EN 250 Creative Writing Summer 2014

Lower Brule Community College

3 Semester Credit Hours Prerequisite: EN 101 or consent of instructor

Instructor: Jessica McManus-Sazue

Contact Information
Email : jessica.mcmanus@k12.sd.us
Cell # (between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.):605-682-9132


Text:
Sellers, Heather. The Practice of Creative Writing: A Guide for Students, 2nd
Edition. Orange, Va: Macmillan Higher Education, 2012.

Course Website: www.sazue.weebly.com

This syllabus may be subject to change throughout the course!

Course Description and Goals:
So you are interested in creative writing? Welcome to class.
Students will compose ction.
Students will write poetry.
Students will create literary nonction.
Students will edit peers work and have their own work edited too.
Students will read some short stories and poems, and gain the perspective of others.
Students will discuss and model the work of other authors while becoming one.
Students will collect their best course work for presentation in a portfolio.


Methodology:
Primarily, students will be active by doing their own writing. Another level of activity
involves reading and giving constructive criticism on peer writing. The third level is
focused on learning from analytical consideration of published texts. In addition, we
will explore the creative process via discussions and exercises.

Academic Integrity:
Plagarism will not be tolerated. All work submitted will only be given a grade if it is
authentic work. Allusions will be encouraged, however; and some writers borrow
great ideas. If you have any questions, please ask me.

Attendance and Particiption:
This is an effort-based class: your effort, attendance, and engagement are what will
cause you to grow as a writer. In addition to the written work, very considerable
emphasis is placed upon participation. In order to participate you must attend class
and be prepared for class. Be ready and open to offering your voice in all phases of
this class: as a writer, critic, peer, friend, etc. The substance of our discussions
determines the content of the class. I do not have prepared lectures, etc. Take
ownership of your education by participating in every class. Students are expected to
arrive on time for the class and be prepared. If a student needs to leave class early or
arrive late, he or she should notify the instructor in advance of the class

Golden Rules:
By treating others as you wish to be treated in this class, you will:
Expect criticism of your work!
Critique anothers work, not the person.
Welcome suggestions for improvement.
Offer ideas to help your peers succeed in class

Grading and Agenda:
Classes are not about grades, but about learning. Acceptance of ones personal
responsibility in learning will achieve a more satisfying grade. Each day will constitute
20% of your earned final grade.
Day 1: The Practice Of Creative Writing book work; writing practice; discussion;
participation; and critique.
Day 2: Fiction Day involves reading, writing, and peer editing.
Day 3: Poetry Day with reading, writing and editing.
Day 4: Nonfictional Literature Day includes reading, writing, and editing.
Day 5: Portfolio preparation and presentation.



Who wants to become a writer? And why? Because its the answer to everything. Its the
streaming reason for living. To note, to pin down, to build up, to create, to be astonished at
nothing, to cherish the oddities, to let nothing go down the drain, to make something, to make a
great flower out of life, even if its a cactus.
Enid Bagnold