It's a strange picture, of course, of a (tiny heavy) cannon ball & random feet (my father's, my cousin's) taken in Manta, Ecuador. Spanish conquistadors used it to colonize the Manteño people: my ancestors killing my ancestors. My cousin told us how his abuelos had found it generations ago—& how he'd now donate it to a museum.

I've imagined many of the horrifying scenes: ships arriving to shore & the Spanish taking captives: the blasts, & murder, & rape, & screams, & sickness, & death, fear taking hold, cultures taking shape around that fear; they (& we) received institutions & systems & logic from Europe, justifying violence & extracting wealth in their Savior's name. These institutions, their ways & force & exploitation, have evolved & spread across the Americas, sustained by genocide & brutality & inequality for centuries. We receive this heritage not only in our institutions; no, it has landed, like a cannon ball, in our bodies.

How do I, then, a writing professor whose ancestors passed down these ways & institutions, create a syllabus that uses our heritage truly, justly? How can we become better ancestors than our own ancestors? What work, what feelings, what revisioning, what strength, what stories, what inquiries, what beautiful problems will we confront as we face those who come after us? What heritage, what hope, will we give them?

I invite this class to consider these questions as we turn (together) to prepare the way for those who follow us. How proud will we be of what we make? Can we show them how to be a good ancestor?

—Carlos A. Delgado

Dear Fall 2025,

This class is quite literally nothing you will have ever experienced before. It is like being immersed in a whole new world where, yes, it can be scary, it can be different than what you're used to. But that's the beauty of it.

This class will teach you how to write from your heart, it will allow you to express yourself, all the way down to your deepest thoughts. Even when it may be challenging, it is important to be present in every single class. Don't just sit there, actually experience it, feel it, learn from it. I know I did. You will truly never take another class quite as unique as this. With a professor so intellectual, caring, and expressive. So take this chance, write to your heart's desire, and learn things you never knew about yourself. Let the words bleed on every page your write, even the ones you think you aren't ready for. Even the ones that may scare you. And in between those pages, you'll fill the silence between your thoughts, and uncover the truths about yourself that have been waiting to be found. 

-Xoxo, Gossip Girl

Dear Fall 2025,

You can and will love this class, if you take it head-on. Enjoy the process. Trust the process. But most importantly, show up. At first, the absence of a strict rubric may leave you feeling confused or frustrated. That’s normal. Have faith in Carlos’s ability to guide you. He will get you where you need to be by the end of the semester.

Don’t let past essays or writing styles box you in. This class is about exploring new modes of expression. When I struggled to come up with ideas amid what felt like vague instructions, looking back at past student portfolios helped me realize that anything, literally anything, can be your subject.

Whatever you do, don’t leave things for the end. You’ll only set yourself up for chaos. The workshops are where your ideas truly actually form, so give them your full attention. For me, class discussions were the most inspiring part. They’re what made me fall in love with this class.

- Thinker

Dear Fall 2025,

If you do this right, it can be the most valuable class of your freshman year. The absence of traditional academic expectations will force you to consider why you attend class, or if you should attend at all. This class places the responsibility for grading and learning fully on you.  

In this class, I advise writing something personal enough that your struggle is articulating your inspiration rather than putting words on the page. If it is worth writing about, in moments of inspiration, the paper will write itself. So get inspired. It took me months to distance myself from my traditional conception of writing and take the time to write something deeply personal. Be willing to let go of thoughts, ideas, and drafts until you can look at your writing and say confidently that it represents you.  

Lastly, with the free time you gain from this class, I encourage you to be still for at least a minute it and not fill it in the ways you normally treat your free time. In moments of stillness, my mind could settle, and my heart could finally make contact with my thoughts. 

-Legacy

Dear Fall 2025,

This class can feel really overwhelming at the beginning. And in a way, it's supposed to- you're being exposed to not only the freedom of college, but the freedom that only college writing can bring. If you feel confused, anxious, or lost, all you have to do is ask. This class may feel like something you can skate by in, but let me tell you- if you don't put in the effort of being vulnerable and writing something meaningful, you will regret it. Not in the sense of a "bad grade," but in the sense of knowing you were presented the opportunity to grow as a person and writer but failed to take it. Classes like this don't come around very often, so I urge you to be curious and explore what it means to write (and what writing means to you).

-TropicalJustice

Dear Fall 2025, 

I remember when my professor from last semester told me to always have at least one class that lets you breathe. WRIT 150 is that class. The relaxing nature of this class helped unwind from all the other stressful things I was going through. Due to this privilege, my creativity could breathe as well. When you're writing papers for this class, don't worry about getting it "wrong" because you can't get it wrong. Carlos  is an artist, he will appreciate anything you produce with genuine care and guide you through the process. So, this is your chance to stretch open your mind a lot more. Write about something you've always wanted to talk about, for this is one of the safest class environments I've been part of. 

-losrook

Dear Fall 2025,

My advice to you is to drop all expectations before starting this class. This class is one like no other, and challenges the students in unique ways. The class has little structure and therefore you are left to your own devices. Understanding that from the beginning can allow you to make full use of your time here. There is so much freedom within the prompts, so write about your true passions and interests. Write about the things that matter most to you. This will make you eager, excited, and want to engage in conversation. The conversations held in class are a time for you to connect with your peers, grow as writers, and discover new strengths. So, I encourage you all to show up to class. While the relaxed nature makes it easy to want to do it on your own, the class conversations provide so much insight that lets you grow. Furthermore, embrace the quirks and freedoms of this class because you will leave a better writer. 

Have fun,

SBD

Dear Fall 2025 (or to who it may concern),

As someone who loves rules and regulations when it comes to schooling (as I feel it makes it easier to follow the course of the class), be prepared to have total freedom with everything. This can be a blessing and a curse, depending on what you choose to make of it. I invite you to make the most of it. There will be very few classes in the upcoming years of college that we actually get to have writing freedom, and this class makes the most of it. Set deadlines for yourself, hold yourself accountable, and write whatever it is you feel like writing (within the prompts given, obviously). I hope this class is as much fun for you as it was for me. This is an amazing opportunity to test yourself as a student and a writer. Be inspired and inspire others. And above all, just have fun, relax. Breathe. 

Best of luck,

Caelle

Dear Fall2025,

Hello! Welcome to one of best GE's you will take here at USC. I know coming out of high school, you may feel as though you are a robot, working for the satisfaction of a letter on your transcript. I'm here to tell you that you've escaped that (at least for this class). This is a brilliant class, and it becomes what you make it. You may feel you can "get away" with certain things... just don't. Take this class as an opportunity to learn about your passions and dive headfirst into them as you may not get this opportunity again in your college career. Your perspective on education will change throughout this course and I am so excited for you to experience this WRIT150.

Best,

McKenzWinz

Dear Fall 2025, 

Hi. I know this seems overwhelming, but you'll be fine. You'll be more than fine. Just trust the process, show up to class even when you really don't want to, and go at your own pace. If you hate your project, then talk about how much you hate it. If you don't want to write an essay, then don't. In this class you are truly free to do whatever the hell you want so do something that truly excites you.  This freedom is honestly so priceless. You got this. 

Best,

shKae

Dear Fall 2025, 

Trust me, this class will be good for you. I know you may not be interested in the idea of a freshman college writing course. It may feel like a filler class that you just need to get all your work done for. But it is so much more than that. It CAN be so much more than that. Put the effort in. Immerse yourself in these papers. What a wonderful thing to get to write papers of essentially your choosing about something that is important to you. An issue you are passionate about and want to pour all your feelings out about. Your only goal should be to be proud of the work you create. Have fun with it and enjoy this freedom!

With love,

your ancestor Shoegazer

Dear Fall 2025, 

Welcome to a class that will probably change your whole outlook towards college education. In all honesty, the writing classes at USC don’t exactly have the best reputation. But…this class was far from what I imagined it would be–and that’s what made it such an amazing experience. 

You have an A from the start of the class. You have the freedom to choose what, how, and to whom you want to write. You have the space to break the rules that have long defined “good writing.” But it’s upto you to use that to create something beautiful. So, don’t wait for permission; don’t let perfection hold you back; and most of all, don’t ever “play it safe.” Let your writing be honest, messy, ever-evolving…

Alekhya <3

Dear Fall 2025,

If you’re looking for a class that is extremely introspective and that catalyzes your maturation, this is the one. The deadlines and structure of the class is extremely laid back, but don’t let that fool you. The nature of this class will make you mature as a student, as well as a person through the experience of managing your time and maintaining discipline. This class is probably different from any other English or writing class you might have taken, and the amount of creative freedom you have truly forces you to develop as a writer and thinker. I loved my experience in this class, and I hope you will too!

• Atul Kashyap

Dear Fall 2025, 

You find yourself in a land of unfamiliarity... Get ready, this will be a ride like no other. This class has opened my views on not only finding my own voice but letting my creative aspirations flourish. If you are unsure, like I was in the beginning, don't be afraid to jump straight in. This class will be very nurturing but push you in order to find your own authentic voice. From time and time again I find myself overthinking Am I doing enough? Am I working as hard as my peers? These questions help you in some ways, but all I really want to tell you is that you will be fine. Write and let your creativity flow; this class guides your creativity and pushes it to new heights. You will have so much fun, just make sure that you aren't too hard on yourself!!

Yours truly,

Radrider10

Dear Fall 2025,

Welcome to Carlos's WRIT150! A lot of you probably raced for this class because you did some research on the wide breadth of WRIT150 teachers. But, you'll soon come to learn that this is MUCH MUCH MUCH more than that. And if you are anything like me, you'll learn that holding yourself accountable is one of the most important things to learn here, as well as how to write in your true true voice. So, set those deadlines for yourself (you have syllabi from other classes!!), be kinder to yourself than Carlos will (a challenge), and be vulnerable. Have fun too :)

Love,
<3

Dear Fall 2025,

This course will be extremely different from any traditional writing class you may be used to. The freedom both within the classroom and within assignments might seem hard to navigate at first, but as the semester continues, I promise it will become clear how to approach this course. You’ll get as much out of this class as you put in. Be open to surprising yourself along the way.

Enjoy the process and enjoy writing.

ArtetasArmy

Dear Fall 2025, 

This will not be a typical class or not even what you think WRIT 150 is. This class will challenge you in different ways your “usual” classes do. Do not get lost or even discouraged by the lack of “structure”, but try to appreciate it. Be creative and seek advice from Prof or from your classmates. This class is supposed to challenge you in your creativity. Think outside of the box, and take this opportunity to really just write about what you want to write about, be yourself. Do not get behind your work, try to start working on your assignments early on so that you can actually use the workshop to get feedback. Do the scavenger hunt seriously, they keep you accountable in your work.

Florianne Jourde (AllezLeFoot)

Dear Fall 2025,

If you're looking for a class that lets you explore who you are, how you think, and why you create the way you do, this is it. It’s not a typical course with rigid rules or constant deadlines. You won’t be micromanaged here, which honestly was hard for me at first. But that freedom taught me a lot about accountability. I wasn’t showing up for a grade, I was showing up for myself. And when I did, I found real conversation, real reflection, and people who genuinely challenged and listened. It’s a space that meets you where you are, and gives back what you’re willing to give it. Take the leap, you won’t regret it.

Maribel Flores (OrgulloDeMiGente)

Dear Fall 2025,

If you're looking for a class that feels different from anything you've ever taken, you've found it. This course doesn’t just teach you writing — it asks you to live it: to inherit ideas, question them, and leave something better behind for those who come after. Past students are our ancestors here, and you’ll be one too. It feels a little like evolution, like humanity constantly moving forward, even through confusion and chaos. Like Erwin Smith said in Attack on Titan: "We are the ones who carry the will of the dead and continue to advance."You'll stumble sometimes, but that's part of it. You’re not just taking a class — you’re helping to build it, for yourself and for everyone who will come next.

Be brave. Write boldly. Become a good ancestor.
-Jiayuan Fu

Dear Fall 2025,

Glad you all got a seat for this WRIT 150 Class. Carlos is the man. He lets you choose your grades based on how much you feel you deserve it, so do the work— make the most out of the freedom he gives. Sometimes, the classroom may be silent or empty, but use the resources Carlos and your classmates will offer you. Speak up and ask questions. Don't skip class; if so, let him know in advance. 

If you feel the syllabus is confusing at any point, you are probably right. However, the freedom and ambiguity of the coursework is a privilege. Be creative, and just be yourself. 

Beyond class, have chats with the Professor; he gives you his number, so why not? For most of you, it'll be your first semester here at USC, so make friends with people in this class, and you'll be just fine. 

A class is all about what you make of it. I'm rooting for you all. Lads and Lasses, enjoy it.

-Gareth (laiyinfung)

Dear Fall 2025,

Welcome to WRIT 150!  If you're unclear about the class, the syllabus, whatever it may be, I'm here to tell you one thing: that's the whole point.  This class will be unlike any other you've taken before, and there's honestly no way to prepare for it - just embrace it.  The best advice I can give you is to take this class day by day, because every day will be different.  Your writing, your thinking, your creativity, it will all be fluid and not the same with any assignment you do, and that's okay.

Don't sell yourself short, either, or think that your writing; thinking; creativity; isn't good enough, because I promise you it is.  The purpose of this class is to be yourself, and to find your own voice in your writing, so just embrace the journey, and have fun with it!  You've never taken a class like this before, and probably never will again, so just be free with your words and thoughts, and dig deep to find the passion necessary to write.  You got this!

-Jayson

Dear Fall 2025,

As soon as you enter the classroom, immediately throw away every preconception you have about what a writing class is supposed to look like and prepare to just be. This class allows you to think freely and write about what matters to you. While the essay prompts may seem abstract, they are truly an invitation to explore your inner self. Use the essays to dig further into who you are as an individual. Find out what you care about. What you want to tell people.

Some advice: don’t lose sight of yourself. It’s easy to look at a distant deadline and think, “I’ve got plenty of time,” but take it from me, there’s no better feeling than finishing early and letting your ideas breathe. Write ahead. Reflect. Then rewrite.

So take the time to reflect, explore, and write something that matters to you—not just for the grade, but for yourself.

I’ll leave you with a quote that stuck with me throughout this class:

“The greatest discovery in life is self-discovery. Until you find yourself, you will always be someone else. Become yourself.” —Myles Munroe

-- AnxiousCarer

Dear Fall 2025, 

Welcome to WRIT 150 with Professor Carlos Delgado! This class is something special. It is not your ordinary writing class, so don’t be alarmed if you get to tye first day and leave a little confused. It’s not that you can’t handle it or that you don’t understand the material. It’s a different feeling that is throwing you for a loop. You have freedom now. Freedom to write what you want to write, how you want to write it, and tell the story you feel most confident about. 

I went through this class learning as I went, using all of the previous ancestors to guide my experience in this class. Now, I want to relay that assistance and help guide you along your WRIT 150 journey. So now, sit back, relax, and read the words of advice I want to share…

1. Be OPEN. The rigid rubrics, strict outlines, and by the book deadlines are a thing of the past. You get to decide the way in which you write and convey your message to the audience. Try new styles of writing. Don’t be afraid to attempt something new or uncomfortable. Write from the heart instead of writing strictly from the mind.

2. Don’t CRAM! The freedom of this class can be overused sometimes. Don’t let the lack of deadlines throughout the year steer you away from starting your paper at a reasonable time. Pace yourself. Find time to write a paragraph here and there. When it comes to these essays, don’t try to do them all at once during finals week. It will only be stressful. 

3. Go to CLASS. Show up and be present for class discussions. You will learn so much about writing freedom and how to express oneself. Attendance won’t be taken, but Carlos knows who comes to class and who doesn’t. Participate in class. Ask questions. No question is stupid. Everyone is there to help and support you. 

This class is all about what YOU make it. You get the chance to discover your voice and figure out what you have to say to the world on topics you desire to bring up. I promise you it will be alright. Learn to just roll with it. You will be a better version of yourself by the end of the semester guaranteed.

Good luck and enjoy the ride, 

Big Z :)

Dear Fall 2025,

Welcome to a class that’s probably not going to feel like a class in the way you’re used to — and that’s kind of the whole point. WRIT 340 with Carlos is different, but in the best way. There’s freedom, there’s space to breathe, and there’s a real chance to write about things you actually care about. But don’t mistake that for easy. This class asks you to take ownership of your learning in a way that’s both refreshing and challenging.

What makes this course stand out is the space it creates for honest conversation, creative thinking, and reflection. The environment is open, thoughtful, and genuinely respectful. You’ll have the chance to write about things that matter to you, not just what checks a box.

If I could give you one piece of advice, it’s this: don’t sleep on the course descriptions and assignment prompts. Read them. They’ll help more than you think. Also, don’t let the loose structure of the class trick you into putting stuff off until the last minute (I made that mistake a few times). Try to do away the work little by little—you’ll thank yourself later.

Most of all, be free. Be curious. Write something you care about. Don’t be afraid to share your perspective—you’re probably not the only one thinking it. 

Wishing you all well!

Best,

Sophie

Dear Fall 2025,

Once you entered this class, Carlos might tell you to not worry about your grades. I just wanted to say that dont cut corners on your study, because I do regret not doing enough work and nore learning enough from this class. As a freshmen, and an international student , first year here is lowk crazy for me. I did not explore my full potential in this course. Carlos gives a lot of freedom for the assignments. But instead of creating to choose the good old fashioned "professional" paper writing as all good STEM student would do :)

I say take the chance and really make this course enjoyable!

--Jerusha(ofcourse this is a fake name)

Hey Fall 2025!

