Whiting High School Creative Writing
Course Syllabus: Fall 2020
Instructor Information:
Ms. Markovich
Contact: kmarkovich@ns.whiting.k12.in.us
Classroom Number: 370-2053 Ext. 524
Conference Period: 6th hour (1:05-1:45)
“Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.”
~ Truman Capote, author
“A writer needs three things, experience, observation, and imagination, any two of which, at times any one of which, can supply the lack of the others.” ~ William Faulkner, author
Course Overview
The creative writer uses a combination of applying what he or she knows about good writing and undergoing the courage of mindful exploration and risk-taking. In this course, we will write. We will compose both fiction and non-fiction, both formal and informal, and both polished and unpolished works, with the overall goal of becoming a better thinker and a better writer.
We will continually work to improve and evaluate the writing process—how we develop and expand our writing effectively—by sharing/publishing our work for others in the class to observe and critique. Although most writing will be individually completed, group papers and projects will also be required to enhance writing and presentation skills.
The ultimate test of understanding quality writing and being a confident writer is to be comfortable with sharing one’s work. Thus, students will regularly present written pieces to small and large groups. Over the course of the semester, students will compose, research, present, and reflect.
Objectives and activities of the course include the following:
Application of the writing process – drafting, editing, and revising to reach publication quality
Reading and discussion of various written pieces to raise awareness of the basic techniques of literary expression, including narrative strategies, genres, and style.
Writing using a variety of genres for different purposes and audiences
Participating in all daily activities and class discussions
Ability to reflect on one’s own work and set goals for improvement – this includes being self-aware, craft conscious, and self-critical during the revision process.
Evaluate/provide constructive criticism for peers’ work
Producing and presenting a variety of student-developed creative pieces of literature through ‘author’s chair.”
Projects
The 6 Word Memoir
The 100 Word Flash Fiction
The Abecedarian
The Extended Metaphor
10 Life Lessons
Haikus
The Autobiography Project
Plot Elements Comic Strip
Policies/Expectations:
Please come to class prepared with a writing utensil, a journal (spiral notebook or bound journal) strictly devoted to this class, a class folder and any supplemental materials provided during the semester.
Evaluation is based on daily activities, written works (informal and formal), revised/polished pieces of writing, reflections, class discussion/participation, and class projects.
No credit will be given for late daily work and general homework assignments.
Late papers, projects and other major assignments will be reduced one letter grade for each day late and must be complete when turned in. No late work will be accepted two days beyond the original due date. Late work will only be accepted if a valid excuse is provided.
If absent, it is your responsibility to ask the teacher or a classmate what was missed– students have the amount of time absent (only if the absence is excused) to turn in work that was missed to avoid missing credit.
Come prepared to write, to think, and to contribute. Happy Writing! :)