplished critics and readers of fiction. � Students will write exercises that will lead to drafts and then revisions of completed poetry. � Students will learn critical methods for assessing poetic work. � Students will become more accomplished critics and readers of poetry. � Students will write exercises that will lead to a draft and then revision of a completed dramatic scene. � Students will learn critical methods for assessing drama. � Students will become more accomplished critics and readers of drama. � Students will read and analyze literary works (fiction, poetry, drama) produced by course participants. � Students will develop skills needed for critical thinking, critical reading, and literary analysis. � Students will learn of social, cultural, historical, scientific, and technical developments in publishing. � Students will enhance skills developed in the prerequisite courses of English 1301 and English 1302. � Students will demonstrate competent use of submission styles commonly used in publishing. |
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| Core Objectives |
Communication Skills -- demonstrate effective written and oral communication Critical Thinking Skills -- engage in creative and innovative thinking, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organization of concepts, and construction of solutions Teamwork -- demonstrate ability to work effectively with others to support shared purpose, objective, goal and in doing so consider different points of view Social Responsibility -- demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities Personal Responsibility -- demonstrate ability to connect choice, action, and consequence to an ethical decision In this course a student reads and studies the literary genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and creative non-fiction. The reading material in this course provides a student with a broad overview of these major genres of literature. The course also develops a student�s abilities to express himself creatively through writing. Generally, the course involves a student in the expression of experience through the writing of original fiction, poetry, drama, or creative non-fiction. Specifically, the course requires a student to produce five (5) works of literature in the genres mentioned above. Initially, the class group will spend some time reviewing the major elements of literature. During this review, each student will receive various short assignments that focus on the process of creative writing. After this review of literary elements, much of the course will transpire through �workshop� meetings, during which students will critique one another�s work. The purpose of such workshops is to give participants insight into their creative work and develop their understanding of the �craft of writing,� both of which coming about through the process of critiquing the material presented by all of the course participants. Students will submit workshop comments to the instructor for review. At the end of the workshop process, students will receive their workshop comments back with instructor�s evaluation. Specific Objectives � Help develop precision in reading and in expression of thought � Encourage development of more mature writing skills by focusing attention on aspects of unity and style, flexibility and precision in language, balanced structure, and appropriate blend of subject matter, style, and tone � Aid in developing expository skills learned in previous course work, specifically through writing practice in (a) explaining what has been discovered through a critical reading of a particular work and (b) interpreting the meaning of a work by subjecting its techniques either to explication or analysis � Introduce characteristics of fiction, poetry, and drama � Develop the critical skills for reading, analyzing and writing about the literary genres � Provide opportunities to master library resources effectively through the assignment of creative work that requires research � Assist in further understanding and mastery of Standard Written English � Help in recognizing literature as a valid means of representing and thereby defining personal experience � Inform about MLA format and its use (when needed) in the presentation of literary work |
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| Program Student Learning Outcomes | This course is not a technical course. | ||||||||||
| Textbooks |
Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
Required Text Gwynn, R. S., Poetry � A Pocket Anthology, 4th edition. Penguin Academics, 2002. Gwynn, R. S., Fiction � A Pocket Anthology, 4th edition. Penguin Academics, 2002. |
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| Lecture Topics Outline |
Preliminary Work Schedule Week 1 Introduction to course, books, methodology January 26 Explanation of Creative Writing Projects (major and minor) Explanation of Workshops Overview of Publishing and Style Discuss Major Project Proposal/Synopsis Discuss Minor Projects Minor Project One Assignment Personal Essay Journalistic Feature Story Magazine Article Editorial/Opinion Piece Major Project Assignment Proposal/Synopsis Class Work Assignment Week 2 Minor Project One February 2 Essay / Feature / Article Magazine Newspaper Newsletter Internet Class Work Assignment Week 3 Minor Project One February 9 Essay / Feature / Article Magazine Newspaper Newsletter Internet Class Work Assignment Week 4 February 16 Minor Project Two Minor Project One Assignment Due Short Fiction / Short Story Vignette / Sketch Scene / Passage Dialogue Exposition Transition Development Climax Relief Class Work Assignment Major Project Proposal/Synopsis Week 5 February 23 Minor Project Two Short Fiction / Short Story Vignette / Sketch Scene / Passage Dialogue Exposition Transition Development Climax Relief Class Work Assignment Major Project Proposal/Synopsis Week 6 March 2 Minor Project Two Critique One Assignment Due Short