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| COURSE POLICIES |
This course is designed to introduce you to contemporary poetry and fiction so that you can become a better reader and writer. Course objectives include: learning to do “close readings” or “analyses” of contemporary poetry and fiction, learning to identify and discuss the devices that poets and fiction writers use in their work, learning to use these literary devices to improve your own writing, learning to read and respond to the work of your peers, and learning to respond critically to and revise your own work.
This is a combined discussion and workshop course. This means that, in part, all students are responsible for contributing to both their own learning experience and the learning experience of others. This class is a place where students can share their writing with others and receive individual feedback from both the instructor and their peers. It is important to understand that workshop involves criticism: the point of having your writing workshopped is to listen to advice and/or suggestions from others that can help you become a better writer. It is difficult for everyone to be critiqued, but it is essential to the writing process. It is important to remember that criticism is designed to be useful (i.e., constructive). Unproductive or mean-spirited criticism will not be tolerated. Also, because the contribution of ideas from each student is critical to the learning process, any behavior that makes other students feel uncomfortable in their learning environment will not be tolerated. This includes interrupting others while they are talking, carrying on conversations separate from the class discussion, or making comments that could be perceived as racially, sexually, ethnically, culturally or in any other way offensive. Please make every effort to maintain an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing and responding to ideas. Also, as a way of avoiding disruptions, please make every effort to get to class on time and turn off all cell phones prior to class.
Students are expected to attend each class session. Four absences are allowed during the semester. That means four absences TOTAL—I do not distinguish between "excused" and "unexcused" absences. I strongly encourage all students to avoid skipping class, and to save their permitted absences for when they actually need them. After the fourth absence, each subsequent absence will reduce the end-of-semester grade by 1/3 of a letter grade (approximately 3 percentage points). Other information related to attendance: You do not need to tell me why you were absent, but you should always ask about any assignments you missed; if you know in advance that you will be absent on a particular day, ask me for any assignments that you will miss; if an assignment is due on the day you are absent, you can email it to me or put it in my mailbox.
Class Participation counts toward a large part of your grade. It is important to understand that class participation is not related to attendance. You can come to class every day without ever participating. I will keep track of your participation over the course of the semester, and you will be graded on how much you contribute to the class discussion, not on whether or not you were physically present. Class participation includes, but is not limited to: coming to class prepared (with the appropriate materials, and having read and responded to the assigned texts), completing assigned work, asking questions for clarification or to further the class discussion/workshop (this includes asking questions of both the instructor and your peers), and responding to the work of other students (this includes orally during workshop and in writing on the students’ drafts).
If you would like to meet with me to discuss your writing, the assigned readings, the presentation, the analysis paper, or anything else relevant to creative writing, you are welcome to set up a conference with me or to come by during my office hours. Keep in mind that office hours are times I have set aside specifically for meeting with students. You
do not need to make an appointment to meet with me during those times, nor do you need to tell me in advance if you plan to come by. Just show up, and I’ll be there.
100-90 A 89-80 B 79-70 C 69-60 D Below 60 F
Student grades will be determined on a total points possible basis. Students may calculate their grades at any time by adding up the points they have earned and dividing that number by the points possible.
Class Participation 125 points
Class Presentation 25 points
Analysis Paper 100 points
Anthology 50 points
Portfolio 150 points
Total Points Possible 450 points |
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