COURSE SYLLABUS

Introduction to Creative Writing

English 285-011, Wednesday, in RB 106, 10:00 to 10:50 AM

Professor Michael Meyerhofer

Spring 2014

 

I think one of my early motivations for writing was that other people's versions of experience didn't gel with my own. It was a gesture toward sanity to try to get the world right for myself. I've since learned that if you get it right for yourself, it often has resonance for others.

-Stephen Dunn

Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That's why it's so hard.

-David McCullough

How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.

-Henry David Thoreau  

If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
-Oscar Wilde 

Welcome to English 285! The easiest way to reach me is via email (mrmeyerhofer@bsu.edu), but it is not the only way. You can also drop by my office (RB246) during my office hours (MW, noon to 2 PM). When I am in my office, you can call me at 285-8573. If those time slots do not work, you are more than welcome to set up an appointment with me.
 

Course Description

This course offers an introduction to the art and craft of writing poetry and prose that’s worth reading. We’ll also discuss what qualities distinguish a good piece of writing (for instance, how good poetry has almost nothing in common with the lyrics of insipid pop songs). As students and writers, you will read and analyze high quality published work, write and revise your own pieces, and read and discuss the work of your classmates. Time permitting, I also hope to introduce you to the world of literary journals and publishing as well. This course does not require you to be an experienced and/or gifted creative writer; it does require you to be willing to read, analyze, and do your best on your own work.

Required Texts

This course does not require you to purchase a textbook; instead, I’ve put together a substantial collection of short stories, essays, poems, and exercises that you will be required to read from beginning to end. That packet is available for purchase in the English Department main office. 

Student Learning Objectives

English 285 is designed to introduce you to contemporary poetry, fiction, and nonfiction so that you can become a better reader and writer. Course objectives include: learning to do “close readings” or “analysis” of contemporary poetry and fiction, learning to identify and discuss the devices that poets and prose 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.

Coursework

In English 285, you will be called upon to read and analyze a great deal of writing, as well as produce a substantial body of your own work. Heavy emphasis will also be placed on analyzing published works, helpfully critiquing the work of your classmates, and recognizing that writing is an ongoing process by working to revise and improve your own pieces. This includes:

*Journal responses to assigned readings (always at least two full pages, double spaced, as detailed as possible), due the day the reading is to be discussed. 20% of course grade.

*Participation: Includes reading the required material, participating in class discussions, attending conferences with your instructor, and being a reader and responder for your classmates. 20% of course grade.

*Final portfolio: Your final portfolio will contain all your major poetry and prose assignments for the semester, as well as three substantial revisions. Your grade for the portfolio will be based on the amount and quality of revision. 40% of course grade.

*Final Presentation: This can be either a substantial, solo presentation on a contemporary writer we haven’t discussed or a filmed, group adaptation of a short story (either one written by a published author or a group member). 20% of course grade.

Conferences

At least once during the semester, we will meet one-on-one in my office to discuss your writing. Although these meetings are informal, attendance is mandatory and is counted into your participation grade. Also, failure to attend conferences will result in unexcused absences.

Attendance Policy

Students are allowed to have up to one week’s worth of “unexcused” absences. (So if you’re in a MW section, that means you can miss two days. If you’re in a M section, that means you can miss one.) Each additional unexcused absence will lower your final grade by 1/3 of a letter. Please note that even in the case of “unexcused” absences, homework assignments must be turned in on time. If you know in advance that you’re going to be absent, let me know ASAP so we can make arrangements for you to turn in assignments ahead of time. Also, note that daily in-class journal assignments cannot be made up.

Excused absences can be given for religious reasons, University activities, and other special circumstances, but these must be arranged beforehand, and proof may (and probably will) be required. In the case of excused absences that fall on paper due-dates, arrangements will be made to turn in the papers early. Note that in accordance with university policy, a student missing 20% or more of the course automatically receives a failing grade.

Participation

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). 

Format

All assignments should be typed (unless otherwise specified) with your name, the class section, and the title of the assignment (“Poem #3”, “Short Story”, “Journal Entry #2”, etc.) in an upper corner. Multiple pages should always be numbered. Note: especially when we start workshopping poems, it will get difficult to keep different assignments straight, so writing “Poem #3”, “Poem #4”, etc., will help a lot. 

Also, always save everything you write for this class!! You’ll need it for the final portfolio and revision exercises. Note: while the major workshopping assignments (the poems and stories) must be turned in printed, I will accept journals via email! Attach them as doc or docx and be sure to type something in the body of the email so it doesn’t go to spam folder instead.

Classroom Environment

English 285 is a hybrid discussion and workshop course. This means, in part, that all students are responsible for contributing to both their own learning experience and that of 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’s difficult to be critiqued, but it’s essential to the writing process. Please note that classroom criticism should 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 either. This includes interrupting others while they’re 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.

Plagiarism

For the purposes of this class, plagiarism essentially means taking another author’s written work and attempting to pass it off as your own. Doing so may result in a failing grade, disciplinary reprimand, censure, probation, and even suspension or dismissal from the University.  

About Your Instructor 

I am fairly awkward and prone to making bad jokes but I promise, I'm well-intentioned. OK, not that we've got that out of the way, we can continue.  I've published three books and five chapbooks of poetry and have won quite a few national prizes. I also have a fantasy novel forthcoming in April (the first in a series). Feel free to swing by www.troublewithhammers.com and check out some of my work, if you’re bored. This is my seventh year as an Assistant Professor at Ball State University. Before this, I taught composition and creative writing at Southern Illinois University for four years. I’m the Poetry Editor for Atticus Review and I’ve also been a tutor, worked in a rehab center, flipped burgers, and built refrigerators in a factory (worst job ever). I am also an unapologetic history, science, and politics nerd so be prepared to have random facts thrown at you (and, sometimes, candy).  As my prior students can attest to, I believe very strongly in helping my students. So if you have questions or concerns, let me know!