Course Description

This class will introduce you to the genre of Creative Nonfiction. We will read classic and contemporary examples of Creative Nonfiction to understand their use of craft. We will then copy this use of craft to practice, perfect our own writing, and develop our own voices. This course requires writing, discussing, and group work.

Course Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this course, you should be able to…

By the end of this course, you should …

Course Learning Goals	How?	Why?
Gather, interpret, and assess information from a variety of sources and points of view related to the production of written creative works in a multitude of genres.	Reading Choice & Discussion	Students should form a foundational knowledge of craft content & writing practices they can then expand upon.
Produce well-reasoned written or oral arguments using evidence to support conclusions; and Evaluate evidence and arguments critically or analytically.	Craft Talks	Students should leave the class feeling empowered with their own practice of craft & be able to articulate their own writing philosophies via co-teaching & cosmopolitan strategies.
Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and methods of creative writing.	Writing Cycle Assignments	Students should feel set-up for creative success both in mind & body after cogenerating content knowledge.
Analyze how arts from diverse cultures of the past serve as a foundation for those of the present and describe the significance of works of art in the societies that created them.	Readings choice & Discussion	Students should learn context for their own and worldly communities, as this promotes communal connection.
Articulate how meaning is created in the arts and how experience is interpreted and conveyed through creative work.	Co-generative workshop groups, Craft Talks, and cover letters	Students should feel confident and comfortable sharing and giving comments through co-teaching prompts and empowering students to articulate their creative philosophy
Demonstrate knowledge of the skills involved in the creative writing process.	Writing Cycle Assignments	Students should achieve fluency in content and awareness of the context of the literary world

Required Texts

This is an OER, Open Educational Resources, class. So, all readings are freely available. The Course Schedule has links to them all. PDFs will also be available through the course schedule.

Grading

We will be using a grading contract for this course. See “Grading Contract” page for more information.

Instructor Availability

1. My office hours:
2. My email hours:  

Course Expectations

I expect you (the student) to…

• Come to class awake; prepared; and ready to take notes, discuss, and work.
• Be responsible with electronics by paying attention to the class, not the computer. If you are using a computer or tablet, I reserve the right to cold call on you.
• Stay in communication about your progress in the class, issues you are having, and ideas for class sessions if you have them. There are times when it is my job to reach out to you, and there are times when it is your job to reach out to me.
• Put in the effort to improve in your writing skills by doing the work required.
• Be Respectful to everyone in the class. Our class is a safe space, and everyone is welcome. No one is better than the other (not even me).

I expect myself (the teacher) to…

• Clearly communicate about our schedule, our purpose, my lectures, and my expectations.
• Be available during office and email hours.
• Return feedback in a prompt manner, usually within 2 weeks of the due date.
• Respect and listen to you each. When I say “this is our class, not my class” I mean it. If you have ideas or concerns, I want to hear them. I also expect to maintain our classroom safe space and moderate discussions as needed.