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All students, including majors and non-majors, must take one 200-level Intro (either 270, 271, or 272) before advancing to Intermediate 300 level workshops in prose or poetry. The same is required of non-majors who wish to take creative writing workshops, though some professors may choose to waive this requirement for junior and senior non-majors. The requirement is never waived for majors. Note that 300-level workshops in Playwriting and Screenwriting do not require any pre-requisite.
Students who have completed the 200-level requirement may move into any Intermediate workshop.
A 300-level intermediate course is a prerequisite for an Advanced course. Students who wish to take an Advanced course must receive a positive assessment of readiness from their Intermediate instructor in order to enter Advanced workshops.
Please see http://www.creativewriting.emory.edu/about/index.html for more information about the Creative Writing Program requirements.
CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM COURSE ATLAS
FALL 2008
Permission is required to enroll in all creative writing classes. Students must fill out an application, which can be printed out from the website at http://www.creativewriting.emory.edu/students/courseapp.html or picked up at the Creative Writing Program office (N209 Callaway Center). Please bring your completed applications to the Creative Writing Program office.
Only students who are not at Emory this semester (study abroad, semester off, Oxford students, etc.) may submit their applications via e-mail. Please e-mail your application to pvitari@emory.edu.
THE OPUS REGISTRATION SYSTEM AND REGISTERING FOR A PERMISSION-ONLY CREATIVE WRITING COURSE
Registration for permission-only courses (and all Creative Writing classes are permission-only, except for the Freshman Seminar) may only be completed by obtaining a randomly-generated permission number, which can then be entered into the computer when you register. Paula Vitaris, the Creative Writing Program coordinator, will have these numbers available for students admitted to Creative Writing courses. (List of accepted students posted at the office and online at http://www.creativewriting.emory.edu/students/acceptedstudentslist.html.) If you have been given permission to take a Creative Writing course, you may obtain your permission number by e-mailing Ms. Vitaris at pvitari@emory.edu or stopping by the Program office in N209 Callaway Center.
THE WRITING REQUIREMENT AND CREATIVE WRITING CLASSES
Students may use one Creative Writing class to satisfy the post-freshman writing requirement.
Classes are still available and late applications will be accepted. Students MUST fill out an application to request a class. Blank applications are available at the Creative Writing Program office (N209 Callaway) and online. You must bring your application to the Creative Writing Program office. Applications accepted via e-mail only if the student is away from Emory (study abroad, semester off, etc.). Please check the list of accepted students posted by the office door or online and then request a permission number from Paula Vitaris (pvitari@emory.edu).
Applications must be returned to the Creative Writing Program office by the following deadlines:
RISING SENIORS MUST RETURN THEIR APPLICATIONS BY 5 P.M., FRIDAY, MARCH 21 . A LIST OF ACCEPTED SENIORS WILL BE POSTED BOTH ONLINE AND AT THE CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM OFFICE, N209 CALLAWAY, TUESDAY MORNING, MARCH 25, IN TIME FOR SENIOR ADVISING AND PRE-REGISTRATION.
ALL OTHER STUDENTS MUST RETURN THEIR APPLICATIONS BY 5 P.M., FRIDAY, MARCH 28. A LIST OF ACCEPTED STUDENTS WILL BE POSTED BOTH ONLINE AND AT THE CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM OFFICE, N209 CALLAWAY,TUESDAY MORNING, APRIL 1.
CANCELLED
ENG 270WR: Introduction to Creative Writing Covey Wednesday 2-5 p.m. MAX: 15
Content:
A workshop in the writing of fiction and poetry for students with little or no classroom experience in creative writing. The course will be evenly divided between poetry and fiction, focusing primarily on student writing, but with significant attention to the work of established authors. Students will be expected to write 10-12 poems and one full-length story over the semester, with regular exercises in craft, revision, and critical reading.
Texts:
Vintage Book of Contemporary American Poetry, J.D. McClatchy
Points of View: An Anthology of Short Stories, James Moffett and Kenneth R. McElheny
The New Book of Forms: A Handbook of Poetics, Lewis Turco
RECOMMENDED:
The Observation Deck: A Tool Kit for Writers (Past and Present), Naomi Epel
Particulars:
Students are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program outside of class time.
ENG 271WR: Introduction to Poetry Two sections MAX: 15
Trethewey Monday 2-5 p.m.
Robinson Thursday 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Content:
Texts:
Trethewey's section:
The Poet's Companion, Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux, eds.
Chattahoochee, Patrick Phillips
Robinson's section:
The Poet's Companion, Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux, eds.
The Book of Forms, Lewis Turco
A Poetry Handbook, Mary Oliver
The Norton Anthology of Poetry, Margaret Ferguson, John Stallworthy and Mary Jo Salter
Particulars:
Students are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program outside of class time.
ENG 272WR: Introduction to Fiction Three sections MAX: 15
Khadivi Monday 2-5 p.m.
Skibell Monday 2-5 p.m.
Magee Tuesday 3-6 p.m.
Schachner Thursday 2:45-5:45 p.m.
