Creative Writing Program
Summer 2011 Course

 

First Session, May 16-June 24, 2011
ENGCW 272WR 00A Introduction to Fiction Writing (4 credits)
Mon/Wed 1:40-5 p.m.
Instructor: Anna Schachner

Course description for ENG 272WR, Introduction to Fiction Writing:

English 272 is a workshop in reality-based fiction where, after learning about and practicing craft, students will write and revise their own short stories and read/respond to those of others. We will first learn how to “find” ideas for stories, and then we will work on turning those ideas into stories by merging the specific elements of fiction: setting, point of view, characterization, dialogue, and plot. The workshop will require students to critique each other, and in turn, to understand the revision process. Students will write several scenes, one piece of flash fiction, one short story of approximately 15-20 pages, and a revision of that story. Additionally, students will keep a notebook/journal where they will practice using description and imagery.

Students should budget for photocopying.

Texts:

Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft, 8th ed., Janet Burroway, Elizabeth Stucky-French, eds.
Stories on e-reserve
Photocopies of stories for workshop

Assessment:

Students will be assessed on their ability to write clearly and effectively, with good grammar and mechanics. Additionally, students will be assessed on their ability to hone their fiction craft over the course of the semester, demonstrating the ability to enrich a story via strong character, believable plot, and sustained narrative, not to mention articulate, controlled language. The writing portfolio will comprise 60% of the final grade. Students will be asked to write responses to stories in our text and to maintain a notebook for 20% of the final grade, and to participate fully in workshop discussions, to earn the remaining 20% of the final grade.

Second Session, June 27-August 5, 2011
ENGCW 271R 00C Introduction to Poetry Writing (4 credits)
Tuesday/Thursday 1:40-5 p.m.
Instructor: Heather Christle

Course description for ENG 271 00C, Introduction to Poetry Writing:

An introductory poetry writing workshop, in which we will meet weekly to share, discuss, critique, celebrate, explore, and dissect poems by class members and other people (primarily published poets). We will seek, in our meetings, to make connections between the language and ideas of poetry and those of the worlds we inhabit. Students will be responsible for presenting one of the assigned texts to the class, actively participating in discussions, and writing weekly poems and responses. They will experiment with writing according to assigned exercises, as well as inventing their own. Additional reading, of poems and other texts, will also be required. A portfolio of revised work, including a brief introduction, will be handed in at the semester's end.

Texts:

You are a little bit happier than I am, Tao Lin
Scary, No Scary, Zachary Schomburg
Ring of Fire, Lisa Jarnot
The New Black, Evie Shockley (forthcoming March 2011)
Adventures While Preaching the Gospel of Beauty (Audio CD), Joshua Beckman & Matthew Rohrer
Teachers & Writers Handbook of Poetic Forms, Ron Padgett

Assessment:

Students will be assessed on: the quality and timely turning in of assignments and improvement over the course of the semester (60%); weekly class participation (20%); and a final portfolio project (20%).

Application procedures:

The 2011 summer sessions of ENGCW 272 Introduction to Fiction Writing and ENGCW 271 Introduction to Poetry Writing are not permission courses. An application is not required.

Tuition:

Emory students and Students in Special Standing: $4,824 ($1,206 per credit hour)
Oxford students: $4,100 ($1,025 per credit hour)

Fees: $43 athletic fee; $50 application fee for visiting non-Emory students

Students who enroll in summer classes must settle their financial account in the Boisfeuillet Jones Center or mail payment to Student Financial Services before the registration day. Registration is not complete unless tuition and fees are paid. Students may access OPUS to determine the amount they owe and to avoid class cancellation for nonpayment. See the Student Financial Services website for further information.

Registration:

Emory students:

Emory College students may register for classes on OPUS beginning Friday, February 4, 2011. Students who need assistance with registration should go to the second floor lobby of White Hall on the registration day for the first session, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday, May 16, 2011.

Oxford College students:

Oxford College students may pre-register with Ann Cargile, Registrar, beginning February 4, 2011. Students who do not pre-register must attend registration on Monday, May 16 (1st session) or Monday, June 27 (2nd session). Registration will be held in on the Emory campus in White Hall, 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Visiting Students

Registration information for visiting students:

http://college.emory.edu/home/academic/summer/transient.html

Students in Special Standing:

Students who hold an undergraduate degree and wish to enroll in undergraduate or graduate courses but do not desire admission to a degree program may apply for admission in Special Standing in the James T. Laney Graduate School. Applications are available from the Laney Graduate School office, 209 Administration Building, and must be submitted at least one month prior to registration, with no guarantee that credit will be awarded for courses taken in Special Standing. Students may petition for credit toward a degree for work taken in Special Standing only after having been admitted formally
to a degree program.

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Please contact the Creative Writing Program at 404-727-4683 or email pvitari@emory.edu if you have further questions about the 2011 Summer program.

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