Use this class to take your personal reflections to a deeper level. Come in with a mindset not to make something great, but to make something true. Write about the things you really care about and it will inherently be great. Make goals and keep yourself accountable. You will get as much as you put into it, but make sure to just relax and have fun :)

-mediator

Dear Fall 2025 (or those that might need it),

I want to challenge you in this class. As a person that thrives on deadlines and hard outlines of what is and is not expected within a course, just let it all go. Don't care about the A, don't care about anything but writing for you. Write like you have always wanted to, write like you are a high-profile author with 13 best selling books, and most importantly, write like you. Be yourself, because after all, this class is about your own identity. Embrace it, challenge it, and allow yourself to grow. Much love, and I hope you have an amazing semester in this class.

Caelle 

Dear Spring 2025, or whatever time you are in,

If you want a class that challenges you to break the idea of structures of everything you know, this is the class. It was truthfully difficult to keep myself accountable - knowing that I won’t be punished for not going to class or not having done certain assignments - but on the flipside, I almost felt a stronger passion to show up. I felt more interested because it was me I was letting down, not Carlos or the institution. Everytime I did show up, I was in a space of wonderful conversationalists, who challenged me and my ideas. I was allowed the chance to see new perspectives, while also being able to share my own. Some of these sessions even felt like therapy, y’all. This course was the perfect writ340 fit for me, as I am extremely busy usually, but you have the chance to get what you put into it. I heavily encourage you not to miss out… that’s my only regret of taking this course… not being more involved… but thank you for holding space for that, class and professor. 

• Kiwi the Cowboy (Fall 2024)

Dear Spring 2025,

Welcome to a chill WRIT-340 class. That is, this class is chill as long as you stay on top of all of your work. Professor Delgado is very generous in giving students plenty of time to complete their papers. Therefore, use your time wisely.  Complete ancillary assignments and activities as soon as possible. You don't want them building up. With your papers, complete  a portion of them each week. In this class you should set goals for yourself for completing your work. However, don't worry to much about having a rigid structure. This class allows you to take the time to write about topics that truly interest you. Use this class as an opportunity to think creatively and enjoy what you are writing about. Put in your best effort and you will be good.

Best,

Sparrow

Dear Spring 2025 class,

Welcome to the most relaxed course you will probably ever take in an academic setting. In this class, you may encounter expectations (or lack thereof) that are shocking or almost baffling. When things feel this way, keep in mind that the goal of this course is to critically challenge traditional education and the academic setting as we know it. Professor Delgado is doing us a great service in this course by respecting our autonomy and self-accountability as students. With this can come feelings of pressure. So don't beat yourself up if you are feeling lost or stumped at certain points. You have basically entered the antithetical course to all you have ever known in your academic career. Instead, take the freedom and tranquility of this class to write about what you are truly interested, without inhibition, and with joy.

Enjoy!

ZuzusPetals

First and foremost, while I am just one letter in a sea of letters to you, since I am from the class of fall 2024, I’m hoping this will be towards the top and you can see my request of you: PLEASE ACTUALLY READ THE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS! These helped me more than anything at the start of the course. Its beyond comforting to get advice from students who have been in this exact same place as you and are so wise and genuinely want to help YOU succeed!

As a finance student who spends my time in Excel, not Word, entering a writ 340 class that has an incredible amount of freedom challenges you in creative directions you are not prepared for and… yes… its scary. But I promise you if I can do it and gain as much knowledge/experience as much growth as I did… you can to!

So here are some, probably cliché, but important reminders:

• Write about something that you are actually passionate about- no one is telling you what to write which is so amazing if you take the time to find a topic that piques your curiosity

•   Let down your walls- embrace the discomfort and let your emotions come through in your writing- i promise it is ok here!

•    Set due dates for yourself!! (or at least show up to the writing workshops- they really do keep you stay on track if you use them as they are intended)

•   Come to class. I promise you sitting in this community twice a week was the most beneficial part of the course.

Like anything in life, this class is what you put into it. Give it your all and the outcome will be so rewarding.

And most importantly, have fun with it!

—              Nicole

Dear Spring 2025, 

Who are you in the world to have the luck to be in this class?!! 

What I learned from graduating is that every college student will only feel the presence of community by experiencing the absence of it. This class is a lot about being in the present, and finding the true calling that leads you to write what you genuinely care about in a self-autonomous and creative approach. By taking care of ourselves, we take care of our community. 

I am very fortunate to have encountered Professor Delgado and the groundbreaking and yet community-building methodologies he implies to the structure of Writ-340. It is very refreshing and gives you a chance to unleash your power healthily with less threatening stressors that exist in other lectures, such as the power dynamics between grading and the students' work. My advice for you is to feel free to put yourself in a place of power: to write every morning, to think about what makes yourself proud, and to take control of your artistic vision. By being the truest version of yourself, you earn the most valuable experience and thus contribute a most vibrant stroke to this class's canvas.

I can't say goodbye, and I still don't know how to say goodbye.

~ CHENG 

Dear Spring 2025, 

Welcome to the new year! New year brings new classes, goals, and opportunities. I encourage you to step into this new class with an open mind, forgetting about the expectations you had for WRIT340, the kind of assignment you expected, and the atmosphere you believed to be common with these classes. I encourage you to set a goal for the class, and continue coming back to it every time you walk through the door, or open your laptop to do work for this class. Whether a concrete goal for attendance, a creative goal for writing, or a mental health goal for staying on track the next 14 weeks, set it now, and continue chasing it. You will be able to check it off in 14 weeks, I promise. Last, find the oppertunities in this class. They are served to you, but you can chose whether or not to take them. You can sit back, not participate, not show up, and never do work. Or, you can make the highschool version of you proud for making it to your final writing class at The University Of Southern California. Show up energized, comment when you think it will further conversation, and do your work like your applying to walk the red bricks as a freshman all over again! You can build opportunities out of the next several of weeks, don't let it go to waste. 

New year, new course, new opportunities, enjoy it. 

xx, 

heavy harted 

This class is certainly something different, and in a world where the status quo has gotten us to where we currently stand, it would be hard to say that that is a bad thing. This course challenges us, not only as students and teachers, but as members of the world to think beyond the invisible constraints that we abide by so blindly. Initially, when I found out that the course completely abandoned the traditional class structure, which oftentimes involved little to no collaboration between student and instructor, rigorous and unrealistic standards that were not tailored to each person, and even discarded due dates entirely, I didn't know what to think. It's almost as if my nervous system, which had been conditioned to the complete opposite for 75% of my life, was in complete shock. However, it was refreshing. It gave me an example of what an ideal classroom and world could look like. One that allowed students to create their own worlds, set their own standards, and hold themselves accountable, not out of fear of consequence, but out of love for creating. 

Take this course with an open mind, and you can make it whatever you desire. Allow yourself to identify the cause of any initial discomfort that the freedom may present, work through it, and enjoy yourself as you lean into a new experience.

Just be you.

-sankara

Dear Spring 2025,

I am writing this as both a welcome and a warning for this course! To quote Uncle Ben, "with great power comes great responsibility." In this course, you have tremendous power - you can show up whenever you want, submit your papers whenever you want, and write them to your own standards. It is truly a unique course. At the same time, you must be cautious to avoid the hole you may dig for yourself with this power. With the freedom to navigate this course as you wish, you are held 100% responsible for your work and final products. Stay on task throughout the semester and, above all, go to class!!! Carlos has much wisdom and insight into how we can become better writers in this modern era of thought. He doesn't restrict us to a premade rubric that we have to adhere to to get an A. Instead, he meets us where we are in our writing development and challenges us to find what works best for our own growth. In class, he offers us safe space to interact with him and our peers to contribute to the works of others and get feedback from them as well. Please use this course as a tool for your writing growth, and not just another USC requirement to knock out. 

Good luck!

-Curry

Spring 2025,

Welcome to the class that will change your whole understanding of what a class is and what a class can be. You enrolled into this Advanced Writing course to fulfill your graduation requirement. Following your WRIT 150 experience, you walk into your first day expecting to repeat that semester. Well, "Advanced", so possibly more rigorous? More papers and readings? Only, you soon realize that this class will shatter your questions of anxieties and instead, leave you with questions of wonder, questions of possibilities. You have been blessed with a professor who is an amazing human, and being the amazing human he is, he is here for you. He is here to guide you as you explore those questions, not necessarily to answer them. PLEASE take advantage of this opportunity and choose to explore those questions. Everything in this class is a choice. A choice to listen. A choice to respond. A choice to learn. A choice to love. I encourage you all to make good choices!

- PeanutButter

Dear Spring 2025, 

I invite you to take a moment to breathe and pat yourself on the back.  Getting a spot in WRIT 340 is already an accomplishment! You're nearing the end of your USC journey and many of you may feel unmotivated to take this course. It is a requirement for all of us even though some of us are more passionate about writing than others. However, this course is a great opportunity to learn about yourself as a person and as a writer. If I could give some advice, I would say lean on your classmates if you're feeling overwhelmed. It is likely you aren't the only one feeling this way! Secondly, set deadlines for yourself if you struggle with procrastination. Lastly, write about what you're passionate about. I've found that writing from a place of passion eases the process. Good luck this semester! 

Best, 

KKDA

Dear Spring 2025 class, 

Creative freedom is truly a double-edged sword. In one sense, it takes off the burden of having to conform to a rigid template of grammar, topics, sentence structure, citations, and the list goes on. In another sense, it adds this new pressure of forcing you to look inwards for what you will make of this creative freedom? Will you choose to continue conforming to the ideals that have always been set for you when it comes to writing, or will you break boundaries? Oftentimes, it feels like this freedom creates another kind of pressure to be as different and unique and creative as possible, to the point where you cannot even make a decision on what to do because you wonder if it's groundbreaking enough. However, once you stop putting pressure on yourself, truly realize that this writing is for you and not to get a certain grade, and truly just let yourself do whatever the fuck you want, that pressure slowly fades away, and you can enjoy writing in a way you've never been able to before. 

I'd say that I'm someone who typically enjoys writing, but I've always resented it when it wasn't on my own terms. This class has finally given me the opportunity to write for myself and not for myself simultaneously, and for that I'm so grateful. I am disappointed in myself for not putting as much time consistently from the beginning as I should have, but at the end of the day, I discuss this exact concept of not being too harsh on ourselves in my paper, so it's time to take my own advice. 

To you all, if you can, stop the habits we all fall back on of procrastinating and putting in the minimum effort to get by and get a grade. Use it as an opportunity to discover a little bit more about your creativity, and you'll probably end up with a portfolio you want to look back years, maybe even decades, from now as a representation of who you were in 2025. 

At the end of the day, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.  

-bridginator

Dear Future Class of WRIT340, 

Don't take the freedoms this class gives you for granted. The lax learning process is certainly not usual for the typical WRIT experience, but let it challenge your creative processes. This class will task you to think outside the box, away from traditional writing exercises. It allows you to think about yourself, your fellow classmates, and the world outside of you. It can be hard to become adjusted to the lack of restrictions, and all I can say is make of this what you will.  Don't let the freedom get the best of you and try to stay on top of everything. Don't let this class be a stress and please remember this class is what you make of it! Let it challange you in your writing and thinking.

Best, Eleanor Rigby

Dear Future WRIT340 Students, 

I have always despised writing. 

I never felt like I could write in the sort of analytical, “grown-up” (boring) way, but because of the freedom we had in this class to explore whatever we wanted to, I feel like in one way or another, I am more comfortable letting go a little bit while writing. Sure, it might be easy to take advantage of the freedom of this class, and I’ll admit I did too when necessary, but use this amazing opportunity to discover something about yourself. Don’t focus on the minute details like grammar and perfect punctuation, but instead do what feels right for you, and roll with it. Of course, reread your writing and make sure it makes sense, but most importantly, make sure it’s you. Have the best time, and find yourself in the pages!

-Green Thumb

Dear Spring 2025 Writ340,

This class is something special. It is like discovering a nook inside the bottom of a staircase where you could just sit and be at peace.  Here you will have the freedom to explore through writing, you will be asked to discover yourself through writing, and there will be no judgment upon you except through your writing.  It is a class where you have the freedom to grade yourself, and essentially grant yourself an A, but it puts your integrity at the forefront and into question.  All this class asks of you is to write something special for yourself,  maybe someone dear to your heart, or perhaps someone you don't even know; like I'm writing to you.  It requires us to show up for each other and to show up for ourselves. Although attendance is not required you must prove to yourself that you can at least show up in writing. Although you might not be entirely there (perhaps you have personal struggles going on),  just know you can always show up through your writing.  I know writing can be hard. It can be violent too.  Writing brings out pain in places you can't see. It says everything you might not dare to say out loud.  Writing can be revolutionary. Don't underestimate the power of your words in the form of text, because you will be surprised. How often have you sat with yourself, and reflected on all the things you've done, the places you've seen, and the visions you've dreamed?  Can you sit in peace while your blood boils at the thought of injustice? Where do you stand in your own convictions?  While you sit there and taste the salt from the tears in your eyes can you still muster the courage to write? I commend you if you can, but I don't blame you if you can't.  Sometimes you have to sit with your thoughts a little longer before you begin a sentence. Regardless, I hope you can heal through your own writing. I hope you find whatever it is that you are looking for through your writing because it is beautiful to imagine how you will grow. All I can tell you is to try to live fearlessly, in real life and in your writing. It is difficult but that is okay, you will thank yourself later. Enjoy your class and be good to each other!

 -Crystal Chandeliers

spring 2025 writ 340,

welcome to one hell of a class. the best part of this class is that you kind of just get to write and do whatever you want in your writing project. your friends will be jealous of that. the worst part of this class will also be that you just kind of get to write and do whatever you want if you let it be that way.

however, don’t let it go there. take advantage of this liberty. professor delgado will certainly let you write about anything, no matter how niche. what matters is its significance to you. let this be one of your greatest writing projects. be creative. hell, this is the first essay, writing project, whatever you wanna call this where i’ve written only in lowercase letters. you really can do anything.

good luck, babe,

chappell roan

Dear Spring 2025 class,

This class has so much to offer when it comes to showing more creative expression from within your writing and going against the templates and rubrics we so often focus on in other classes requiring essays, papers, etc. Professor Delgado is the most chill person you will ever meet and you can truly talk to him about anything regarding your writing or whatever you desire. He does a great job making sure that we use critical thinking within our discussions (which may cause awkward silence sometimes), but it helps a lot when tracing back to your writing assignments. One thing I will say is to not take this class for granted and put effort towards being part of the community that can be created from within the class as it will highly impact your experience and make it a better one.

-Hushai 

Dear Spring 2025 class,

This class offers a lot of freedom, but with that freedom comes the responsibility to manage your time wisely. I made the mistake of skipping classes, failing to stay on top of my work, and ended up scrambling to complete my entire portfolio at the last minute. I wouldn’t recommend doing that. Looking back, I really regret not attending more consistently because it would have not only improved my writing but also helped me learn more about myself. My advice? Just go to class and stick to the internal deadlines. Without that structure, it’s easy to lose track of assignments, and you definitely don’t want to be stuck working on your portfolio during finals week. Trust me, you don't want to put yourself in that position. One thing I did appreciate about the class, though, was how open-ended the prompts were. Get creative and draw from your own experiences—it’ll make the writing process much more enjoyable and your essays stronger.

-Saturn's Formation 

Dear Spring 2025 class,

This class should always be one you look forward to attending. I feel like its the one class that I got true creative freedom and liberty to write how I like. We explore deep, important topics that allow you to question the systems that our implemented into our society, that subsequently make you a more curious and in depth writer. Professor Delgado really breaks down the notion that we have held our whole lives of  staying within the defined structure and limits, he allows you to write however you feel is best and it feels like a breath of fresh air. I would say that because he has flexible deadlines, you should still make your own timelines because the last thing you want to do is have to write three full essays at the end of the semester. But best of luck and I'm sure you will love this class as much as I did. 

-Watson

Dear Spring 2025 class, 

When you think of an English or writing class you may inevitably think of one from high school. For many of you, I will be one under the U.S. education system. I'm not saying that the English classes that you have experienced all of your life were bad, but there is so much to gain from a class with a professor that offers a unique writing/learning/creative environment. You will learn how to shape your thoughts and articulate them in a way different than the traditional intro/ thesis + 3 body paragraph + conclusion formula that's been drilled into your head.  One extremely important thing about this class is accountability. You have to hold yourself accountable throughout the semester in order to not slip. Attent the class, workshop your papers, complete them timely. While you shouldn't stress too much as it may take away from your creative process, you also shouldn't slack off and take this class structure for granted. Best of luck.

- Anakin

Dear Spring 2025,

To be honest, the class felt overwhelming at first—not because of the workload, but due to the depth of thought required. Professor Delgado excels at unpacking seemingly simple ideas and challenging us to ask "why?" We began with basic questions like, "Why do we need due dates?" and "Why does the academic system impose penalties?" These discussions evolved into more complex topics, such as the purpose of grammar: does it truly enhance our writing, or does it restrict our creativity?

Through these exercises, you will improve your ability to articulate your thoughts and analyze complex ideas, making it easier to appreciate the underlying values of the essays and books we read in class. So, approach this class with seriousness, and truly value the discussions we have. Afterall, with AI being more prominent, crititcal thinking weigh a lot more that your ability to write conventionally. So try to learn to ask the right question and make good use of the openess nature of this class to express yourself as well as understand yourself better.

-Niccolo

Dear Spring 25, 

At first, this class may be intimidating, but if you manage your time well, this class allows you all of the freedom in the world. The class is meant to flow with constant dialogue and new ideas to help you with your essays. However, if you fall behind and procrastinate, you will leave yourself with a lot of work at the back end of the semester. The more you put into this class, the more you will get out. 

One other awesome thing about this class is the freedom with your papers. Every prompt is so vague that you write about whatever you please as long as it aligns with the prompt that your class comes up with. Professor Delgado will steer you in the right direction if you are off track, but you do have all the freedom in the world. This has been my favorite type of English class that I have ever taken, and I don't normally like English.