Fiction / Short Story Vignette / Sketch Scene / Passage Dialogue Exposition Transition Development Climax Relief Class Work Assignment Major Project Proposal/Synopsis Week 7 Minor Project Three Minor Project Two Assignment Due March 9 Poetry / Song Lyrics Formal Verse /Free Verse Class Work Assignment Week 8 Minor Project Three March 16 Poetry / Song Lyrics Formal Verse /Free Verse Class Work Assignment Week 9 Minor Project Three Critique Two Assignment Due March 23 Poetry / Song Lyrics Formal Verse /Free Verse Class Work Assignment Week 10 Minor Project Four Minor Project Three Assignment Due March 30 Drama / Comedy Theater Stage Play Radio Play Teleplay Screenplay Class Work Assignment Week11 Minor Project Four April 6 Drama / Comedy Theater Stage Play Radio Play Teleplay Screenplay Class Work Assignment Week 12 Minor Project Four April 13 Drama / Comedy Critique Three Assignment Due Theater Stage Play Radio Play Teleplay Screenplay Class Work Assignment Week 13 April 20 Major Project Minor Project Four Assignment Due Week 14 April 27 Major Project Week 15 May 4 Major Project Critique Four Assignment Due Major Project Assignment Due Week 16 May 11 Final Exam Final Exam Due / All Work Due |
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| Major Assignments Schedule |
Preliminary Work Schedule Week 1 Introduction to course, books, methodology January 26 Explanation of Creative Writing Projects (major and minor) Explanation of Workshops Overview of Publishing and Style Discuss Major Project Proposal/Synopsis Discuss Minor Projects Minor Project One Assignment Personal Essay Journalistic Feature Story Magazine Article Editorial/Opinion Piece Major Project Assignment Proposal/Synopsis Class Work Assignment Week 2 Minor Project One February 2 Essay / Feature / Article Magazine Newspaper Newsletter Internet Class Work Assignment Week 3 Minor Project One February 9 Essay / Feature / Article Magazine Newspaper Newsletter Internet Class Work Assignment Week 4 February 16 Minor Project Two Minor Project One Assignment Due Short Fiction / Short Story Vignette / Sketch Scene / Passage Dialogue Exposition Transition Development Climax Relief Class Work Assignment Major Project Proposal/Synopsis Week 5 February 23 Minor Project Two Short Fiction / Short Story Vignette / Sketch Scene / Passage Dialogue Exposition Transition Development Climax Relief Class Work Assignment Major Project Proposal/Synopsis Week 6 March 2 Minor Project Two Critique One Assignment Due Short Fiction / Short Story Vignette / Sketch Scene / Passage Dialogue Exposition Transition Development Climax Relief Class Work Assignment Major Project Proposal/Synopsis Week 7 Minor Project Three Minor Project Two Assignment Due March 9 Poetry / Song Lyrics Formal Verse /Free Verse Class Work Assignment Week 8 Minor Project Three March 16 Poetry / Song Lyrics Formal Verse /Free Verse Class Work Assignment Week 9 Minor Project Three Critique Two Assignment Due March 23 Poetry / Song Lyrics Formal Verse /Free Verse Class Work Assignment Week 10 Minor Project Four Minor Project Three Assignment Due March 30 Drama / Comedy Theater Stage Play Radio Play Teleplay Screenplay Class Work Assignment Week11 Minor Project Four April 6 Drama / Comedy Theater Stage Play Radio Play Teleplay Screenplay Class Work Assignment Week 12 Minor Project Four April 13 Drama / Comedy Critique Three Assignment Due Theater Stage Play Radio Play Teleplay Screenplay Class Work Assignment Week 13 April 20 Major Project Minor Project Four Assignment Due Week 14 April 27 Major Project Week 15 May 4 Major Project Critique Four Assignment Due Major Project Assignment Due Week 16 May 11 Final Exam Final Exam Due / All Work Due _____________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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| Final Exam Date | May 11, 2022 - 6:0 PM Through May 11, 2022 - 9:0 PM | ||||||||||
| Grading Scale |
A = 90 - 100 course points B = 80 - 89 C = 70 - 79 D = 60 - 69 F = 00 - 59 course points Grading Policy � 1 Major Project 40% � 4 Minor Projects 20% (5% each) � 4 Critiques 10% (2.5% each) � Reading / Preparation 10% � Class Discussions 10% � Final Exam 10% _____________________________ 100% |
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| Determination of Final Grade |
Grading Policy � 1 Major Project 40% � 4 Minor Projects 20% (5% each) � 4 Critiques 10% (2.5% each) � Reading / Preparation 10% � Class Discussions 10% � Final Exam 10% _____________________________ 100% |
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| Course Policies | |||||||||||
| Instructor Policies |
Grading Criteria A The work fully integrates the elements of the genres that we have studied in group or through individual tutorial. The work has no major mechanical problems (grammar, structure, punctuation). The work indicates successful revision and development. B The work exhibits understanding of the elements of the genres that we have studied in group or through individual tutorial, and the work clearly demonstrates the author�s ability to manipulate the elements of these genres. The work has minor mechanical problems that reduce the effectiveness of the material. The work would benefit from modest revision and/or development C The work indicates incomplete comprehension of the elements of the genres that we have studied in group or through individual tutorial; nevertheless, the work demonstrates the author�s ability to manipulate these elements of genres to achieve a modestly creative statement. The work has mechanical errors that limit or disrupt the organization of the statement, preventing effectiveness. The work needs revision or development. D The work demonstrates a misunderstanding of the elements of genres that we have studied in group or through individual tutorial. The work has mechanical problems that significantly reduce the effectiveness of the material. The work requires more revision and development. F The work shows a lack of understanding of the elements of the genres that we have studied in group or through tutorial. The work has mechanical problems that seriously interfere with the effectiveness of the material. The work demands extensive revision and/or development. Criteria for Critiques You may simply number 1-7 and comment. You should also make notes on the draft � spelling, grammar, etc. 1. Literary Elements Does the work include the elements of literature required by the assignment? What are these elements? 