Creative Writing A & B - ENG745/ENG752

Course Equivalency

ENG450

Course Description: Semester A

At the beginning of the semester, students consider the importance of word play exercises in improving their facility with language while building a compelling and creative writing style. Focusing on word nuances and precision, later lessons guide students to write in a variety of short modes—including poetry, song lyrics, prose poetry, short stories, and creative nonfiction. There are several opportunities for peer review in this semester, during which students learn best practices for participating in writing workshops, and then revise their work using feedback from their peers.

Course Description: Semester B

This semester focuses on longer works of fiction: short stories, plays, and novels. Students learn basic techniques of plot and character development along with strategies for creating suspense and building a theme, and they have opportunities to write in several different genres. Lessons cover a few special topics as well, including graphic novels, animation, comedy, and improvisation. Students apply what they have learned about writing workshops and revising to the longer pieces of writing they create for this semester.

Major Concepts: Semester A

• Wordsmithing 101
• Life Distilled
• Writing Together
• Prose Meets Poetry
• Odds and Ends
• Play Time

Semester A Syllabus

Major Concepts: Semester B

• A Little Longer
• When Character Counts
• Meaning More
• Something Special
• Guided Imagery
• Going Long

Semester B Syllabus

Grade Level

• 9-12

Materials

• basic art supplies
• digital camera, camera phone, or scanner

Duration

• 2 semesters/1.0 credit