-Ice man

Dear Spring 2025, 

This class allows you a lot of freedom, but it's important to be responsible with it. I didn't come to class, didn't manage my time well, and was left to comeplete my entire portfolio at the end of the semester. I would not recommend this. When I back and looked at what had been covered, I regretted not attending because I think that it would not have only helped me develop my writing skills better, but also helped me learn more about myself. JUST GO TO CLASS. FOLLOW THE INTERNAL DEADLINES. It's very hard to keep track of your assignments otherwise and you do NOT want to be working on your portfolio during finals week. I don't know why I did this to myself but please DONT DO IT. Another thing I really like is how open-ended the prompts are. Be creative with these, draw from your own personal experiences. That will result in a much better essay and much more enjoyable writing process.  

Good luck!

-happiness :)

Spring 2025, 

this class is truly like no other. you will be met with freedom in your creativity and mind; freedom that has never been present in any english class--at least none of mine. you are in charge of how your own papers look. you are a vessel and you are capable of exceeding standards. take a joy ride in the freedom and expand that creativity. you are presented with the opportunity of making your own prompts and writing the stories the way that you want to write them. i must warn you though, don't get lost in the freedom. it can be dangerous if you choose to take advantage of the freedom and get off track. be consistent. the greatest guide for your freedom is showing up to class. stay consistent. you have the chance to find a unique part of yourself after experiencing this class, even if you don't find that out exactly at the end of the course, it is there trust me. i hope this message finds you well and i wish you the best of luck. you have a great professor who loves being asked questions. don't forget to use that!

-flaco j

Dear Spring 2025, 

Don't be scared about this class-- be excited :) Or at least curious and open-minded. I was extremely nervous because writing is not my strongest suit, and it takes me ages to write an essay. This class, however, is different compared to most writing classes. 

We came into class, and instead of listening to a tiring lecture, we had conversations that were incredibly interesting and engaging (shoutout to Professor Delgado)! Conversations about our beliefs, society, and life as a whole. Professor Delgado often sat cross-legged on the table at the front of the room, and I laid back in my seat with my feet on the chair in front of me. 

From these discussions, came our essay topics which were just as interesting. We wrote essays about things that we actually cared about and were interested in. I often lost track of time while writing because of how captivating it was to dive into a topic that excited me. 

This class, both the assignments and discussions, reminds me of those 1am conversations you have with friends where you bounce ideas back and forth and never want to end the conversation. 

To conclude: don't worry, you'll do amazing. Go in with an open mind. Have fun!

With love, 

Flowers&ShinyThings

Spring 2025 Class,

Welcome to Writ150- this is likely your first writing class in college if you are a freshman, and it is wired to transition your mindset away from the high school traditional format of essays to a unique collaborative that advances your way of thinking. This specific class is established to give you freedom regarding deadlines, assignment prompts, and topics. However, this freedom may be new so be careful not to take advantage, because if you do then at the end of the semester, you will be rushing to get everything done and likely produce work that is not your best. Get out of your comfort zone and write about things that interest you. There are many places to find inspiration if you are struggling and never be afraid to ask for help!

-Marie Lynn

Spring 2025 Class,

This class is a very unique way to express yourself. It allows you to use a creative mindset to express yourself to unique prompts. To get the most out of this class, you must fully immerse yourself in vulnerability and use the prompts to think critically about unique topics. The freedom or ability to express your thoughts in this class provides a huge amount of growth to expand your writing capabilities. Don't slack off, the writing is enjoyable but can be challenging to writers who are used to 'formal writing'. 'Formal writing' isn't this class, it is unique, fun, new, and gives a greater perspective to what writing can be. 

- Bear

Dear Spring 2025, 

This class is completely unlike any other class I have ever had, in every single aspect. Before my english courses followed strict prompts and more importantly strict deadlines. This course flips your comfortability as there are no deadlines and you have the power to create the prompts.  You are given endless freedom to think and think and think some more. There is no such thing as a stupid question or response in this class giving  everyone the opportunity to express their values. However this flip of comfortability forces all outside their comfort zone, but it is incredibly important to embrace that feeling. It is very rare, so work with it and find yourself as a writer. 

• Charlotte York

Dear Spring 2025, 

This class is unique. There is more to it than meets the eye, so do not be deceived. Be prepared. You will be given the space and permission to think creatively, challenge your perspectives, and embrace a writing style that reflects your inner you. There is a freedom in this class that you have likely not been given before in such an academic setting as this; that said, this freedom is something hard to tame. There is no need to think outside the box because there simply is no box in this class. You are free to create and invent with your words, your ideas, and your values. Writing may be a difficult craft, but this class allows everyone to master it in their own distinctive manner. 

You will not only write in this class, you will also learn. You'll learn how to engage with different works and those of your peers, how to self-manage your time (this is a work-in progress for many, so don't feel alone), and how to actively partake in thought-provoking discussion. This class is an opportunity to explore, so take advantage of it and enjoy every step of the process, even when tasks seem daunting. You have a lot to say and the world should be able to hear it (or read it rather). 

• Gamble

Dear Spring 2025,

This class, in all honesty, is truly like no other. I don't think you'll ever come across a course that will offer you this much freedom. Here, you will be able to represent every aspect of yourself: the beautiful, depressing, angering, curious parts of yourself.  When you're told that there are no deadlines, no punishments like me, you'll probably say its too good to be true, but its true. However, with this much freedom you need discipline. So, while its not required (or maybe it will be during your time) come to class. Be present, its okay to be shy, I was too, but ask questions even if its after class. Be present meaning listen and enjoy your time here. Be creatively you and when you are given an assignment, do it. It doesn't have to be "on time" but just write, little by little until it gets done. 

• Nikki M.

Spring 2025 Class,

This class taught by the professor is very unique. It may be the only class you take in your educational journey that allows you to choose your own assignments, decide what grade you deserve, and write your own syllabus to follow. You're able to shape the class for those who come after you. This is powerful as you are able to decide what you want to take from the class or may not want to take from the class. You're not forced to meet a certain amount of requirements on the rubric for a still, seemingly subjective grade, but you decide your rubric. This is a chance to learn at your own pace, but also an assumption of responsibility for carrying on the class for the next takers of the course. Enjoy.

-KingT

It is critical that you fully grasp the freedom that is offered to you in this class. The ability to freely express the things that excite you, depress you, linger in your heart and soul… is cathartic and healing. This class is an experience and an opportunity and it transcends academia. Accordingly, your final portfolio is something that will stay with you and something that will transform you, while empowering you to articulate your values and perspectives. 

BUT, one should still be warned that freedom is not easy. Freedom and independence are difficult things to harness. The open-ended prompts, the lack of deadlines can make it hard to be productive and efficient. Here’s my advice: don’t be. Don’t be productive or efficient. Don’t be organized or concise in your writing. Take your time. Enjoy the process. And most importantly, let the genuine passion and burning curiosity within guide you and shape your work in this class. 

-The Man in Purple

Dear Spring 2025,

This class is unlike most others you've encountered. Here, you are given complete freedom to explore who you are as a writer. However, with this freedom comes a lot of responsibility. The more effort, thought, and heart you put into your work, the more you'll grow and gain from this experience. This isn't a class where you can skate by with minimal effort and expect the best grades. The magic happens when you fully dive in to the writing experience, engage deeply and commit to the process---no matter how messy or intimidating it may feel at times. Carlos is here to guide you, but he won't define your path. This class is what you make of it. That is up to you. Be curious, ask questions, share your ideas, even if they are unfinished or imperfect. So, my advice to you is simple: lean into the discomfort and uncertainty you feel and let it fuel your growth. Take advantage of the creative freedom Carlos gives you because it's rare. Trust in the process, and you will leave this class not only as a stronger writer but also as a more self-confident individual.

• Bumblebee

Dear Class of Spring 2025, 

Welcomed into a class with the ultimate freedom. This freedom creates a community of diverse backgrounds that contribute to discussions. Individual backgrounds that have been molded by past experiences or emotions. Let your past guide your thinking and discision oriented talks in the class.  Most importantly let your story be heard. Everyone has a different story for a reason and that is one quality that makes us unique. Freedom plays a massive role in this course because there is no limitations to what should be talked about in you papers, so this would be the time to use passion to drive your topics. 

-Mystery Man 

To the Class of Spring 2025,

This class will be unlike any writing class you've had before because of the untapped creative potential it invites you to cultivate. Take advantage of the fact that this class is a little less strict about concrete standards so that you can set your own. Use your writing muscles to write about things you're passionate about, to discover new things about yourself.  This semester through some fascinating conversations I was able to make some essays I was really proud of, and I hope you will be able to too.

--Bach Aches

Future Class of Spring 2025,

Use this class as a space for expression. It is one of the few chances you'll have to approach an assignment with so much freedom, so much room to make it what you want to make it. This open-endedness can be unbelievably daunting, but take it and run with it. Work hard to pinpoint an idea that you care about, that you can yap about, and then turn it into a response to the task at hand. 

Professor Delgado's approach is one that is surprisingly constructive. The openness of it is the biggest blessing and challenge in disguise. Use this class as an opportunity to figure yourself out as an academic, because you are truly reliant on your own accountability here. This class will make you better, as a writer and as a student. 

Good luck, have fun!

~Tatte

Dear Spring 2025, 

You have a lot of freedom in Professor Delgado's class. There aren't many chances to take a class with this much flexibility, openness, and room for growth. There are no particular rules to follow, which makes it both so much harder and so much easier at the same time. There is also a lot of room for self-improvement. Approach every assignment with an open mind and hope to learn something about yourself: you will be different after one semester. This class helped me break out of the high school writing methods; it's about so much more than just a rubric. 

I have never taken a writing class that is more focused on the writing and its meaning rather than the grading scale. Use it as a safe place for expressing your thoughts and learning about yourself as a person and as a writer. 

Good luck with the semester!

-Strawberry duck

Dear Class of Spring 2025,

This class will give you so much personal & creative freedom that it feels almost daunting. But Professor Delgado does his best to guide us in the journey WRIT 150 takes you on and it's up to you to decide if you want to follow his guidance.  This class gives you space to think and write creatively with an open mind and also allows for a lot of self reflection when it comes to the topics we write about. This class is not like traditional high school english courses; it is better and also helps you break out of the style of high school writing that we were so accustomed to.  There is no worry about the grading scale in this course. This class is centered on learning and improving your writing, and also on taking acocuntability for yourself. You will learn so much about yourself in this course.

Good luck & have fun!

-tkwrites

Dear Class of Spring 2025,

This class is extremely unique. The lack of a specific prompt in the essays scared me initially and left me a bit anxious because I felt like I would somehow mess up or write something incorrectly. This was until I realize that there is no "incorrect" thing to write. You write about what you want to write about, and ultimately, I think this helped me hone in on my creativity. 

The class lectures are literally just a discussion,  ones that are extremely engaging and help with idea-generating. One piece of advice I would give is show up to class! You gain SO much just by being in that space, even if you aren't participating by chiming in, it helps you grow so much as a writer, and it shifts your perspective to give you a different, secondary outlook on the way you think about/analyze things.

This class allows you to be YOU. Take advantage.

-Stardust

Future Class of 2024,

This course allows writing freedom, like none other I've taken, and fosters imagination and expression. Professor Delgado does an outstanding job explaining various ways of teaching and understanding different approaches with his students. It was quite different from any other writing class I had previously attended. The flexible deadlines were also a big plus; thus, I could organize my time and not stress about different things. It could become overwhelming when college gets in the way with assignments and finals, but most of the due dates in this class were toward the end of the semester, which allows you to pace your own workload; just remember not to get too comfortable.

Professor Delgado does a great job communicating his style and encouraging us to determine what will work for us. He keeps reiterating that there is no wrong or right way. This course allows you to experience the freedom of writing and thinking away from the rigid rules that may constrain your creativity or expressions. It enables you to be yourself and explore the many ways you can feel and express yourself with the freedom you seek.

Good luck and Stay stress free!

-Travis

Future Fall Class of 2024,

I personally struggle with setting my own deadlines, so managing my time and papers was exceptionally hard for me. Like what everyone else highlighted, though, everything will turn out okay. Professor Delgado is a very understanding professor. What is amazing about this course is the creative freedom you get when approaching the papers. I went through a whole journey of exploring my past and discovering who I am as an individual — something I rarely had the opportunity to do. Try to explore different types of writing, creative outlets, and try to move away from the boring, conventional academic writing. This is a very rare opportunity where you get to write however you want in a college-level writing class.

Good luck and have fun with your writing!
- Summer 

Fall 2024,

Welcome to one of the most distinctive courses you’ll encounter during your time at USC. This class is not just about writing; it's about exploring the boundaries of what writing can be. If you’re looking for a traditional structure, this might initially seem disorienting. However, I urge you to embrace the freedom it offers. Here, you are encouraged to experiment, to fail, and to learn from that failure.

Professor Delgado’s approach is refreshingly open. He fosters an environment where your voice can truly flourish without the fear of strict grading or rigid guidelines. You are invited to engage deeply with your passions and use this course as a platform to express and refine your ideas. Bring your curiosity and your most challenging questions, and use them as fuel for your assignments.

I recommend you participate actively and take advantage of the collaborative opportunities with your peers. Their insights can be invaluable and can enhance your own understanding and creativity. Remember, in this class, the process is as significant as the product. By the end of the semester, you will not only have improved your writing skills but also gained a deeper insight into yourself as both a writer and a thinker.

- Matt

Fall 2024, 

Please read all the readings. Go to class everyday please. Try to make a community with your classmates. Make sure to bond with everyone in class. Make sure to give Professor Delgado sum ideas on bonding activities. Make sure to focus more on learning than stress learning. Be at the present moment in class. Do not do other work in class. I know. You got a lot going on. You are struggling, but this class is a moment to be open and present. Please. This class can change your life. It is what you make of it. Just have fun in this class and learn. Trust me. Trust the process. 

Much love,

Nahua (and Lenca/Maya Chortí/etc.)

Dear Future Fall 2024 Students,

While WRIT 340 is often regarded as a daunting class, Carlos makes this class worthwhile taking.  I enjoyed the "at your pace" structure of the class. It allowed me to write when I felt the desire to wrote; thus creating an end product that I was proud of.

This class is structured in way in which the classes emote thinking. I entered the class eager to converse with Carlos and my peers. There was a sense of vulnerability  and humility in the class which allowed conversation to foster. I enjoyed writing our final paper as we were given the creative freedom to produce a piece of writing. It showed me how used to a structure I was--I even found it difficult to think outside what my paper could look like outside of traditional paper. My suggestion for the class would be to come with an open mind and allow yourslef the opportunity to explore and realms of interest. 

Good luck on your endeavor!

Esperanza

Dear Future Fall 2024 Students,

WRIT classes can be a scary place. At least for me they were before this class. I’m sure we all had a similar experience with WRIT150, if you didn’t get a “good professor”, you would struggle and be stressed 24/7. For me, I never received feedback on my writing and could not improve my grade no matter how hard I tried. 

This class is not WRIT150. This class is a place to feel safe in your writing style and explore serious questions that are on your mind. The majority of you will probably be seniors or juniors. As a senior, I came into this class with deep personal questions. This course allowed me to explore these thoughts without fear. For the first time I did not try to write like an academic and instead wrote as myself. I suggest you all take this time to do what you always wanted to do in your writing and explore any thoughts in your mind. 

• Eva

Hey Fall 2024, 

You’re starting WRIT-340; that’s so exciting, but scary, I understand. But, DON’T PANIC! You’re going to do amazing and come out a better writer, listener, and critical person– trust me, because I did. Nonetheless, you’re probably freaking out because Carlos just told you all this information in a very *sparkly* (maybe confusing) way and about how there are no punishments in this class. If you’re a scheduler and overthinking like myself, I wouldn’t walk out just yet! This class allows you to not only explore your personal writing and find your voice on paper, but also is a test of your personal responsibility to your own creative/writing practice. The freedom this class offers is unlike anything else. You’re witnessing educational history being made and I encourage you to marinate in it! 

Advice: show up to class– this is the most valuable aspect of this course. In-person class is where you’ll see the way you think evolve. For (A2+A3; problem&response) write about something you’re passionate about– this doesn’t have to be built in hardcore academia– it’ll making writing the assignments easier and more enjoyable. Come to class open to discuss, maybe not your work but others in your community too. Be open hearted to your group-mates and make some friends– I surely did. 

This class offers so much more than just a space to creatively and freely write about your thoughts, feelings, and passions; it’s a place where you’ll learn to trust the process and not focus on the outcome. I loved this course. I will forever encourage taking it and learning from Carlos– a professor who has shown me the most respect out of all my professors here at USC and taught me the most about myself through writing, and I will forever be grateful for this. 

Let yourself grow freely into the discomfort that is right now and by the end you’ll be writing a sappy love letter to this course the same way I am right now. 

Cheers to you and the success, I know, you’ll have in this class.  

~ CrayonShiro

This class is interesting. As if it’s an experimental microcosm that attempts to imagine a better world.

Unless you are auditing a course, grading feels synonymous with academia and a classroom setting. However this class reframes the way we traditional see grading and views it with one of the most common driving factors of grading, and that is fear and punishment. Fear of failing a class, punishment in a grade deduction. Those negative connotations are removed from the hands of the instructor and put into yours. You might initially think it will be a walk in the park, an “easy A”, but this class is anything but that. 

There is less accountability in the sense that we are traditionally used to, where if you do not complete an assignment or don’t do it well you will be penalized. But personal accountability is a much greater. 

The greatest achievement, for a majority of classes, is to finish with an A+. Imagine on the first day, you realize you end with that regardless… now what? 

You could sit around all semester, turn out a paper you do not care about at all, or perhaps even turn in nothing with no fear or punishment. Or you could engage in actively thinking about the what this class is trying to accomplish, for you.