2. Accomplishment Explain how the work accomplishes (or fails to accomplish) the assignment. 3. Mechanical Elements Does the work use acceptable grammar and punctuation to fulfill its artistic goals? What aspects of mechanics are particularly effective or ineffective? 4. Literary Style Explain the style of the work. What makes the work creative? What makes the work artistic? 5. Audience / Market Does the work have a general or particular audience? What is the marketability for the work? Is the work saleable? 6. Suggestions What revisions to the work do you advise? Plagiarism / Collusion / Cheating REFER TO TSUS POLICY Plagiarism can lead to a student�s receiving a failing grade in the course and can result in administrative action through which the student is suspended from the university. Plagiarism is the appropriation of passages, either word for word, or in substance, from the writing of someone else, and the incorporation of such passages as one�s own, in an assignment offered for credit. Collusion can lead to a student�s receiving a failing grade on a particular assignment or for the course Collusion refers to a student�s receiving unnecessary/ unauthorized tutoring in the preparation of work to be offered for credit. Cheating implies dishonesty or deception of a different sort, whether in the preparation of written work offered for credit or in the taking of a test. Attendance Policy A student must attend all classes and be on time. Failure to attend class in a timely manner will result in a deduction of up to 10 points from the student�s course grade. Students must provide adequate explanation (in writing) of any absences. Absences must be verifiable through the principal�s office. Students with Disabilities In cooperation with the FCC Beaumont and the TDCJ, I will extend every effort to make this course a meaningful component of any eligible student�s academic plan. Classroom Etiquette All students must comply with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice rules regarding classroom behavior. All students must comply with the rules and regulations set out by the administration of the Stiles Unit and the principal of the school. All students must comply with the rules set out by this syllabus and those that are developed by the instructor throughout the semester. Mature Content Warning This course contains strong language, adult situations, graphic depictions of human interactions. The course also contains discussions intended for mature audiences. Were the course a motion picture, the rating for it would be at least R (for restricted to adults 18 years or older). In no manner is it the intention of the instructor to disturb students whose sensitivities do not permit full, frank, candid, light-hearted, serious, intense, and adult conversation. Terms, words, comments, statements, ideas, concepts, and descriptions that appear in the textbooks or surface in classroom discussions may be offensive to one or more persons in the class group at some time or another. Never should any single individual feel personally affronted by the language used in the books, handouts, or classroom discussions. Should any terms, phrases, words, or comments offend a particular individual, please bring this to my attention at the earliest convenient time so that I might do what I can to alleviate the perceived injury. Nothing intentionally offensive should ever be directed at any single individual, minority group, social class, ethnicity, gender, or race. American English has multiple levels of social acceptance. Misunderstandings of comments or words will occur that might discomfit or annoy some individuals. I will do my best to serve as model and moderator for the classroom discussions by ameliorating these unavoidable misunderstandings through personal example and by providing clarifications, explanations, and counseling if needed. With the above observations in mind, remember that we live in a free and democratic society, one in which all individuals have the right to think and believe and speak what they will without fear of governmental sanctions. In America, individuals have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Let us balance these inalienable rights with the need to get along with one another in our classroom community so that we may all successfully achieve our course objectives. |
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| Attendance Policy | Students with more than three absences from the course will receive a failing grade for the course if these absences cannot be substantiated as unavoidable due to illness or actions noted as excusable by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Mark Stiles Unit. | ||||||||||
| Academic Honesty | Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty. | ||||||||||
| Facility Policies |
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| Important Information | |||||||||||
| ADA Considerations | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241. | ||||||||||
| MyLSCPA | Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLSCPA. | ||||||||||
| Other |
Students may only contact the instructor through the LSCPA Inmate Instruction Office. Contact outside of the course / semester is not allowed. |
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| HB 2504 | This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504. | ||||||||||
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