Content:
Khadivi's section :
An introduction to the writing and critical reading of reality-based short fiction for students beginning to write in this genre. Where stories come from--recognizing and developing material--will be emphasized, as well as a thorough grounding in the elements of a fiction writer's craft, from developing plot and character to the writing of scenes and dialogue. Students will write three stories during the semester, increasing in length and complexity. Most of our class time will be spent in reading and critiquing student manuscripts; as time allows, we will also read anthologized short stories as models of the fiction writer's craft.
Skibell's section:
An introduction to the writing and critical reading of short fiction for beginning students. Elements of storytelling will be emphasized in an easy-going workshop environment. Students will write a series of short pieces as well as three longer stories. This course will prepare students for intermediate and advanced workshops in fiction.
Magee's section:
An introduction to the writing and critical reading of reality-based short fiction for students beginning to write in this genre. Where stories come from--recognizing and developing material--will be emphasized, as well as a thorough grounding in the elements of a fiction writer's craft, from scene writing and dialogue to the building of authentic worlds and characters. Students will write a series of short pieces showcasing particular elements of fiction, as preparation for writing a story draft. This course will prepare students for intermediate-level workshops in fiction.
Schachner's section:
An introduction to the writing and reading of reality-based short stories for students new to narrative craft. The course will focus on identifying ideas for short stories and developing those ideas through elements such as plot, characterization, dialogue, and setting. While reading stories from the text to understand technique will be part of the course, its focus will be on critiquing student manuscripts. Students will write one piece of flash fiction and two short stories, one of which will be revised.
Texts:
Khadivi's section:
Stories on e-reserve
Skibell's section:
40 Short Stories: A Portable Anthology, Beverly Lawn
Magee's section:
An Anthology for Creative Writers: A Garden of Forking Paths, Beth Anstandig, Eric Killough, eds.
Schachner's section:
Writing Fiction: A Guide To Narrative Craft, 7th edition, Janet Burroway, Elizabeth Stuckey-French, eds.
Stories on e-reserve
Particulars:
Students should budget for photocopying. Students are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program outside of class time.
ENG 370RWR: Creative Writing: Intermediate Fiction Three sections MAX: 15
Williams Tuesday 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Khadivi Wednesday 2-5:30 p.m.
Schachner Thursday 2:30-5:30 p.m.
CANCELLED
Content:
Williams' section:
A workshop in the writing, critical reading, and revision of reality-based short stories. The course emphasizes the elements of fiction, in generating and shaping material, in drafting, and in revision. Course requirements will vary depending on the experience of those in the workshop, but almost certainly will include two story drafts, and a significant revision of one of those drafts; a series of craft-specific exercises; an image notebook; and a reading/writing assignment with a published collection of stories.
Khadivi's section:
A workshop in the writing, critical reading, and revision of reality-based short stories. The course emphasizes the elements of the story writer's craft through different stages: moving from an idea to a draft to a revision. Course requirements will vary depending on the experience of those in the workshop, but almost certainly will include two story drafts, and a significant revision of one of those drafts; a series of craft-specific exercises; and a reading/writing assignment with a collection of published stories.
Texts:
Williams' section:
Fifty stories on Reserves Direct
Khadivi's section:
Disgrace, J.M. Coetzee
Child of God, Cormac McCarthy
Coming Through Slaughter, Michael Ondaatje
Notes from the Underground, Fyodor Dostoyevsky (trans. Richard Pevear and Larissa Vohokhonsky)
The Hour of the Star, Clarice Lispector
The Lover, Marguerite Duras
Particulars:
Pre-requisite: Any 200-level creative writing workshop. Students should budget for photocopying. Students are required to attend readings or colloquia by visiting writers in the Creative Writing Reading Series outside of class time.
ENG 371RWR: Creative Writing: Intermediate Poetry Robinson Wednesday 2-5 p.m. MAX: 15
Content:
This course will serve as a study of contemporary poetry, mostly through our own writing of it. Throughout the semester we will read what's being done in contemporary writing, as well as read and workshop student work; each week we will write poems based on the readings. Our study of poetry will focus on three different aspects of writing: voices; forms, from litanies to loose-limbed American sonnets; and the writing process. Students will emerge with a number of their own, revised poems; new directions in that poetry; an overview of and appreciation for contemporary writing; a sense of publishing and writing possibilities; and, most importantly, the experience of a writing community in the form of a workshop.
Texts:
The Making of a Poem, Mark Strand and Eavan Boland
The Book of Forms, Lewis Turco,
Ravishing Disunities, Sarah Goodyear and Agha Shahid Ali
Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Richard Ellmann, Robert O'Clair and Jahan Ramazani
Particulars:
Pre-requisite: Any 200-level creative writing workshop. Students should budget for photocopying. Students are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program outside of class time.
ENG 372RWR: Creative Writing: Playwriting Skibell/Paulsen Thursday 2:30-5:30 p.m. CROSSLISTED WITH THEA 37RWR: Playwriting MAX: 15 (ENG/CW: 10; THEA: 5)
Content:
An introduction to the craft and art of playwriting. No previous experience necessary in playwriting, acting, or theater. This course is co-taught by a playwright and a theater artist and will focus on writing exercises, in-class readings, and a final project. The course will allow students to experience first-hand the creative process, from finding inspiration to the fundamentals of playwriting (character, dramatic action, dialogue) to the exciting collaboration implicit in presenting the play to an audience.