The essays itself are a timeless prompt and open a continual discussion: what is a problem you have, and how can you solve that problem?

Everyone, has problems. 

Sometimes problems are not solved, not throughly thought out enough. But this class allows you a chance to explore that and work through that. It is an opportunity you are being gifted to better your life with guidance of the class.

There is something so genuine about this class, and it does seek to imagine a better world. The way things are structured in this class are idealized, and it wants to see the best in people. It wants to see that people can be accountable for themselves, without any sort of fear or punishment. It wants to intrinsically motivate people to do better, but without overbearing expectations. It trusts in people, but knows people might take advantage of this class structure.

How this class is would never world in the real world, at least not anytime soon. We are driven by punishment, social punishment, punishment at work, punishment by not having money, that keeps people in check on how to do things.

The greatest achievement, for a majority of this impoverished and hungry and war torn world, is to not worry about money, safety, or basic needs. Imagine now, that is no longer  something anyone needed to worry about… now what? 

Other problems would arise of course. But it would allow society a chance to explore that and work through that. Unfortunatly that won’t work in the real world, but it can in this class.

⁃ Rufus the Foster Puppy

Fall 2024,

This class came at an interesting time for me. Faced with situations I have never experienced and felt feelings I never thought I would have to feel, I found a voice through the writing assignments in this class, particularly in A2 and A3. Given the lax and do-it-yourself structure of this class, you may find it both carefree and stressful at times, but your willingness to partake in the class activities and engage in conversation with the class and professor will reap tremendous benefits for your experience. As many have said prior, it truly is "what you make it." I encourage you to really take advantage of this class structure and do things you have never done before but always wanted to do. Take risks--big risks, be vulnerable, show your hand, and write to an audience eager to listen. Only then can you genuinely grow as a writer and reveal the deep-rooted thoughts and ideas you have long held onto but never got the chance to write about. Give it your all, but don't forget to be kind and give grace to yourself.

-Dan

Dear Fall 2024 students, 

This class may provide you with the most writing-focused creative freedom you may get here at USC. So, for me, it was a very new and unique experience. I recommend exploring the world of writing in a way that you have not before, whether that is writing using a new style, or writing about a topic you never had before. This is the perfect class to challenge yourself without consequences. Your experience in this class is certainly what you make of it.

Given that the structure of this class is relatively fluid, I found it difficult to find my own flow at first, I was not sure what to write about or how often to write, but the beauty of the class lies in exploration. Talk to your peers, talk to the professor, and seek outlets that help you find your own flow. This class is similar to a discussion section/seminar so utilize it as an opportunity to generate and grow your ideas. Lastly, do not be afraid to pivot if you find your central idea morphing into something different even if that means completely disproving an argument you made in A2 , thats ok! It's a part of the process. This course will push you to stay curious and be creative and I invite you to embrace that!
- Veronica B

Dear Writ Students,

Welcome to Writ340! Do not feel streesed about taking an advnaced  writingThis class lets you truly discover your writing style and implment your own creativity.

Future WRIT340 students,

This class is what you make of it. You do have the option to make nothing of it, but you can also make everything of it. It can be an opportunity to get your thoughts out there in whatever way you feel comfortable doing it - even if it means leaving them scrambled. It can be an opportunity to redefine what a problem is, and to reframe it so that it is less (or more, if that is what you desire) problematic. I implore you to take that opportunity, and to learn more about yourself in the process.

- Ps

Hi there,

I hope you're excited for this class. Have you ever felt pleasantly confused? Ever just happy to come along for the ride? In an environment where hard deadlines, formal presentations, and busy work are very much a thing, this class was a breath of fresh air—even when I couldn’t fully understand how a class could be structured this way. 

I think you’ll learn to process writing in a new way. Your relationship with deliverables and being a part of a class discussion will change. It will no longer be for a grade. It will be for your genuine curiosity and to fulfill your sense of wonder. So, embrace the class and take your writing seriously—in the sense that you will write what you are inspired by, when you are inspired to do so.

Dare all mighty things,

Shadowsinger

Dear Future Writ340 Students,

This class is like no other I've ever taken. Getting the freedom to write about anything you want can be hard, but this will be the most rewarding experience. You'll be able to write about things you're passionate about in a meaningful way. You need to hold yourself accountable to the writing process as there are no deadlines. You might be lost initially, but once you find your pace, you will be able to write freely about a topic of your choice. Personally, this was challenging at first because the freedom confused me, in a good way. Use this class as an opportunity to write about something you care about and to think outside the box. This class allows you to be creative and write on your own terms after so many years of conditioning to write in academic language. Have fun writing and be ready to grow as a writer.

• 777

This is a class which invites community, yet is also a largely individual journey. Without deadlines or a mandatory attendance, one can take this class however they want to. If that is showing up everytime, showing up from time to time, or not showing up, there will be no actual punishment. That being said, the Professor has created a class in which it is at your disgression how much you want to get out of it. Do you choose to see it as a waste of time, or a chance to create something important and worthwhile. I found the most significant thing you can gain from showing up is the community. Making new friends and creatively trusting each other in your individual journeys. This is a class with an emphasis on breaking the rules and subverting the normal expectations of a writing class. For some this is challenging to first wrap their heads around, and for others it is extremely freeing. You have the freedom to create however you'd like, and if it's by staying in your comfort zone or by pushing yourself somewhere you haven't had the oppurtunity to explore in another class, you will be supported in whichever decision you make by the professor and your peers. I found that this class can be an excuse to productively research a topic you've been wanting to know more about. Make it personal. Really use these projects so that you're not creating a burden for yourself, but creating a work of art you can be proud of and want to actively pursue. Enjoy the writing. Embrace the process. Good luck. 

~ Yitzhak

Dear Fall 2024 Students,

My background in Science, laden with Mathematics and immutable theorems, seldom offers me a chance to traverse the intricate landscapes of my own emotions and thoughts in such a loose manner - encouraging me to examine myself freely with such few restrictions. This semester, however, marks a pivotal departure from that norm, a turning point in how I view myself and how I would deal with my emotions and feelings. This is beyond fascinating.

Initially, you might find yourselves disoriented by the seemingly unrestricted manner of the course. The lack of rules and pressing deadlines may even pressure you amidst the college vibe. However, I wish you to view it more than a college writing class, especially when allowing yourself to settle down your mind and start to devote yourself to thinking and writing. You will surprisingly discover a more complete self, a more insightful soul. 

At the heart of this course lies the fundamental skill of communication - a skill I have always found challenging. Yet, I've learned that even if you struggle to express yourself, the simplest act of listening to one another can profoundly impact everyone’s experience. This class thrives on the strength of its community, offering each of you a unique opportunity to delve into self-discovery. By attending classes regularly and actively supporting your peers, you not only contribute to the collective learning environment but also enhance your own journey. Engage fully, listen intently, show your care, and watch as you and your classmates flourish in this remarkable setting! Good luck on this incredible journey fellas! 

- William Zhu

When I first joined this class, I came in with the same fears that I had with WRIT 150. Would I be a good enough writer? Would my ideas be good enough? Would I end up failing the class? I never considered myself much of a “writer”, much less an “advanced writer”. But after taking this class, I’ve learned that writing is simply talking to someone over a piece of paper. As long as you can converse, you can write. Now granted it's a bit more complicated and nuanced than that, but if there is anything in this class that you should NOT be, it is being afraid. 

This class allows you the opportunity to explore anything, and I mean anything. (I once saw a past student talk about the inept nature of hybrid cars. I didn’t really care for his argument, but it was very interesting nonetheless.) And if you’re like me, it might be scary and a bit disorienting. We’re used to having several deadlines, a sort of roadmap of the entire semester premade by the professor, but this is not that type of class. Instead you are responsible for what your semester will look like. Professor Delgado can help you along the way, but the only deadline you really have is the final portfolio. Now that doesn’t mean I suggest you slack off and leave everything to the last minute. You have 15 weeks, to ponder, to think, to pontificate about the subjects you want to talk about, about the arguments you’ll make, about the voices you will use to support your argument.

If you’re like me you will learn a bit about yourself and your argument along the way. You’ll change your mind about certain beliefs you used to have. You’ll realize that the topic you originally wanted to do… well you don’t want to write about it anymore. And that’s totally fine! But this takes time, so if you want to make sure you have a polished product, start earlier rather than later. 

What advice would I give? Go to office hours, participate in group discussion, be brave and give your ideas to the rest of the class. All art is derived from previous art, and in the case of writing, your ideas will be influenced by those around you whether in-person or online. So use your peers, use your community to draw inspiration. We cannot create good art in a vacuum, so go out there and experience the world. 

-Anthony Guzmán

Dear Future Fall 2024 Students,

Congratulations for securing a spot in (what I think is) the best WRIT 340 class! If you're anything like me, you've (1) pushed this class off until the very end, (2) are dreading the class because of the supposed workload and difficulty of the class, and (3) feel as though you're unprepared for, well, everything. Writing has personally always been one of my weaker skills, and as a result, I tended to avoid writing whenever I can. 

But this class changed that.

Throughout the semester, you'll be encouraged to take the leap towards topics that are truly interesting (and important!) to you, engage in discussions that make you rethink how you present your ideas, and flourish under an environment that promotes flexibility and self-reflection. If you hate writing, then this class will be the one to make you fall in love with it. If other writing classes have made you feel as though you're a bird trapped in a cage, then this one will be the one to set you free. Take the opportunities that this class offers you to rethink your relationship with writing, and allow it to guide you on a creative journey supported by your peers and the amazing, wonderful, spectacular professor. 

Look forward to what lies ahead, because this class really is a one-of-a-kind experience.

- Cherry Blossom

To the students of Fall 2024, 

You're probably used to professors telling you what to do, when the assignments are due, or mandatory attendance is being taken. Well, not here. It is a different tactic to push students to get out of their comfort zone when it comes to writing. Some of you may love writing and getting deep with your thoughts, producing work that can touch others. Others will struggle. To those, do not give up on this class and your peers. It can be hard to show up to class and engage with each other but do it. You will gain new knowledge and think and write about things you normally do not do. The nature of this class is to help you as a person.

-Emily

Spring 2024,

If there was any class where you could go out of bounds in your writing, it's this one; this course was the most transformative academic experience I’ve had in my life. While this class is so confusing at first, you have to trust the process. You’ll see the big picture once you reach the culmination of your work. 

Professor Delgado’s courteous goodwill is absolutely to your advantage in the class and I suggest you take up as much space as possible during your time here. This class is a great opportunity to challenge yourself and make mistakes because the stakes are so low. However, I suggest you attend every class, participate and collaborate with each other in order to get the most out of this experience. Otherwise, you’d be doing a huge disservice to yourself. You should treat this class like an art seminar rather than a writing class. You’ve had over a decade to learn how to write. This class is the time to put those skills into practice to create.

Cordially,

Ulises Arellano

Dear Future Spring 2024 Students, 

I consider myself to be an extremely Type A individual. That said, if you find yourself to be anything like myself (over-scheduling, over-thinking, and extremely punctual), DO NOT rule this class out just yet. I can wholeheartedly say that this Writing course has been the best and most rewarding class I've ever taken here at USC. As students (especially in college), self-discovery is one of the most important things in our journeys of adulting and trying to grasp a foundational understanding of life. This class is centered around dismantling the systems (specifically the education system as we know it) and becoming more curious about ourselves and our journeys as a writer, but most importantly as people in this extremely chaotic world. 

This course has allowed me to discover so much about myself and how I choose to show up in this world, regardless of what others might think or have to say. If I could give you one piece of advice as you begin this course, it would be to take the top 3 most pressing questions you have regarding life, yourself, others, anything. Now take those questions and turn them into writing. Explore them. Delve into the controversy surrounding the topic or variety of responses. In this, you’ll spend an entire semester researching and writing about things of interest to you. You’ll spend an entire semester trying to cultivate a response to a heavy question, you may have thought could never be answered. This process of learning is without a doubt the most rewarding when looking back. The semester goes by so fast, but you won’t regret taking this course, as the knowledge you gain and experiences you have,  will never be forgotten. Be curious. Be Open. Be Different.

• Garth Ragsdale 

Spring 2024 Class,

I am sure a few of you are going to be in the same boat that I was in when this class started. I was very skeptical of the medthodology of how this class is taught, especially because I thought that I would have to hide my personal views from Carlos (as I have had to do in the majority of my classes). Carlos is a very kind man who may have some disagreements with my profession; however, he always treated me with respect and even reached out to PERSONALLY give me a book that he had brought to me from his own home. Out of all of my professors at USC, Carlos has trated me with the most respect, and I will forever appreciate him for it!

Also, I noticed that a lot of my peers had anxiety surrounding their grades, but you'll be fine (get the grade you want) by doing the work in the syllabus. If you don't want to have anxiety about getting it all done, just space it out over the semester or make due dates for yourself :) 

• Robert

Spring 2024,

You are starting WRIT-340 - I know you're scared!  You made a good choice in registering for this class.  This class should be stress-free.  Show up willing to engage and participate and take the time to come up with a Problem/Response (A2 + A3) that you are passionate about because it will make the assignment much easier to complete.  Give yourself check-in dates if that's what works best for you, or, enjoy the lack of stress, and figure it all out in the end!

Regarding Problem/Response (A2 + A3), think about something that you've always wanted to dedicate time towards and find a way to fulfill the prompt.  Use this course as an opportunity to do something you've been wanting to do but have never allowed yourself the time needed to complete.  I am so excited by what I created and I hope you can experience the same.

Best,

Indiana

Spring 2024,

Please take advantage of this course and the way it is structured. It might be confusing and new in the beginning, but trust the process. Trust yourself and your voice, and you will meet all course requirements. Use the creative freedom to talk about a topic you truly care about and do not allow academic standards and practices to constrain you. Listen and create space for your peers, they are valuable to your writing process because they will provide feedback. There are no strict deadlines, but before every class make sure you have made some progress on your project. Let it be thinking about it, writing one sentence, or a having rough draft...just have something. This course will teach you how to give it meaning. 

-Yolanda

Future Spring 2024 Students, 

This class will be unlike any you have taken in the past. You will be given the freedom to write about whatever you want, however you, and when you want. The lack of limitations allows you to really explore something you are interested in, and learn more about yourself throughout the process. As an extremely organized and structured person, I was scared at the beginning of the semester.  But I realized that the freedome we are given is what allows us to create pieces of writing that truly have meaning. You won't be struggling to turn something in one night and have to write something you aren't proud of. I promise you will be turning in a portfolio of writing that you are proud of. Professor Delgado doesn't think of writing as "good" or "bad." All that matters is that you create something you love. This was unlike any course I have taken, and I am very grateful for everything this class and Professor Delgado has taught us. 

-Carter Blaze

Dear WRIT 340 Spring 2024,

This class is going to be so different from what you might be used to at USC. There is so much freedom with the course that allows you to truly enjoy writing while also challenging your brain to think about who you are and what you want to be. What i loved about this course was the flexibility with assignment deadlines and that it focuses a lot on growth through group and individual work. I love that as a student you get to choose what you want to write and have a lot of freedom with the style of writing. He doesnt criticize your writing instead he appreciates it and recognizes that we all have different writing styles and interests. I will be honest and say that although I did enjoy the creative freedom and accessible deadlines, it did interfere with my motivation to want to write these assignments. So just keep that in mind and try to prioritize these assignments. I hope that this description helped you understand the class a little bit more and I wish you nothing but the best as you move forward with the semester. 

-LULU

Dear Spring 2024 class, I can assure you that this class is as easy as it can get while still having the chance to write about topics you are very interested about. I signed up for this class last second and I’m so glad I ended up with my class. You will learn so much about others in this class through workshops while also learning a lot about yourself due to the freedom that Professor Carlos gives you which was my favorite part. This whole idea of building an Ancestor Syllabus based upon older classes is amazing and makes the class exciting. Participating in this class feels more of something you want to do than just a duty. I hope all of you have an amazing semester and don’t take everything too seriously in life.

Best,

SoulOnScreen

Dear Future Delgado students of WRIT 340, 

I hope you take full advantage of this class and utilize it to better your writing skills in probably the most lax environment you'll experience within a formal education system. This class is truly like no other class I've taken so far, specifically it is night and day from my last WRIT class I took at USC. You have the freedom to choose your writing topic, choose your audience, choose how you are graded, and even grade yourself in the end. What I like most about this class is that you do not have strict deadlines to meet for writing assignments of topics you have no interest in. At first, I was a little bit scared of just how much freedom we had --  I didn't even understand what the assignments were, or what was expected of us. I then realized that there are no expectations of us. In fact, we create our own rubrics for our writing. What would make us proud or disappointed is all we need to have in mind when writing. I hope this course description even gives you a glimpse into what you will experience in this course and try to fully immerse yourself and love what you are writing - you will enjoy it so much more!

-a.Rae

For the Spring 2024 Class of WRIT 340, 

This class will ask you to be creative in a way you've probably never had to before. You'll have so much freedom that you'll be able to write about whatever you are passionate about --- but if you're like me, the little amount of guidance may stress you out at first. But don't worry, everything will work out and the class will become virtually stress-free. The structure (or lack of) allows you to take risks and make decisions that you would normally be afraid of being punished over in other classes. Feel free to write however you'd like and don't worry about grammatical or sentence structures. The ancestor portfolio is kind of like therapy in a way; you can explore your thoughts and feelings that you haven't previously processed. Most importantly, enjoy what you write!

• aurelia 

For Spring 2024 Students:

Congratulations, your professor just received a merit award for the fact that this process works. You're probably a little confused today on the first day of class after Carlos introducing what seems to be a class with no deadlines and no punishments. Just relax and know that despite there being so much information being thrown at you right now, there is no reason to panic. Just keep coming to class and it will come together at some point. Good luck, but you don't need much of it!

