Institute of Business Administration

HUM 360; Creative Writing; Main Campus

Below is the syllabus for Dr. Chishty-Mujahid’s course; Fall 2021.
Teaching assistant: ZARLISH RAZA KAZMI - 18559
<z.kazmi_18559@khi.iba.edu.pk>

“…two inches of ivory, on which I work with so fine a brush as produces little
effect after much labour”—Jane Austen

Aims: This course will aim to teach a few basic types of creative writing. Some would
argue that this type of writing stems from innate talent; regardless, the main goal of
the course will be to enable students to craft pieces of creative writing such as short
stories and brief plays in a manner that is geared, not so much towards discovering
talent [though that is indeed possible], as it is towards having students get in touch
with their creative side.
Objectives: Students will be encouraged to share their work with each other—this
type of exercise helps overcome literary shyness and is a fundamental part of any
creative workshop/course. They will be study a number of pieces of the instructor’s
own work, but that is more for the purpose of guidance as opposed to strict
pedagogical instruction.
Outcomes: By the end of the course students will be able to produce an enjoyable set
of original creative pieces. It is important that they share these with each other, as they
can learn more from the class as a group rather than primarily from the instructor. The
course is flexibly modulated to suit online requirements if need be, or hybrid and in-
class ones should such situations arise.

Grading scale per the IBA’s absolute grading system: A=Excellent; B=Good;
C=Satisfactory; F=Unsatisfactory [the student will unfortunately need to repeat
the course].

Assignments:
Midterm [a short story; specific parameters will be indicated prior to the exam]=30
percent
A play=35 percent
Final examination [choice of either a short story or a piece of drama]=35 percent

Required texts: Normally a light course packet containing the following pieces [these
will be read over the course of the semester, and briefly discussed, but they are just

Creative Writing; Fall 2021

guidelines to help shape the work of the students]. However, given the case of
ongoing Covid, the readings will be sent online.

Short Stories [many of these are consolidated in a piece titled Haider and Akbar]:
The Civics; The King of Diamonds; The Choice; The Tip of the Arrow; Borodino;
Pyrokinetics; The Daughter
Plays:
Sir Akbar, Fencing Master; A Political Chess King

Weekly schedule:
Week 1: Introduction. Why are you here, and what do you want to write?
Week 2: Relationships and The Civics. Twins.
Week 3: Relationships and The Civics contd.
Week 4: The King of Diamonds. The creation of a hero.
Week 5: The King of Diamonds contd.
Week 6: Romantic love. The Choice; The Daughter.
Week 7: The pandemic. Death. The Tip of the Arrow. Midterm—a short story.
Weeks 8 and 9: War and politics. Borodino.
Week 10: War and politics contd. Political Chess King
Week 11: Political Chess King contd.
Week 12: Political Chess King concluded. Writing a play.
Weeks 13 and 14: Maternal love, brotherhood, and court dynamics. Sir Akbar,
Fencing Master.
Week 15: Sir Akbar, contd.
Week 16: Sir Akbar, concluded.
Week 17: Pyrokinetics. The spiritual and supernatural. Final examination.

Disability accommodation: every reasonable, institutional effort will be made to

accommodate students with disabilities. The IBA policy regarding absences will be
adhered to per the rules. Do not turn in assignments late, and make sure you evaluate
your course. Respect and courtesy towards the teaching assistant is non-negotiable.

Creative Writing; Fall 2021