Course CRWT 2301.

002 Introductory Creative Writing

Professor Dr. Thom D. Chesney
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Term Spring 2011: January 10 – May 11th
Meetings 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. – Monday & Wednesday – FO 2.608

Professor’s Contact Information

Office Phone 972.883.5482
Other Phone 972.883.6707 (The GEMS Center)
Office Location Conference Center (CN 1.214B)
Email Address tchesney@utdallas.edu
Office Hours By appointment: I am at UT Dallas ~ 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. M – F.

Note: For all official course correspondence I use students’ official UTD e-mail
Other Information accounts as posted in Orion. This course will include eLearning components and
correspondence, as well.

General Course Information

Pre-requisites, Co-
requisites, & other RHET 1302
restrictions
This course is an introduction to creative writing and serves as a pre-requisite
for more advanced courses in creative writing.

The course will investigate and instruct students in fundamental approaches to

the process of creating original works of short fiction and poetry from invention,
Course Description
to drafting, to peer review, to revision and refinement. Traditional and
experimental forms will be covered.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

exhibit an advanced ability to produce pieces of creative writing, in

keeping with specified forms and genres taught
demonstrate a knowledgeable appreciation of English language
creative expression
articulate an understanding of the key aspects of creative writing,
Student Learning
including authorship and intended audience
Outcomes
analyze and critically examine—at an advanced level—diverse writing
forms and devices
present persuasive written and oral commentary concerning their own
and others’ writing
through the workshop approach, demonstrate advanced
communication skills in both individual and group settings

A suitable writing journal and reliable access to the Internet. Required readings
Required Texts & and materials will be supplied by the instructor and students in hard copy or
Materials electronic formats, as appropriate. You will need to print copies of your work for
distribution at workshops, but you will nonetheless save on textbooks.

We will spend next to no class time at all on English grammar and mechanics
Suggested Texts &
which you should have mastered by now. As such, keep your writing handbook
Materials
handy. I recommend The St. Martin’s Handbook or The Bedford Handbook.
Assignments & Academic Calendar

Syllabus as Guide: This syllabus is intended to provide students with basic information concerning the course. It is a
blueprint; changes may occur, but students will be informed of any substantial revisions concerning examinations,
grading, attendance or assignments.

Read in advance the works that I announce and come prepared to discuss them and any other associated out-of-class
work (e.g. exercises). All class materials, whether drawn directly from assigned texts or presented otherwise are fair
game for inclusion in class discussion and evaluation. If you miss a class session, be sure to contact a classmate for
follow-up information. (TBA = to be announced)

Week of Topics, Assignments, etc.

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January 10 Introductions & Foundations
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January 17 Fiction readings & exercises
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January 24 Fiction readings & exercises
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January 31 Fiction readings & exercises
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February 7 Fiction readings & exercises
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February 14 1-to-1 Conferences in Dr. Chesney’s office (CN 1.214B)
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February 21 Poetry readings & exercises; 2/24: 20 copies of story due
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February 28 Fiction Workshop Days 1 & 2
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March 7 Fiction Workshop Days 3 & 4
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March 14 No class meetings: Spring Break
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March 21 Poetry readings & exercises
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March 28 Poetry readings & exercises
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April 4 Poetry readings & exercises
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April 11 1-to-1 Conferences in Dr. Chesney’s office (CN 1.214B)
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April 18 4/18: 20 copies of poetry due, mock workshop; 4/21 Poetry Workshop Day 1
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April 25 Poetry Workshop Days 2 & 3
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Final Exam 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 10 , Location TBA; Final Portfolio due at start

Course Policies
Participation/Attendance/Exercises/Quizzes = 20%
Workshop Assignments = 20%
Grading (credit) Final Exam = 10%
Criteria Final Portfolio of best revised work ( and a self-assessment = 50%

Note: turnitin.com is used to detect plagiarism.

Unless I announce otherwise, assignments are due at the start of class time; late work will be
accepted at my discretion and for reduced credit. If you have an anticipated absence, make
Late Work & Extra
arrangements to submit your work by the due date. I do not offer extra credit. In the event of
Credit
an unforeseen university closure which coincides with a due date, the latter will be moved to
the next class day when the university has reopened.
If you are not here, you will inevitably miss something crucial to your success in the course;
as such, attendance is mandatory. After 4 absences your grade will drop; after 6 absences
Class Attendance
you will fail the course. Missing a 1-to-1 conference or the workshop of your writing counts
as 2 absences.
Additional
Please refer to http://provost.utdallas.edu/home/syllabus-policies; let me know if you have
University-wide
any questions.
Policies
All descriptions and timelines herein are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.