• Zigi

dear writ students,

release yourself from the weight of deadlines, rubrics, and desire for a level of perfection. with all of these taken away, witness just how much you can grow. Both as a writer and as a person.  

write with feeling.

-d

To Spring  2024 Students,

This class is unreasonable. If unreasonability is having space to create and grow outside of pressure. If the other classes you take in college are reasonable - they assign, assess, penalize, and grade - then this class is unreasonable in that it works to reject the academic structures we’ve learned. This course challenges you to create outside of pressure. By giving the course a chance, give yourself a chance to create something you are passionate about. Write for yourself, for someone else but not for a grade. The time and space has been given to create and in this course it is up to you to decide what you want to do with it. It will be hard work but it doesn’t have to be painful. Whatever feels unreasonable to you, embrace it.

My advice: write. Write a little everyday, or twice a week. Be in practice. 

-Bearcat

Dear future WRIT students,

This class is what you make of it. The absence of strict deadlines and rules allows you to explore your own personal writing style. This class is not stressful, and you are encouraged to push yourself to strengthen and reflect on your writing.  If you are a creative person who thrives on having the freedom to write what you are passionate about this class will be perfect for you.  This semester you will think deeply about yourself and the world while improving as a writer.  

My advice for you is to be genuine - the lack of structure may seem daunting, but if you focus on reflecting and growing as a writer while creating pieces that you are proud of, you will get a lot out of this class. Have fun in the process and try not to procrastinate too much! 

• Goldfish 

Dear Spring 2024 Writ 340 students, 

This class gives you a lot of freedom. Most likely it's more freedom than you are used to having in your classes. There are no set deadlines or high expectations in this class. There is no rubric to grade your writing, you get to make your own. If you are anything like me you might be a bit confused about how this is going to work at the beginning of the semester. Perhaps even a bit freaked out because this class is structured so differently from those you have taken before. 

However, this freedom gives you the room to make the class what you want. Since there are no set due dates or strict guidelines, you get an opportunity to hold yourself accountable and complete your work at the pace that feels comfortable to you. In addition, it also allows you to be creative and have fun when writing your final portfolio. You get to pick your own topic and approach it in the way that feels best to you. 

If you stick with this class and ride out the confusion,  the freedom of this class gives you an opportunity to create a final portfolio that is important to you.

-catlady 

For the Students of Fall 2023,

There is not much reading, other than reading each other's work.  The grading system is based on this.  There is quite a bit of writing in class, the "big" assignments,A2 and A3, can be on topics of your choosing.  This class is designed as a way of deprogamming yourself from the conventions of a punitive education system.  Don't stress, the syallabus comes across more complicated than it actually is.  Don't stress, you will be grading yourself based on your self assessment.  Don't stress, because your instructor will help you evolve into the Grand Inquistor.  Don't stress, Don't stress, Don't stress.  You can challenge yourself, and you can kick back and enjoy the ride— don't stress.  This will be an engaging class about personal development in writing—don't stress.  Only stress if you decided to wait until the last few days to do anything for the class—DON'T STRESS.  

-Chingon

Dear Spring 2024,

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be a little unsure when you step into this class… I guess the structure just isn’t something I’m used to. You, like me, might be excited when it’s announced that there are no due dates for any writing assignments that you’ll do. This is going to feel liberating; you really get the opportunity to design and allocate your time in the way you see fit. But be warned, this academic freedom can become a trap if you don’t hold yourself accountable. If you are a person who likes structure, and/or, does not work well under pressure…I recommend setting due dates for yourself throughout the semester. I didn’t see it at the time, but this would have really helped my stress levels while writing, and would have given me a solid structural framework. If you are a couple days late to your assigned due date, don’t worry. Give yourself some grace, and always focus on pushing through and doing your best work. If they are still in place, take advantage of the peer workshops. Really focus on giving your classmates good feedback, as you would want given to you. Evaluating other people’s writing styles, strengths, and areas of growth can help you to become a better writer. Maybe there is a more optimal structure, or rhetorical manner, that you can implement in your own writing. Your classmates can really help you stay on track during the peer review sessions; you’ll feel intrinsically motivated to produce something thought provoking and unique for them to read. And because the class is so self-directed, in terms of writing content and schedule setting, you have an amazing opportunity to explore your deepest values, and the potential contentions surrounding those values, in a low pressure setting, a delicate and interpersonal dialogue. Good Luck on your journey. Be happy that you’re here. 

With Love,

Mary

Dear Future Fall Class of 2023,

This class was different than any other class I have taken at USC. You will learn a lot in this class if you keep your mind open and go with the flow of the class. It helped me to look at writing as more of an art form rather than just assignments I had to do for English class. At the beginning of this semester, I was dreading taking another English class but soon I realized I lucked out by choosing Professor Delgado. He is very understanding and creates a classroom environment where you can feel safe to contribute and communicate. Which in turn helps you to open your ways of thinking and create something amazing. 

• Kenny

To the WRIT 340 class of the future,

Take advantage of this class.  And by take advantage of this class, I don’t mean to abuse it.  There are two methodologies to approaching the low-stakes grading of this class.  You can either: put in minimal effort and get your A, or you can take the time to expand your depth of writing and take risks – earning your A.  It’s okay to procrastinate a little bit, but do the work and if you really put your mind to it, you can create something that truly makes you proud by the end of this semester.  Have fun with it, take your time, and don’t forget to write from the heart – because that’s what truly matters.

-Phil Wang

To the Fall 2023 WRIT 340 Class,

This writing class is confusing like no other, but in that, it’s also freeing. This class has as much structure as you choose to give it, as much weight and meaning as you choose to place on it, you’ll get the grade you choose to give yourself, you’ll do the work you feel like doing, but you’ll learn more than you could’ve imagined. Professor Delgado will inspire you to think outside the box, to not worry as much as you’re used to about grades and word counts and prompts and thesis statements, and to instead just focus on what you care about. It’s liberating to have a professor that constantly reminds you that whatever you are doing you are doing right, because this class allows you to do things your way and within that, it pushes you to grow by looking inward. 

Don’t worry about being confused when you first read this syllabus and the descriptions for assignments and rubrics, etc. I think this class serves as a great metaphor for life because in the beginning, everything seems so scary and daunting and chaotic and you will literally have no clear answers handed to you by Professor Delgado. This to me resembles the way in which young adult life feels like having no idea what you’re doing, where you are going, and if you are doing things right. But, in this class, as in life, you eventually figure it out, you just do and through doing you learn and you grow, and through letting go and just going with the flow, you may even find yourself doing some of your best work yet.

Best,

MPQ

This class is not like any traditional writing class you have experienced.  This class will allow you to grow in terms of criritcal thinking and creative in your skills.  The main guidelines are that there are no real guidelines.  You will be asked to grade yourself which will allow you to hold yourself accountable for putting your best foot forward.  If you choose to make the most of this class and embrace the wierdness of it, you will grow and obtain creative skills that you will be able to use outside of the class.  Do not stress just do your best. 

Sincerely,

Odysseus 

For the class of Fall 2023,

Writ 340 with Carlos Delgado will most likely be one your favorite classes. This is not a typical writing class. There is no single prompt you have to answer and there is not one answer the professor is seeking. This class should not be stressful… Try to have fun and produce writing that is out of your comfort zone. This class is challenging in its own way but you will enjoy it. Your professor will be there to answer all your questions without judgment and offer guidance. You are given so much freedom but put enough effort into your work where you can feel proud. At the end of all this, you will say to yourself that this wasn’t as bad as you thought it’d be. 

Best,

Jellybelly 

Dear future class, do not worry too much. You will learn to love the writing process in this course. There are two big assignments which you may worry about, but don't. A2 and A3 can be written on any topic you prefer and most likely you will find yourself enjoying this part of the course. Carlos is not your typical professor, he gives you more creative freedom than most. This freedom allows you to find your own voice and become a stronger, more independent writer. It is important to keep in touch with your classmates in this course, and use them to help you if you get stuck. You will be grading yourself on your completion and quality of work, so do not stress about failing, but at the same time stay on top of your work. Stick to yourself when you find your writing voice. Be strong and true to your beliefs and don’t be afraid to voice your opinion in your writing. Your class will come up with goals, due dates, workshops, and a flexible schedule for your work in this course. Have fun with the freedom you are given, come to the workshops, and stay in touch with your classmates. Do all these things and you will earn an A.

-Wizard

If you're looking for a writing class that offers flexibility and freedom, look no further than Professor Delgado's class. One thing to keep in mind is that this class will challenge you in ways you may not expect. You'll be encouraged to explore a problem of your choosing, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. It's important to come to class prepared and ready to be confused, as the material can be dense and complex. Remember when your parents dropped you off at kindergarten and told you to go figure it out (yea, me neither). But it's like that. You need to learn how to make it on your own. Be ready to fall flat on your face a handful of times but just know that your only goal should be to show up every time, ready to play. Don't let that discourage you. If you're willing to put in the effort, this class can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your time at USC. Professor Delgado is an excellent instructor who will guide you through discovering and exploring your chosen problem, offering valuable feedback along the way.

In addition to coming prepared and putting in the effort, I highly encourage you to collaborate with your peers as much as possible during the workshops. This class is designed to be a collaborative learning experience, and working with others can help you gain valuable insights and perspectives on your problem. Use the template we gifted and engage in peer review and feedback, as this can help you improve your writing and gain a deeper understanding of your problem. Trust me, use it. We, as a class, sacrificed some workshops (meaning we were really unproductive). learn from us. Take advantage of the opportunity to work with your peers and learn from their feedback, and you'll be on your way to excelling in this class.

Overall, if you're willing to put in the work, this class can be the best one you take at USC. So come prepared, stay engaged, and be ready to learn and grow as a writer. You won't regret it.

Warm Regards, 

DaSillyGoose

Don’t rush wagwan.  This class is lovely.  I hope that Carlos stays relaxed with you as he did with us.  He is a subtle leader that will help you better understand how to write with freedom.  Find yourself and your voice.  

As you will quickly realize this class is laid back and chill.  But… With that being said don’t put yourself in a pickle.  It is easy to get away with not doing some of the work, but by the end of the class, you will be rushed and possibly unsatisfied with yourself.  So I urge you to continuously self-reflect throughout the semester and honestly open yourself up to the class and Carlos.  He truly means well and I trust that you will love this class similar to all of us here today.  Good luck.  As Tupac once said: “I’m not perfect, but I will always be real.”  Be real, be you, and show love to those around you.  

• Spruce Goose

Welcome Class! 

You are probably confused as to how this course works after Professor Carlos introduced it. No worries so was I!! You are probably used to a syllabus that comes with bolded & colorful due dates and a strict schedule on what you will be focusing on that week. That is not the case here at all. You are in charge of your time, what is due, and when it is due. Make sure to be responsible of your time and others.

You are responsible for a couple of things in this class which include: 

1. Reading. Assigned readings are not a requirement in this class but reading your fellow classmates work is. 

2. Coming to class open for conversations and feedback. Which means come prepared to discuss the reading and provide your opinion but also allowing others to vocalize theirs as well. 

3. Come to workshops with the feedback you want to receive. You get as much as you give. When coming to the workshops, be accountable and write as much as yo want to receive. If you want good feedback, come in with a lot of written information for the audience to read.  

Just 3 simple things. In this class there is no boundaries and you are free to break all the rules. With this, you will find that the class is very chill and laid back. It gives you time for everything else you need to focus in outside of this class. This class will test your ability to keep yourself organized and your accountability. if you let it, it can be the best class you will take at USC! Good luck! 

-Turtle

Some fundamental truths of WRIT 340 with Professor Carlos Delgado (which I invite you to take to heart)

1. You have all the power here. Even if you wish you could shrug the responsibility onto someone else, this room, these tasks, these readings, and this course are yours for the taking [or for the leaving]. More than anything, I wish I'd had more time to wear that power, to grab the invitation Carlos extends to us with both hands, but life blew up a bit. And so it goes. 

2. Community conversation is a must. You need at least one person who talks a lot, or else you're doomed. In theory, three people who talk sometimes could also work. Without this, the class will be painful. If there are no people like that in your class, try on a New Identity for 1.5 hours, twice a week. I write this as the one who talked a lot; Spruce Goose said I should be credited as "Lead Vocalist" [he makes music, of course]. However, please don't make someone carry class conversations. Despite what you may think, they probably don't enjoy hearing themselves talk all the time. 

3. You are not marching; you are exploring. These assignments are fluid, boundless, genre-less, and guideline-less in almost all respects. It is hard to write without knowing where it will take you, but that is what this course encourages. For those who are constantly maneuvering to maximize their efficiency, this will be frustrating. Let go. Once you've written something, leave it. Don't squash it. Leave it and write and write and write until everything that can be written has been.

4. The most satisfied students will be the ones who offered themselves, to their classmates, to their work, to their mind, and to their mercy. Offer yourself. 

This class is a new frontier, a wide open space, which you should not colonize or own. Rather, let this class be a place to which you surrender, leaving no cavern, hill, creek, or valley unexplored. You are the pioneer, the captain, and the follower. All at once.

       - New Age Southern Belle, Spring 2023

To the future WRIT340 class, 

I joined this arts & humanities themed writ class to sharpen my creative writing skills and writing confidence. Reflecting back on this course, not only did I grow in these, I gained a better understanding of my voice as a writer, and as a person. Through this semester, I was exposed to many diferent viewpoints, media, topics, and conversations surrounding life, thought, meaning, and silly weird things.  This was the most genuine class I've ever had. Carlos Delgado will inspire you and make you laugh with his random stories or opinions, and above all he will help you succeed. The structure of this course is almost... anti-class? The students have a lot of freedom. Maybe too much. This hollistic approach and overall creative freedom in this class is nice, but it helps best if you put in the work. Use the workshops to your advantage. Go to class. Collaborate with each other. Participate. Ask questions. Just talk. This class is a safe space, and every opinion counts. Have fun with it. 

-  Bela Lugosi

Dear future WRIT340 class, 

This course is built on wide-open expectations, and an invitation to write, write, write. You’ll get as much of it out of this as you put in. You’ll have the freedom to make your own choices, your own decisions. You’ll get to consider what kind of writer you want to be; what kind of writing you want to put out in the world. You’ll get to decide what creativity means to you. This class focuses on self-discipline, self-guidance, and self-reflection to make good writing. The assignments can seem vague at first-–but that’s really only because they leave lots of room to set your own rules, and write according to YOUR intentions, without the traditional guidelines and grading rubrics you might see in other writing classes. And at the end of the class, you’ll be invited to build a syllabus--a class structure--to leave behind for future students. 

That all said, here are a few tips for this class: 

-> Show up to workshops and discussions, as often as you can. The more readers in the room, the more feedback you’ll get, and the more insight you’ll gain. Showing up helps both you and your classmates.

-> Don’t procrastinate. The removal of expectations means you’ll need to build your own expectations. After all, you’ll still need to hand in your work at the end of the semester, and you’ll get more out of peer feedback opportunities if you show up with work to critique! Whether that means handing in a poem, a full-fledged research paper, long or short or wordy or concise, or whatever other form you come up with--write!

-> And finally: have fun!

-Froggiesandfishies, Spring 2023

Hi Fall 2023, 

In 16 weeks, you will probably be writing a message to Carlos' Spring 2024 WRIT340 class. In 16 weeks, you will be exhausted with every other class, except this one...& here is why

• you are treated like a human not a typewriter in this course

• you are given freedom over your writing that feels strange to have 

• you can finally explore what you have been meaning to get to or have a space that can help you get there

This has been one of the most meaningful courses I have experienced (not taken) at USC.  

Take the time to be with yourself, show up for yourself, and show your peers that support comes in many different ways. 

You are placed in the right class, you are here for a reason, & there will be times where you are given too many choices and you may feel startled by this - but try it out. 

I can tell you 1st hand that I questioned if I was creative enough for this, if I was smart enough for this, will my peers understand me?  These are all normal questions and there are no guaranteed answers in these questions -> but the best part is that no answers to these questions IS the best case scenario.  You are in good hands, you are where you need to be, and it is going to be okay.

Best, 

Chai Latte with Almond Milk 

Welcome Fall 2023 WRIT 340 students,

 Although this is a writing course, this is actually a class that helps you learn how to be an adult. And no, I am not talking about a serious no-fun pessimistic type of adult. I am talking about a confident, accountable, young-at-heart, empathetic adult. Throughout the process, you will learn how to embrace and develop your voice, but this responsibility is on you. No one will chase you down to finish your assignments, to come to class, or to have your outlines and drafts ready. You have to learn how to create your schedule, how to communicate, and how to dedicate your own time to crafting your projects. Even if you might not face qualitative repercussions, as a community member, you hold responsibility. The time and effort you dedicate will make the community stronger and more rewarding.

 In the beginning, the class might feel intimidating and overwhelming, similar to adulthood. The first assignment of the class is to stay open-minded about the process of developing your voice (after you read the syllabus, I mean really read the syllabus, Carlos lays out everything, you just have to take time to sit with it!) Carlos believes in you. But you have to learn to believe in yourself. It is easy to fall into the pit of doubting yourself and your ideas for the writing assignments. So, I recommend once you have chosen the “problem” for your project, just write. Who cares if it is not good? Spill out all your ideas, your feelings, and your thoughts about the problem. From then, you can start to dig out the core of your “problem” and start shaping your ideas into the final project.

 This class gives you the chance to slow down, breathe, and reflect on who you are and who you want to become as you reach the end of your college career. Don’t miss out on the opportunities this class offer!