Students wishing to take 372 as a Theater Studies course must complete the Creative Writing Program application (state you want this course as THEA 372) and bring it to John Ward, Theater Studies Dept. administrator, Rich Building 203, by the deadlines stated at the beginning of this course atlas.
Texts:
Full-length playscripts which may include:
How I Learned to Drive, Paula Vogel
The Clean House, Sarah Ruhl
Glengarry Glenross, David Mamet
Additional texts will be available on Reserves Direct and include a series of one-act and ten-minute plays from playwrights John Patrick Shanley, Bill Bozzone, Steve Martin, Edward Albee, Rachel Axler, Theresa Rebeck, Albert Innaurato, Naomi Iizuka, Harold Pinter and Leroi Jones/Baraka and Ken Weitzman.
Particulars:
No pre-requisite. Students should budget for photocopying. Outside of class time, students are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program and play readings sponsored by The Playwriting Center of Theater Emory.
ENG 374RWR: Creative Writing: Advanced Poetry Covey Monday 3-6 p.m. MAX: 15
Content:
Revolving primarily around workshops of student writing, this course delves relatively deeply into the craft and artistry of poetry. Throughout the semester, we will focus on developing and refining individuals’ poetic mechanics and processes with an eye toward testing new directions for form and content. Class discussions will focus on such topics as understanding poetic influences, authorship and intentionality, constructing sequences, strategies for revision, and accepted practices for submissions. Assigned readings are designed to provide an overview of contemporary writing. Each week students will write individual poems, participate in a blog-based discussion on poetics, and comment on the work of fellow students. At the end of the semester, each student will produce and revise a chapbook-length series of poems.
Texts:
Lyric Postmodernisms, Reginald Shepherd, ed.
Legitimate Dangers, Dumanis and Marvin, eds.
Dog Girl, Heidi Lynn Staples
Native Guard, Natasha Trethewey
Recyclopedia, Harryette Mullen
The Daily Mirror, David Lehman
Theories of Falling, Sandra Beasley
Breathalyzer, K. Silem Mohammad
My Life, Lyn Hejinian
Particulars:
Pre-requisite: ENG 371RWR, Intermediate Poetry. Students should budget for photocopying. Students are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program outside of class time.
ENG 376RWR: Creative Writing: Intermediate Non-fiction Gruber Wednesday 2-5 p.m. MAX: 15
Content:
A workshop in the personal essay, on learning how to write in this digressive, informative, intimate, and sometimes eccentric mode of literature. Students will be expected to develop the skills and habits of mind necessary to write about real things with thoughtfulness, clarity, and zest. Class sessions and assignments will involve writing exercises as well as critical analysis and readings of essays in progress; in workshops we'll discuss subjects such as form, voice, topicality, nature writing, travel narratives, research, politics, and the "lyrical" essay. Our goal is to complete several shorter pieces (about 1000 words each) as well as one larger personal essay (15-20 pages) of publishable quality.
Texts:
The Rural Life, Verlyn Klinkenborg
Last Places, Lawrence Millman
Broken Vessels, Andre Dubus
Ex Libris, Anne Fadiman
For the Time Being, Annie Dillard
The Sparkling-Eyed Boy, Amy Benson
Slouching Towards Bethlehem, Joan Didion
Particulars:
Pre-requisite: Any 200-level creative writing workshop. Juniors and seniors who are not Creative Writing majors may take this class with no pre-requisite. Students are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program outside of class time.
ENG 378RWR: Creative Writing: Intermediate Screenwriting Two Sections
CROSSLISTED WITH FILM 402WR: Scriptwriting MAX: 15 (ENG/CW: 10; FILM: 5)
Milly Monday 2-5 p.m.
Milly Tuesday 2:30-5:30 p.m. CANCELLED
Content:
This course will introduce the fundamentals of writing for film. We will explore the basic elements of storytelling -- character, plot, setting, structure dialog, etc. -- and how each is used in writing for the screen. Students will learn feature-length format and will evaluate other students' scripts. The course will concentrate on writing the first 30 pages of a feature-length film as well as technical consideration of technique, character development, and dramatic structure. Classes will be conducted as workshops in which the main emphasis is on the students' own work, with much in-class writing and improvisation.
NOTE: Students wishing to take this course as FILM 402 Scriptwriting must complete the Creative Writing Program application (please state on the application you want this as FILM 402 and also indicate if you've taken the pre-requisite FILM 270) and return it to the Creative Writing Program by the deadlines stated at the beginning of the course atlas.
Texts:
Story, Robert McKee
Particulars:
No pre-requisite for students taking this course as ENG 378RWR. Pre-requisite for students taking this course as FILM 402WR: FILM 270, Introduction to Film. Students should budget for photocopying. Students are required to attend weekly film screenings, and on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program outside of class time.
ENG 491R: Creative Writing: Honors Faculty
Permission required: Honors students only.
Particulars:
Pre-requisite: Written approval of project by honors thesis director.
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