Best of luck,

 ShannontheShark

Spring 2023

Hello Fall 2023 WRIT 340 students,

You are in for a rollercoaster ride! Extraordinary: a word that describes this class. It’s not a typical writing class, that’s for sure. It may be scary at first, especially when you are told that this class does not really have deadlines and structure, but try to stay because it will be worth it. There is so much freedom in the course that can either make you or break you. Be self-aware, adaptable, creative, accountable, and responsible. This class will teach you lessons about writing, but most importantly it will teach you things about life, yourself, and your voice. You are your own decision-maker and your own self. This class is what you make it. Show up, be present, be open, and participate, it makes a huge difference. Do not be afraid to take risks; after all, when we go outside of the box and feel uncomfortable, we grow to our outmost potential. Listen to yourself, connect with yourself, and write. Your voice will be heard. Keep in mind that you are not alone in this journey, Professor Carlos is there to guide you, as well as your peers. Ask for help if you are ever confused. 

This class consists of 4 major writing tasks, but all the topics are chosen by you and how you want to write it. You will also be asked to modify the syllabus, give course descriptions, and be ancestors to future students. The lectures are not like the ones that happen in a “normal” classroom setting. In here, Professor Carlos will just have conversations with students. In the middle of the semester, when A2 and A3 are introduced, you might feel stressed because you started late. If that happens, please take a deep breath and remind yourself that you can do it. This class is definitely challenging, but extremely enjoyable. Trust yourself and trust the process. Time will go by fast and you will not realize that you are done and that you have developed as a writer, student, and person. When that time comes, pat yourself at the back and be proud of your work. You did it. Until then, I wish you the best of luck and make sure to have fun! 

-LAviator

Hi Fall 2023 students!

Welcome to the weirdest class you'll take in your USC career! 

Don't worry, Prof. Carlos is wonderful and intelligent and supportive (he's not the weird part (most of the time)). He is a great human and resource to develop your ideas into something real. He is there to support, laugh, cry, and inspire - take advantage of it!

Get excited to have all the power for your success in your hands in the free structure of this class. Be ready to think, create, explore and take risks. There are no limits, despite how much you might want them, so use this class to try something new. If your brain is driven by academic validation like mine is, this is going to be a struggle--no, a stretch (we are all about positive mindsets here). For once you don't have to be confined and you can explore things that you are passionate about. View this as a good thing, because it will make you a better writer and human if you allow yourself to think freely. Take in all the readings, activities, and anecdotes that Carlos brings in from his life. They will help you to think about yourself and the world in new perspectives if you give it a chance. Be prepared to be treated with love and respect and give that to your peers. This only works if you build each other up and show up for each other. 

Also don't procrastinate :)

• Kerrera

Hello Future Classes!

This class felt like such a change of pace from everything I have done in academia. Every time I would come to class, I would leave feeling inspired and re-evaluating not only writing but how society can progress with more of a priority on community. What I loved about this class was the encouragement to really use our own voice and overall how to strengthen it. Everyone in this course is trying to become a better writer and it ultimately cultivates an environment where we can all help one another as a community. I feel like in most classes I have taken, I never really come out of it helping me in terms of personal portfolio or helping me figure out something deeper about myself, but the freedom to choose our own prompt has allowed me to create a piece of writing that I see myself exploring deeper after this course. Considering this is my last semester, I am so happy I am able to take a class that leaves me with a personal piece of writing that I have put tons of work into.

Best,

Salsa Verde

Spring 2023

Dear, You. Yes, You.

Wait… what do you mean, “we have to make our own rubrics?” What do you mean, “we can use any source of knowledge?” What about Google Scholar and peer-edited published essays with vocabulary that forces me to spend more time reading a dictionary than the actual essay?

That was me in January.

It took me a few months to understand, as well. Carlos’ class isn’t a place of structure, guidelines, or rules, or any of that stuff. It’s about You. It’s about the things that matter to You. What this really means is that you can approach the material however you like, but the more you focus your intention on things that you care about, the more satisfied you’ll be with your writing. This class can be an easy A if you treat it that way, but if you take the time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, ideas—and throw it all on the page—you’ll leave the class with a whole lot more than just a grade.

So, be your best. Be You.

-LowForward

Greetings, all!

You’re stepping into a realm of unadulterated freedom in creativity: you can write What you want, When you want, How you want. Forget what you expect in a WRIT340 class; this is not that. This is Carlos Delgado’s world of both individuality and community - two opposites. Ironic, right? Yet, by the end of the semester, you’ll understand exactly what it means.

Don’t be afraid to go all out. Take your portfolio in whichever direction you want and push past the boundaries you impose on yourself – because you can be damn sure that Carlos isn’t going to put any restrictions on you. It’s all in your head. Write what your heart wants to. Make the rules for yourself, make the rubric, make the prompts, do it all. And at the end, you’ll find a product that is a pure embodiment of yourself and everything that you want to say to the world. That’s you, right there, in your work. Hell, I took a fantasy series, Greek philosophy, a small bookstore, and the fear of perceptions and somehow combined it all into a book. What does that even look like?

I know what it looks like. It looks like Me. 

Embrace change, embrace freedom. And write.

Godspeed,

Bondsmith

Hello Fall 2023, 

Wow, to be very honest with you I took this class on a whim. I needed a WRIT 340 course, but little did I know I would end up with an awesome table and a dope professor. When looking at Carlos Delgado's Rate My Professor you will be left feeling confused and scared, but I want you to know that if you are looking for a simple yet supportive writing class, you found the perfect one. 

I'll admit this class does not take the most traditional approach. Some days we came in and talked about SZA other days we spent the first few minutes of class watching the World Cup, every day was something new! He shared personal anecdotes about his family, told us about his time in college, and has let us in on his hobbies and talents. If this is something that may scare you RUN, I am just kidding. I promise you that although this course may not have the most structure and pressure it has been one of my favorites during my time at USC. I had the opportunity to relax and speak about stressors that other classes brought to me during the semester. He is extremely helpful and supportive and I would not change classes whatsoever. Every time I enter his classroom I learn something random and new about him. My favorite story he told us was about his tap dancing journey (ask him about it). The books that he recommends have been some of my favorites and just in general he has so much to offer in regards to life. As I am writing this Professor Carlos put on Cisco Hold Music to comfort our writing. I am going to miss this class, but I am happy to know that he will continue to keep this energy into the new year. 

Much love, 

Miss Tuesday 

To Fall 2023: 

if you are reading this, welcome to carlos’ writ340 class for arts and humanities! you might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of text on this website // course syllabus // etc. clearly, this class takes a very “untraditional” approach to structure, teaching, and as you’ll soon find out, writing. 

if i could sum up this course in a few words, it would be: find comfort in discomfort. this class is as uncomfortable as you will let it — with no strict deadlines, penalties, or rules, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the freedom and ambiguity (which i can probably guess you haven’t had a lot of in your academic career). i can imagine you will follow one of two trajectories: (i) take advantage of the freedom of this course and eventually find yourself overwhelmed at the end of the semester, or (ii) a little uncomfortable the entire semester, in terms of your writing and the deadlines you set for yourself (like a mosquito bite — it’s a little itchy for a long time but you eventually get used to it). 

this class teaches you self discipline. you can write however you want, when you want — you decide. you make the rules. for this reason, you will likely face an uncomfortable/unfamiliar process of finding your voice, how to translate that little voice in your head on paper in a way that you don’t totally cringe when you read. 

so, if you’re a senior, enjoy the senioritis. if you’re just done with school, enjoy that too. im not saying that taking this class is mutually exclusive with your life enjoyment. you will learn to enjoy what you write, and weave it into your daily living. carlos is an awesome resource, professor, and person - a huge gem, very difficult to find even in an institution like USC - so don’t hesitate to reach out to him. and don’t forget to get to know - or in USC fashion, network - with your classmates. 

so: trust yourself, be honest, and be open. most importantly, find comfort in discomfort — it will be rewarding. 

best,

anxiousBUTnotserious

P.S.: I don't like to hand out unsolicited advice, but don't do what we did -- establish roles if you can early on and PARTICIPATE. we spent way too long being too timid/passive in speaking up to determine what we wanted from the class. that is my biggest regret leaving this class -- i wish i spoke up much, much earlier. you all may be shy/outspoken/whatever but PLEASE just speak up! don't be embarrassed! obviously much easier said than done, but the class will be much, much better that way... 

Dear Upcoming Class,

I am so excited to have you experience the same joy that we have experienced. Of course, joy may be a stretch (as joy is rarely a word used for school), but you will at least experience a relaxedness and freedom that is refreshing and rejuvenating. And what you choose to do with that experience will determine your relationship with the course and the class at large. You are at an institution of hard workers (USC), and–should you live up to that–your pursuits in this class will be life-changing (perhaps not only for your own life but for others as well).

Now, this class is not your typical class…you should be warned of that ahead of time. It is neither USC’s nor Delagdo’s class, it is yours. And, likewise, the success, the failure, the dreams, the nightmares, the happiness, the sadness, the reality is yours. “Yours” collectively as a class. “Yours” individually as a student. All of this mirrors life and its own lessons. You will leave this class with a renewed understanding of your life as yours. 

Of course, I could go on and give you more details and make this description longer, but you’ll find that all out soon enough (plus, why spoil the surprise?). And let this small piece of text be the first lesson: become comfortable when clarity is lacking and learn to thrive in nebulousness of freedom.

Best of luck,

jaylee

Dear future generation of kids learning under the almighty Delgado,

Be prepared for the freest class you will ever have at USC. It might be a little scary at first, not knowing what is expected of you, not knowing what to write about. That is the beauty of it. Know that whatever you come up with will be met with the overwhelming support of Carlos and your classmates, as everyone else is in the same boat as you. Even if you don’t have anything in mind, Carlos will be there for you at all times. Whether you want to run something by him, update him on your progress, or just talk to him, he is open to everything, so feel free to speak your mind. This class has taught me to embrace ambiguity instead of fearing it. You set your own rules. You will be given one singular task - Explore: explore what you are interested in, explore how you want to write, explore other students' writing styles, explore what you want from this class, with no boundaries. Be who you want to be in this class, don’t be afraid, and last but not least, create. Writing will just be a medium through which you will create. You've got this.

Stay Frost,

Bob

Dear Future Generation of kids under the almighty Carlos,

Be prepared to think about some big questions you will have to ask yourself. With very free instructions to write your project, it may be scary, especially depending your major. You may have to wonder about not only questions of your paper, but who you are, and what matters to you. There is a lot to gain from this class if you let it. Flow through the process of the class and take time out of your day to wonder about some of these questions. It will definitely surprise you.

Think about this class not as assignments, but a survey of who you are. I was genuinely surprised by the self identity I was able to find in my life, to confront myself of the topics and issues that matter to me, questions I have not been able to ponder about because of the busier times we face in school. Go for it, take risks in this class, don't be afraid to fail. Carlos will be here to help you with your project. Have fun.

Stay Frosty,

Bobby

Dear Fall 2023:

I could tell you about the schedule of the class, the workshops, attendance, Carlos, or other relevant information, but I think others have captured that, so I will instead leave you with this. 

Writing in college, in life, in school, can be such a chore, but this class allowed me to reconnect with my creative self, and has allowed me to find joy in expressing my feelings through words. Rather than being caught up in deadlines and monotony, you have the chance to simply create, express, and write, in whatever way you choose.

Whether you hate writing, or you love writing, this class is your chance to fall in love with what you create. You have the freedom to write about whatever you want, and in any form you want, so you might as well write about something you care about, and create something you are proud of.

My portfolio taught me about myself, about my feelings, and helped me process situations in a way that I didn't know was possible. I am proud of my work, and in how I have grown as a writer. My hope is just the same for you.

Xx,

Rainbow

Dear Fall 2023:

You got lucky; you’re free. You will read, I’m sure — or maybe you already have — that this class is not a typical one: deadlines are loose, prompts are personal, content is malleable. But there is a price to freedom.

The interesting thing about the punitive nature of academia (you know the drill: turn in an assignment late, get a bad grade, submit to shame and existential dread, repeat ad nauseam) is that it erodes our understanding of deadlines: we spend so much time implicitly resisting them (and our teachers) that we find it more and more difficult to dissociate them from a persistent figure of authority. That’s not how this class works.

Ultimately, your motivation in this class is not fear of punishment, but personal accountability. The most important thing to remember: you will have to turn your assignments in at the end. The good news is this: everything we do in class throughout the semester has been designed for the purpose of preparing you to do that. Participate — not to avoid punishment, but to help yourself. You really do get out what you put in. Write about things that matter to you, think deeply and reflectively, read your classmates’ work and be inspired by it. This class has the potential to be really, uniquely meaningful if you allow it to be. Enjoy it!

Good luck!

updown

To the fall class of 2023,

I urge you to take any animosity that you have from WRIT 150 and throw it out the window. This class is nothing like that. For the better, of course. This class will encourage you to be yourself and write what you are passionate about, without the hindrance of strict instructions. Yes, the loose structure might seem scary; it certainly was to me. But, that is the basis of this class, to give you creative liberty and autonomy as a writer. So take it! Because you might just discover some cool things about yourself and your peers. You will learn some cool things from Carlos. He is there to help you, not judge you. Lost on where to go, what direction to take with your writing? Carlos is there to be your mind jogger, and guide you to where you've been trying to go. So don’t fret, this class is worth the ride. 

You got this,

Cool Beans

Not sure who is reading this but, hello! Welcome!

Other classes talked about embracing the freedom and the ambiguity of the structure this class has. My class has tried, but yikes, we went through a 4 season saga:

Season 1: We were confused 

Season 2: Decision making was indecisive

Season 3: Nobody was held accountable

Season 4: Scrambling to finish

So through this lense of cutting through the ambiguity, here is advice from me:

1. Be friends with the people at your table (everyone is dope), it helps you feel more supported in this class. You enjoy coming to class too.

2. Say “hi” to Carlos when you walk in and laugh at his jokes, feel free to talk to him after class. He indefinitely supports you but it makes you feel more supported by him and more personable to talk to when you interact with him.

3. Always summarize what action items you need to do at the end of class. Or at the very least, know what you need to do before next class.

4. If you put in the work in the beginning, it sets you up so you don’t need to scramble during finals week. It’s about time management! You’re an adult, you can do it!

Genuinely, it wasn’t that bad, but want you to avoid our pain. In addition to other ancestors, I want you to drive a smooth wide road. I believe in you and sending you infinite amounts of positive reinforcement.

KOOPA

To Fall 2023:

Hello!!!! Fall 2023 cohort. I hope you all are excited to be here. Many (if not all) of you are here because it is a requirement to graduate but this class will be more than that. It will change the way you see what writing is. But first — Be ready to feel uncomfortable. Be ready to not know what to do or even how to start doing what you need to do but you will be fine in the end. Start thinking about the writing pieces early — I saw that as the most time consuming part of the work. Reach out to Carlos even if you just want to flush out your ideas and reach out to your classmates (who will become your friends). It’s a great class, very unorthodox, but it’s one that will make you learn about yourself and the world around you. 

Your friend,

appleciders

Dear Fall 2023: 

Welcome to Carlos' WRIT 340 class! You're in for one hell of a ride. This is no ordinary class you signed up for. You'll have infinite freedom to write about whatever you want. All the rules can be broken and you will be directing your own work. You'll have full authority over the curriculum as you will be the one crafting your own learning experience. Forget about traditional writing classes where you have to produce work that follows a set of guidelines and answers a restrictive essay prompt that doesn't require much self-thought or questioning. There are no strict deadlines and you'll turn in your portfolio at the end of the semester. All in-class assignments are purposefully designed to prepare you, help you, and push you as a writer so show up! As Carlos states, class is available to you. You will learn from Carlos and your fellow classmates so I do urge you to come to class. It truly helps. 

You will be uncomfortable with the lack of structure but I promise it gets better as the semester progresses. You will be scared; you will be lost; you will be confused. Challenge yourself. Make bold decisions. Reflect on life. Think about your experiences and most importantly, be free. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable. 

My best to you, 

FrostedCupcake

Dear Fall 2023:

Welcome to the best WRIT 340 class on campus!! I'll keep this short and simple. Carlos is an amazing person. He's full of positivity and knowledge that easily rubs off on you! There are no rules in this class which makes the experience unique. I would like to warn all of the procrastinators to be careful since the semester will fly by and everything will be due in a blink of an eye. My advice to you is to enjoy as much as you can. Get to know Carlos and try your best to participate in class. That way, you will have a lot to gain from this class. Most importantly, have fun in this class. Well, you will definitely have lots of fun in this class! ENJOY!!

Warm regards,

Bop

Dear Fall 2023,

This class is nothing like your previous writing classes. It's challenging, but not in the way you are expecting. This class challenges you to think outside of the box. There are no restrictions. There are no requirements. All you have to bring to the table is your voice, your perspective, and your vision. My biggest advice to you is to take this as an opportunity to write about what you are passionate about, and write it whole-heartedly... and most importantly, have fun! Think of it as some fun self-expression!

Wishing you all the best,

777

Dear Fall 2023,

If you’re taking this class, you most likely have gotten through at least a year or two of your college experience so far. For the classes you have taken, you have most likely crammed to learn information you don’t care about for tests you don’t want to take, left essays until the last minute, and generally felt, even if just at times, that you are just going through the motions to get your degree. This class is different. This class is about producing something that you actually want to create. When you’re done, you will be proud of your work. When you’re done, you’ll be disappointed that the course only lasts a semester. 

My biggest advice to you is that this class is what you make of it. If you need a day off and cannot bear to walk all the way to campus, no one will blame you. But, if you show up every day and you bring your ideas and your advice and your laughter, you will be doing yourself a favor. Find something you are passionate about and bring it to life through your writing. I know, you might hate writing, but trust me, you won’t in this context.

This class is what college is all about: learning how to learn, learning how to share your ideas, and learning what you love.     

I wish you luck.

Earl

Dear Fall 2023:

This course was 15 weeks long, and this is how it played out. I hope you recognize the mistakes and progress I made as an individual and understand this in the context of the problems and solutions we tackled as a class. 

In week…

1. We were introduced to the unorthodox nature of the class. We were told that, as a class body, we have an immense amount of freedom with regard to how this course plays out; unfortunately, we didn’t fully grasp what this meant at this point in the semester (nor do I believe we ever did, at least as a class). 

2. Whether it was collective timidity or acute politeness, our class did not take the opportunity to dictate class time. The room was practically always silent despite constant encouragement from Carlos to discuss with each other about how we should best spend the hour and how we should plan our semester. Instead, per Carlos’s recommendation and a semi-collective head nod, we decided to write parts of our A1; we practiced specific writing skills through these small writing assignments. I recall that several of my peer’s works were either written in the 5 minutes at the start of class or immediately before class time. I remember feeling discouraged by this, for I had spent hours on mine in the preceding days. It did not help that the comments I received seemed unserious. I felt resentment, and this framed my class experience in a negative light.

3. We did not meet as a class, and instead we met with Carlos independently. We talked about what topics we were considering for our A2 and A3. You are not expected to have a complete idea at this time, and I certainly did not. It will help, though, if you focus on identifying your problem. Really get concrete with what makes something a problem; get specific with the time, space, and people where the problem lurks.

4. At this point in the semester, a few voices had distinguished themselves, and this became more important as Carlos slowly stopped holding our hands with respect to how class time was spent. Occasionally, some students would offer proposals for what to do, and they would be taken up. Most of the time, however, we would be let out early because no one would have anything to say. 

5. We met with small groups for 40 minute sessions and discussed each other's A2 ideas. I didn’t profit much from discussion, and I wasn’t unable to give much feedback to my peers, for none of our ideas were that adequately developed. 

6. By now, I became genuinely agitated with the widespread apathy or rather deliberate abuse of freedom that the class offered. What started out as justified silence had now become silence due to working on other class assignments, texting, and online shopping… 

7. Of course, I asked myself, “Am I an annoying stickler? Am I being overly pessimistic? Doesn’t it make sense that students won’t be invested given that this is a required non-major course? And who am I to judge them for doing so?” I somewhat sympathize with these views, but on the other hand, I genuinely love writing, and I’ve never been given an opportunity like this to personally craft my education. I wanted to benefit from this experience, and it confused me why others didn’t. Most importantly, I felt that designing a rewarding writing experience for myself was impossible given that all decisions had to be decided by a class which was largely uninterested. 

8. We had our A2 Workshop, and we critiqued each other’s papers. It took a while to get things started because there was miscommunication about who was editing whose papers. Half of the class was editing their own group’s papers, whereas the other half was editing the neighboring group’s papers. We eventually decided it would be best to read the neighboring group’s papers because this meant our papers would be screened by fresh eyes. 

9. We were all preparing for spring break, and class was canceled one of the days. 

10. I did not attend because I had a personal affair to attend to.

11. We had our A3 workshop this week, and I did not attend because I hadn’t written anything. I should have attended despite being empty-handed, and it would have been helpful to attend even if I only had an outline. Moreover, my lack of attendance meant  that my classmates now had one less person to review their papers which is unfair to them. I regret this choice I made and urge that you do not do the same.

12. We met with Carlos to discuss our progress on our A2 and A3, but again I did not attend. I had other work that I felt was more pressing, and I had not made progress on my A2 and A3 either. Even though it was made extremely obvious to me that this course is designed to reject the typical punitive system applied in most courses, I felt a mix of shame and guilt for not doing my work, and I couldn’t get myself to go. 

13. Things were snowballing, and I continued to not attend; I justified my lack of attendance with the negative feelings I inherited at the beginning of the semester. 

14. I returned to class, and my table expressed concern about why I was gone and interest that I was back. Carlos asked the class what we would like to do, and one prominent voice decided that we should work on the ancestor syllabus and our course descriptions. We constructed the ancestor syllabus by simultaneously filling out the google site, and we divided the page into sections for small groups to edit. I think this week was the closest we ever got to fully embracing the spirit of this course. Needless to say, things could have been much better. It still felt like only one or two people were making suggestions, and those suggestions were being executed because no one else really cared enough to speak up. Nevertheless, I truly want to emphasize that the class interactions and decisions felt organic, and it saddens me that I did not attend the weeks before to witness what small changes were made that led to this.

15. We wrapped up the course and said our goodbyes. 

One of the things I plan to take away from this course is the concept of “real knowledge”. I imagine Carlos will explain this to you, and if he hasn’t, then I encourage you to ask him what it is. Anyway, I hope that this rather frank, somewhat cold, choppy, but schematic review of the class constitutes “real knowledge”. I hope that you can learn from it. 

-Aqua

Hey Fall 2023! 

You have no idea what this class will be like. It is an exciting, free course where you will feel inpsired like no other. The environment you're in feels homey, so try and take advantage of that. Feel free to participate in class when no one else does. I know it's hard to make that first step, but it will allow you guys to grow as a class. You are about to create something of your own. You will bring something so special for yourself that you will realize at the end of the semester. Please take care of yourself and always enjoy life. You got this! 

Best, 

Thinker 

Open & read when you feel...

To the WRIT 340 Spring 2023 students,

To begin, you’ve probably heard the phrase “think outside the box”. Let us take this opportunity while we have your attention, to tell you to throw the whole box away. 

You’ve all signed up for a writing class. Rest assured, you will write as part of this course. But a traditional 8-10 page research paper, with a pristine, MLA style bibliography will not be the product.

This course, ultimately, is meant to grow you as a writer, not an instrument of writing. This is your chance to find your own literary voice, to be an advocate for causes you care about personally, and for you to produce a literary writingness (to borrow a word from the professor) that only you have to be proud of. The constraints of other people’s expectations, whether they resemble shackles or weighted blankets, are completely removed. 

For that reason, the assignments are fluid in nature: difficult to describe, and even harder to conceptualize. Our cohort struggled with understanding. We found it nigh impossible to puzzle out what our assignments were “supposed” to resemble, and in our single minded focus on deadlines and length requirements and what-sources-were-acceptable, we often failed to appreciate the monumental shift happening before our very eyes: we were descendants, products of the students and researchers and academics and communities that came before us, becoming ancestors, producing work that will shape the next generation of students and researchers and academics and communities.

So, with our own journey– fraught with obstacles and growth and coming togetherness– at the forefront of our minds, here is the wisdom we have to impart.

Get to know your classmates & Ancestors. This class is confusing. The guidelines are vague– intentionally so, and the professor will not impose a strict definition of what he is looking for no matter how hard you press him (trust us, we tried). 

Your contemporary peers will be your support system, reminding you when paper conferences are, offering a different interpretation of some obnoxiously vague prompt (and we’re sorry,not sorry for that), or simply lending a sympathetic ear as you rant. Bond early, and put yourselves out there. 

Your ancestor peers, the ones who took this class in semesters past, will offer insight as well. Look to them– more specifically, their portfolios– for inspiration. To see what this course can be in its most ideal form. And simply to enjoy some truly exceptional pieces of writing.

Communicate with the professor. He knows things. Come to paper conferences with questions about your rhetoric, your Problem, or anything under the sun. His kindness and his intellect will help you become a better version of yourself, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Get Uncomfortable. Not physically. This course removes all traditional expectations of the writing process and the writing product. Be brave. Do something really out there. Explore a topic you’re passionate about. Write in a voice you’ve never had the chance to use in your other classes. Find out who you are as a writer, as a person, as a member of the community, and know that the journey, though daunting, is so worthwhile. We promise you won’t get in trouble for it.

Most importantly, Act in Good Faith. It is easy to abuse the structure of this class and the professor’s incredibly kind nature. Without penalties, or hard deadlines, you can very easily receive a good grade using minimal effort. But that’s the beauty of it. With the pressure of performing for a grade removed, this is your opportunity to create for the sake of it. Do the work because it’s interesting to you, not because you have to. 

Be honest, be earnest, and give yourself the chance to become an ancestor you’d be proud of. 

We look forward to your growth, sans box.

With love,

Fall 2022 Cohort

This course is a build-your-own creative writing class. You are given too much freedom to know what to do with, but outside the structural confines of due dates and an irrefutable, all-knowing syllabus, you will be forced to discover new ways of creating problems. New ways of answering questions. 

You will, at times, feel frustrated. Feel clueless. Feel behind. This is all part of the journey. If you attend class, listen to the opinions and discussions of your peers, you will have no trouble understanding how structure is created when there is none. However, the heavy work of this class goes beyond the confines of a classroom. Choosing a topic will be the most essential part of liking or disliking this course. Pick something you are passionate about, even if you are unsure why or where this comes from. You will find your mind wandering back to this place of passion, exploring the different components that make it so riveting. You will spend your spare moments thinking over this projects, creating lines and points of interest in the margins of your notebook. You will find yourself falling in love with the process of creating problems, rather than the achievement of answering them. 

You will feel uncomfortable, as it is only natural when thrust into the throws of boundless space. Even having taken creative writing courses, there were times I felt uncomfortable with my place in this class, feeling inadequate or short of ideas. Trust the process, trust your passions. Pursue a topic of genuine interest, not just something you think will make you sound smart. If you do this, you will find yourself filling your own schedule with ideas rather than assignments.

—Fall 2022

To the Spring 2023 WRIT 340 Students,

When you first enter the classroom for WRIT 340 on the first day of the semester, you will probably notice a few things very quickly. First, you will probably wonder why there are so many few students in such a small room that resembles something out of an early 2000s movie on what college looks like. Then you will meet Professor Delgado who, through his excitement, funny dad-jokes, and genuine passion for the course, will immediately put your mind at ease and remind you that college classes are supposed to be fun! Finally, you will realize the most important thing that will define the rest of your semester in WRIT 340: this course taught by this particular professor is unlike anything you will ever come across in your time at USC.

The defining characteristic of this course is the total freedom you have in whatever you do. You don’t like deadlines and want to turn things in when you feel you are ready? No problem, you can go the whole semester without turning anything in until you are comfortable with your work. You don’t like restrictive essay prompts that make you feel like you need to fit inside a perfect small box that the university places onto you? Great, in this class you can write about anything that makes you happy. Because that’s what writing was always meant to be, right? Writing was always supposed to be defined by freedom because, otherwise, no one would have ever started picking up the first writing instruments to write down what was important to them. If this course makes you feel nervous, scared, or uneasy, just remember that you are free. And that is what we all yearn for at the end of the day, especially in our college years. So, embrace the freedom, and become the best writer you can possibly be.

Best of luck,

Quis ut Deus, Fall 2022

Dear Spring 2023,

Chuck everything you have learned from your previous writing classes out the window. This writing course is unique, confusing, exciting, meaningful and daunting. Unique because it will expose you to “writing” tasks you’ve never encountered before. Confusing because the “instructions” for each assignment are ambiguous. Exciting because you have the “freedom” to explore whatever ideas you want. Meaningful because you will learn the “significance” of the writing process. Daunting because you hold the reins, and have to learn to “steer” yourself. 

This course provided you with the platform to legitimately develop your writing, without having to worry much about the quality of what you create. The professor emphasises the journey and what you learn along the way. If the result ends up being sublime, that’s just the cherry on top. So have fun with this class, have fun with the learning experience, but remember it is up to you to take away something worthwhile.

All the best,

Jet Jungle, Fall 2022

Dear Spring 2023 Students,

The first thing you’ll notice about this class is that Carlos likes to sit on top of his desk, rather than in his chair. The second thing you’ll notice is the absurd amount of freedom you’re given. You probably won’t know what to do with all this freedom - our class definitely didn’t. My advice to you is to welcome the opportunity you are given through this course. It’s definitely a little freaky - you have complete agency over deadlines, topics, sources, formatting, you name it. But in this freedom, you’ll find you will be able to write in a way that genuinely makes you proud. My advice to you all: don't let it scare you. When Carlos first told us we'd be writing our own syllabus, I don't think anyone really knew how to go about it. Recognize that this flexibility is designed so that you can get the most out of this course. So as you welcome the opportunities this class brings, really consider creating a course that makes you feel fulfilled as a writer. You’re going to love it!

Warmly,

Salamander, Spring 2022

Dear Spring 2023,

This class will be completely different from any writing class you’ve ever taken. You all will decide what you want this course to be.  Rather than having strict guidelines and deadlines established for you, you’ll create these guidelines for yourselves. This will most likely intimidate you, especially if you’ve never taken a class structured this way (I’m not sure others exist). My advice to you all would be to enjoy it. Enjoy the chance to have full autonomy and freedom over your experience in this class. This freedom allows you to work at your own pace and focus on your writing process. Use this time to be more creative and get out of your comfort zone. Be open! Be brave! Be authentic!

Best,

Daydreamer

Fall 2022

Dear Spring 2023, 

Rules are meant to be broken. But what if there aren’t rules? What if I can just say whatever I want, and make up words and phrases that no one could understand but you? Farnickle? Perniculous? Schoristifile?

You’ll come to realize that infinite freedom is more infinite than you think. When you have the world of words at your disposal, each sentence is a dilemma. Choose your sentences, and stick by them. Each word carries more weight because it’s yours, and yours only. The only grade that matters is the grade you give yourself. So long as your words are authentically you, you’ve won.

Best of luck, 

Ramen

I had always heard that once I got to college, I would take classes that utterly changed my perspective on how to write, study, and even think. This course took this sentiment above and beyond. This was truly one of the most unique and rewarding classes I have ever taken, and it completely transformed my writing style. You have the power. Every decision is all in your hands- the problem you choose to explore, and how you wish to go about that in your writing. Be as authentic as you can, and if you are successful, it will shine in everything you create. 

There is not a right or wrong way to write. This course allows you to explore that; and while it might be daunting to have the entire world at your fingertips to explore, that freedom is how you express yourself. A lack of academic criteria poses a challenge at first, but once you understand how that uncomfortableness is okay, you will begin to find your voice. Everything you have ever learned about writing is questioned in this setting, and for good reason. I implore you to dig within the deepest parts of yourself to create your story. Once you realize your voice is your most powerful tool- you will thrive in this class. Don't be afraid to ask questions, because conversation only strengthens writing. There are quite literally no rules. Unheard of, right? I promise, it is a journey. This course, with all of its uniqueness, is an opportunity for you to grow not only as a writer, but as an intellectual thinker gearing up to face the world post-graduation. Enjoy every moment of it. 

Warmly, 

Lord Barbados 

Dear Spring 2023 WRIT 340 Students,

On the first day of class you will not understand what is going on. You will be confused. You will be asking yourself what it all means. To be completely truthful, I still do not understand big parts of this course, but that is ok. 

What is clear about this course however (and what you should understand) is that there are no boundaries. You write how you want to write. You express yourself how you wish to express yourself. You are not limited by the rigid guidelines you might face in other classes. Chances are you have never taken a writing course like this and you probably never will again so take the opportunity to write whatever you want to write. 

Don’t be afraid to take risks on your portfolio. That is the whole purpose of it. If you take what the course gives you at heart you WILL improve as a writer. Don’t let grades be your motivation. Let the writing come first and the grades will follow. 

The semester is going to fly by. You may not notice the changes in your writing at first. However, I will promise you this: If you come to class and make an effort to try to learn as much as possible, by the end of the semester you will be able to reflect on your first writing assignment and your last writing assignment and notice a tangible difference in your performance.

Warm Regards,

Buddy

Fall 2022

Dear Student of Spring 2023:

Welcome to WRIT 340! Today is most likely your first class at WRIT 340 because this is what I do, listening to stories from our ancestors. Let me tell you my story: “Before beginning this course, my expectation for WRIT 340 was to write four to five 2000-word papers. My expectations shifted shortly after the first day of the course. Yes, students must write papers, but there is no set deadline as long as you complete them before the end of the semester. Professor Delgado will allow you to create your own learning journey to explore a topic of interest to you. You have complete authority over disciplining yourself to maintain your progress.

So, choose a topic that interests you early on and divide your research into little chunks throughout the semester, such as reading an article or listening to the news. Use the paper conferences to your advantage as well. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek feedback. By the end of the semester, you will be an authentic writer who presents another story for those who come after us”.

Best,

MagicAlivi

Fall 2022 

Greetings Spring 2023 Students,

One word to describe this class is “Freedom”. You have complete freedom on how you get through this class. This class is how you want it to be. There are no restrictions and no limits which means you can write however you want. This class really encourages you to explore deep within yourself, it all really depends on you. Take this chance to grow, make mistakes, learn, and reflect. BE EXPRESSIVE!

There are 4 major assignments that will make up into one big portfolio, if possible start early. There are no deadlines, so try to keep track. Time can fly by so fast, before you know it it's the end of the semester. 

Most importantly, have fun when writing, don’t stress too much about it.

Cheers,

Sleepaholic >o<Zzz...

To the Spring 2023 WRIT 340 students,

This course is truly like no other writing class you’ve taken. You will likely be expecting detailed rubrics, assignment prompts, and harsh grading. Forget all of it – push aside your preconceived notions. The best piece of advice I can provide is to be open; I genuinely loved this class so get excited!

This is the first time the course is defined by YOU. Truthfully, this terrified me and I dreaded it at the beginning. (The safety in my initial writing responses is obvious.) But now, I realize that this is one of the best courses I’ve taken with respect to critical thinking and individuality. Autonomy is a huge aspect of Professor Delgado’s class and while it will feel extremely intimidating, it will be one of the best things to happen to you at USC. You will be challenged. You will be forced to think critically. You will embark on a personal journey where you work to identify a problem and analyze such in a way you have yet to. 

Please – and seriously please – don’t be afraid to creatively write. Breaking barriers and pushing boundaries are essential for growth. Rules are meant to be broken. Use this class as a way to implement various mediums and bring color to your writing in ways other classes always prevented. 

American Art Director, George Lois, once said “You can be cautious or you can be creative, but there's no such thing as a cautious creative.” Read that quote again and let it sit. 

Then, follow Lois’ advice. 

Lighthouse

Fall 2022

To future WRIT 340 students,

Imagine a free writing exercise, but then expand that into an entire semester. There are no rules. No limitations. Your paragraphs don’t have to be linear. Your sentences don’t have to fit any sort of format. No more 5-7 pages, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced. You are the driver, you have full creative freedom. And it’s pretty exciting. 

Use this freedom to your advantage. Think outside the box. It’s easy to sit back in this class and observe. Since there aren’t hard deadlines or a tight structure, the freedom can be overwhelming, and even paralyzing at times. But don’t let yourself sit back. Speak up, ask questions, have conversations – this class is really all that you make of it. And if you really just dive in, you are going to get a lot out of it. 

Don’t be afraid to ask Carlos questions and have him help you expand your ideas; that’s what he’s there for. Don’t worry what you’re writing is wrong, that your ideas aren’t good enough, or that you’re too far beyond standard academic limits. That’s what this class is for – push past those limits you have been confined by throughout your academic career. This class really lets you take it any way you want – and nothing that you’re doing is wrong. 

This class can be so collaborative if you let it. Ask your classmates for advice on your writing. Bounce ideas off of each other. Use the writing freedom to explore ideas you’re passionate about. Or maybe even something you want to learn more about. Again, there are no limitations. Nothing is right or wrong.

Allow this class to push you out of your comfort zone. As students, we are so conditioned to follow a rubric and conform to standards put on us by MLA or APA format, chasing a grade instead of really deeply exploring ideas. Let this class break the mold. It certainly isn’t always comfortable, but it will help you grow – as a writer, as a student, and as a human overall. Enjoy it, it goes by faster than you think.

– BarefootInTheCity, Fall 2022 

I began this course with excitement and dread—excitement for writing and dread for academic writing. Because I’ve always found creative writing exciting, but I’ve never been one for citations and statistics. For one inch margins and Times New Roman and the quote then the parenthesis then the citation then the parenthesis and only then the period. And that’s what these writing courses are about, right? Only this one isn’t. You can use whatever format, whatever font. You can go this entire course without writing a single period. There’s room for creativity, for breaking rules, for expressing yourself in a myriad of ways, and for never using a pretentious word like “myriad” just to make you sound smarter than you probably are. Because this course is about expressing yourself through the written word, not confining yourself to a strict and narrow-minded format that allows little room for true expression.

Oh, and this lack of structure and confinement in writing applies to the whole course too. There aren’t strict deadlines, guidelines, requirements throughout the semester. It’s up to you to set goals, participate, and finish work. So if you procrastinate, you’ll end up with a shitload of work at the end. And that shitload of work will probably turn out pretty shitty, no offense. 

And though rules can be broken in this course, USC’s grading policy definitely doesn’t share the same philosophy—your final grade will reflect your shitty work.

So take this course as an opportunity to push yourself creatively, express yourself in new ways, and have fun, all while learning, actively engaging, and working hard. Cause that shit’s important too.

--FranticallyFallingForward, Fall 2022

Dear WRIT 340-ers,

This is not a writing class.

WRIT 340 with Professor  Delgado will ask you to write, but that is not what he teaches. Throughout the semester, you will be asked to find your voice, to know thyself, to explore complicated issues, and many more exciting tasks. It is equally as challenging as the entirety of your undergrad experience and as simple as just saying "yes." This journey -- yes it is, in fact, a journey -- is exactly what you allow it to be. Therefore, allow yourself to love it and it to love you.

What I found was that structure benefits me, yet I still found ways to grow. I challenged myself to appreciate the secret requirement of this class – accountability. Trust me in knowing that it is possible. I should know, I’m easily the worst at it. It will be awkward, like your first day of middle school. But, much like middle school, you will be surrounded by wonderful people, just like you. Take a chance. Say “hello.” Get to know their favorite book&movie&ice cream flavor.

Lastly, do not take our advice lightly. You are paying $70,000 for it, after all. Embrace your writing for what it is, not what some institution expects it to be. Don’t procrastinate. Learn to love the freedom and lack of structure. Throw away what you think you know about academic writing. Use lots of ampersands.

Use these descriptions as a guideline, a how-to per se. You’ll find that we’re not so different.

I wish you nothing but the best because that’s exactly what it can be.

Kindly, with admiration,

~ Splat, Fall 2022

Just Do It. Gotta give it to Nike for their slogan that pretty much works for anything but I would make this slogan my mantra for this class. There are so much freedom and flexibility in this class, you may overestimate the time you have in dwelling on the creative form and content of your assignments. There is only one hard deadline and that is for the final portfolio. So whatever topic, style, or ideas you have in mind for this class, Just Do It! To quote my screenwriting professor:

 “Write even if it’s garbage because you can edit garbage, but you cannot edit a blank page.”

                                                                                                      -Irving Belateche

Ok garbage is a bit harsh but I agree with the blank page, you get the point.

That’s it from me, write about whatever your heart desires (as long as Professor Delgado approves). 

Good luck & have fun!

Best,

Clueless Dragon

Fall 2022

you might be wondering, why am i reading a bunch of course descriptions written by students, isn’t there just supposed to be one written by our Professor? over time, you’ll realize that this is intentional. this is just one of many examples of how this class serves to level the playing field between our Professor and his students, making this so much more than just a writing class.

as you walk through the doors of Carlos’ class today, you’ll find that things are done differently here. as students, we are given the authority to define what it means to Exist, Learn, and Thrive in this class. this is a very non-traditional learning environment, so be prepared to find comfort in discomfort. to question traditional teaching styles and find beauty in Engaged Pedagogy. to challenge the definition of writing as you know it. to dive deeper into subject matter you’ve been passionate about all along, finding Solutions to Problems you never even knew existed.

trust the process. you might start off feeling confused, and stay like that for a while. but somewhere along the way, you’ll find your Voice. and then you’ll spend the rest of the semester developing your Voice: what vocabulary will your Voice have? what nuances will shape your Voice? how wide and deep does the register of your Voice extend to? i hope you enjoy this journey of Discovery as much as i have.

my best to you,

fall 2022

Hey Spring 2023,

What’s it like having to follow up the best group of students this class has ever seen? I wouldn’t know. 

As the self-proclaimed example of excellence here, we’ve been tasked to write you a course description in hopes of keeping this Weird and Exciting energy going.

You’ve heard the horror stories about this course and how it eats up your time. Well, you’ve won the lottery. This class flips such fear on its axis. Instead of choking down readings and assignment after assignment, it’s up to you how this thing will go. If you’re more scared after reading that last sentence, keep reading. If you checked out, have a great day.

Professor Delgado will let you find your voice. Take this class as a breath of fresh air to what your identity is, and how you express it. The four writing cycles serve as metamorphosis benchmarks in craft. Take advantage of his office hours and of the incredibly intelligent peers sitting around you. Celebrate the creativity you find amongst yourselves and offer sensitive but constructive criticism for each other’s work.

Lastly, dig deep for what ancestry means to you. I was floored by the unique approaches my classmates took to the prompts. Bend the rules and write towards what you want to learn more about. Sure, grandparents are great, but dear Suzie and Frank will understand if you skip em.

When there’s no strict boundaries to where you can explore, you’ll be surprised what you find out about yourself. Show up and seize the conversations you may not have direct answers in.

Onwards,

H3rmes

To the Fall 2022 WRIT 340 students,

You’re probably wondering what this class is about. Our answer may seem somewhat unclear: it is what you make of it. Consider this letter our attempt to explain exactly what this course is meant to do. 

What’s this course even about anyway? That’s a good question—but also difficult to answer straightforwardly. At the most basic level, this course will allow you to explore writing as an experience, rather than as a task or a chore. The goal is to move you away from the traditional, boring-5-paragraph-essay and learn to tap into your own voice, interests, experiences, values, questions, and struggles. As a disclaimer… this is going to feel very uncomfortable at first. Like ice-skating-for-the-first-time kind of uncomfortable or driving-for-the-first-time kind of uncomfortable. By Week 15, however, you’ll be using first-person narration, exploring your own identities, and breaking every unbreakable writing rule you’ve been taught during your academic career. 

So how do we get there?

One of the most important things you should understand early on is how necessary it is to meet the people in your class. Without having this community, you will be lost and discouraged from making an effort and trying new things (trust us, you don’t want to be there). Before you even start to think about your essays, you should at least make a group chat within the first week. Meet the people in your class so you feel comfortable in having thorough conversations and giving/receiving feedback. The strength of your writing will be influenced by how strong of the community you make in the course. Early on, our class had trouble building our sense of community because of COVID and Zoom. Please don’t make the same mistake we did. Try to make one friend so when you’re struggling to know what to do, you can ask them and try to figure it out together. You will be lost as you try to find your voice, but you are not alone. Rely on each other. Hold each other accountable. 

Once you have built that sense of community within the class, hopefully the process of exploring and brainstorming what topic to write about will be less daunting. Allow us to emphasize, this isn’t like any other class you may have taken before. Let yourself explore an idea that may not fit in an academic setting. Pursue that strange but unique curiosity that you always had about something. It could be an idea that's commonly talked about as long as it's one you want to explore further. Maybe try to answer a question that doesn’t really have a solidified answer. Write about where your mind wanders in the downtimes of the day, what you think about when there’s nothing to think about. Literally anything goes, as long as you have an interest in what you are writing about. Let your voice speak as your thoughts settle onto the page. Question the bounds of scientific journal writing or the sequential academic essay. Note the stylistic tools the professor offers through the readings, some of which include his own work. Make it personal.  It’s no longer freshman year’s WRIT150–this is an opportunity for you to scale your perspective back from trudging through the rigorous expectations of academia semester after semester. Reflect on the evolution of your identity as a student, writer, and being. This class is a space to breathe. 

Also get to know the professor, he will help you on your journey. We doubt he’ll ever deter you from any path you’re working towards, he’ll only help you get there with less of the worries and stresses that come with any class. Take advantage of the paper conferences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for feedback. This can be about the structure, your rough draft, or your final copy. Keep an open dialogue! 

Responsibility in this course starts with you, and ends with you. By the end of this course, you should have a better self-awareness of what you need in order to produce a conducive work environment. This class is the most flexible learning environment you will likely ever experience. Since there are no explicit rules, no concrete deadlines, no expectations beyond your own, you will be in control of managing your success in the class. Do you need hard deadlines to complete assignments? Make them. If you need to make them stick, make sure to let your classmates and professor know. Do you benefit from meeting with others to talk about your work semi-regularly? Attend office hours and participate in every workshop available. Do you need inspiration before beginning a project? Check out the example portfolios in Google Drive. We have done our best to structure this syllabus in a way that guides you through the semester. It should–hopefully–encourage you to not make the same forget-about-everything-until-the-semester-is-almost-over mistake some of us did, but at the end of the day, that is your decision. Take this opportunity to figure out what works best for you outside of a traditional, rigid learning environment.

Lastly, leave your legacy. We talk a lot about our past and our ancestors during the course but we recommend thinking of the next generation, what gifts would you like to leave behind? And yes, any contribution you make is a gift. You may have a totally different experience of this course than we did, so reflect and use those insights to tear down, reconstruct, and/or develop our assignments and ideas for the classes after you. As you develop as a writer, try to be engaged with your environment, your peers, and your readers. You will have the opportunity to change and develop the course. Capitalize on this chance! Be aware of your own shortcomings and your classmates to develop ways to make the class better. Together, you all will be able to create something special. This space is yours, make the most of it.

Warmly,

Jose Meza

Derek Porras

Charmaine Ng

Austin Domer

Yajayra Franco

Jessica Vazquez

Joe Jocas

Michael O’Neill

Danial Hashemi

Jackson Pope

Alya Kalra

Jerry Teng 

Karla Leung

Katherine Arabia

Matthew Clement 

Yagna Sreeramaneni

Jennifer Asinobi

AJ Moore

Ally Koh

Costco. This course is like shopping at Costco. 

For those who have never had the opportunity or pleasure to shop at Costco, let me fill you in on what I mean. Shopping at Costco is a treasure hunt. Products are moved around intentionally and frequently to keep customers walking around the store longer. The rationale is: The longer you're in there, the more things you'll pass by, and the more things you're likely to grab. Shopping routines or pre-planned routes are worthless here—thrown out the window—forcing shoppers to explore every corner, every nook and cranny, to locate the items they are searching for. 

This course will challenge you to find your items: a problem, person, or place with which you are deeply fascinated with or connected to, nuance surrounding that issue, whatever you want—no need to talk & write & pour your heart out about. Your routines or pre-conceived notions about what constitutes good writing are worthless here, so throw them out the window.

—Spring 2022

There are no strict rules on writing style or the content. It’s more important to focus on the quality of your writing and how you convey what you think about into the right expression and make the audience with emotional resonance and clear interpretation. You are here to fully explore your thoughts. Always remember to recognize your identity and always remember, there is no official answer for right or wrong, just always consider what your thoughts are.

The beauty of writing manifests when you show the world who you are. There is no need to conform to what others may think, want, or expect in this course. So, live up to our own personal needs, wants, and expectations. This class will not only unchain the shackles of restrictive academic criteria, but will help you grow as a writer and an artist of your own unique craft.

—Spring 2022

You will feel lost on day 01…and maybe week 01…and maybe month 01. Don’t worry, you will catch the drift of the class eventually, being in charge of your own education is an amazing way to grow. If you love structure, you might be a little uncomfortable throughout the semester, that’s okay. Throw anything you ever knew about writing a standard paper out of the window, this class offers you the freedom to write about whatever you want in whatever format you choose. THERE ARE NO RULES. Take this opportunity to write your genuine thoughts and feelings about a problem, yes, this class allows you to use the adverb “I,” crazy right? We were always told that in a formal paper you never use “I” or “We”.

To clear up some confusion you may have (as I did), you will have a total of four written assignments. The first one paves the way for the following three. Choose something you're passionate about bringing light to, even if it seems silly. Think 8am classes are ridiculous and need to be addressed? Write about it and then propose a solution in your third assignment. The beauty of this class is that you can choose to write about anything you want. 

Take advantage of the paper conferences to get resources from Professor Delgado. He has so many resources (I have no idea how he comes across all this information tbh—yes, in this class we CAN use tbh, told you, there are no rules). Be authentic in your writing and you will enjoy the process. Best of luck. ✌

—Spring 2022

The structure of this course provides you with the ultimate freedom to craft your own learning experience. Professor Delgado will provide you with many useful resources and examples to inspire you, but it is your responsibility to choose how to approach the final portfolio. The faster that you learn to embrace the lack of rules, the better your experience will be in this course.

You have been granted the Professor's trust to submit your best work, create something you can be proud of! This course is an opportunity for you to grow as a writer and will prepare you for the independence you will encounter post-graduation.

—Spring 2022

No lanes, no limits, and no rules - the more out of control you write, potentially the more authentic your final portfolio will be. This class will likely help you grow as an author more so than any other writing curriculum simply because, unlike anything else on earth, it lacks structure but has function. You call the shots, and you decide how somber, informative, or sporadic your writing will be. 

You’ll be free to produce a total of four assignments ranging from essays to pictures (if that’s what you decide to do) that identify and explain something that really fires you up inside. Just like the rest of the class, this can pertain to whatever strikes your fancy. The purpose of the assignments is not to test your writing ability, but your intellectual ability. Professor Delgado isn’t interested in how well your use of sources plays into your work, but rather how well you can articulate a passionate, thoughtful, and inspirational slew of writing to show the reader your thoughts aren’t worthless. 

The faster you accept these rules (or the lack thereof), the quicker you’ll discover what unfiltered, unhinged, meaningful, and entertaining writing really feels like. 

Stay frosty - be ready to react to what your brain tells your heart never to do - then do it.

—Spring 2022

Here is my advice to you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Don't be scared of the lack of rules and deadlines. I genuinely believe that this class is a perfect place for those, who want to creatively challenge themselves and make bold artistic decisions along the way. From day one, this course encourages you to reflect on your personal and intellectual attributioins, as well as to think objectively about life, experiences and the depth of self-perception.

Over the course of the semester, you will engage in workshops through which you will be able to fully grasp the importance of constant self reflection- a vital skill for your final portflio. 

But I prefer to think of the final portfolio as a diary. A diary of personal experiences, where you go through compassion, growth, struggle and at the end - an unmatched feeling of fulfilment.

Stay calm, enjoy the ride

This course will teach you how to think smarter and be braver. 

Spring 2022

This course is comparable to the summertime. There is a ton to do, and time feels unlimited, but before you know it, it comes to an end. There are four good assignments, and an ancestry syllabus to complete. The entire semester should be utilized to create your very own masterpiece for each assignment Look at every assignment as an opportunity to push yourself as a writer and less as a grade you need to get. Take your time, but as if it was the summertime, utilize it wisely or you will see yourself without any new writing experiences.

The main goal? Improve as a writer and allow yourself to become uncomfortable. Writing with limited instructions can be easy but yet so hard at the same time. Allow yourself to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

—Spring 2022

This class is what you make it. You can put a lot into it or you can put nothing into it, but it’s all there on the table for you to succeed and grow. You have full control over this class. Take this opportunity to improve. Make mistakes. Try new things. Have fun with writing.  Do not worry about grades. Focus on writing. Focus on getting better. That is all this class will require of you. 

—Spring 2022

This is my first time writing a course description and I already feel like something is wrong. I am not a professor. I think this encapsulates how I and many others felt throughout the semester. Confused and constantly questioning whether what we were doing was right. The answer is always yes. At some point, you just have to embrace the unknown, go for it, and see what happens. It is truly difficult to unlearn what you have trained to do your whole academic career. The course and assignments are precisely what you make of it.  Our class often discussed making the requirement more broad. Yet, this perfectly illustrates how we have welcomed the unknown and encourage future classes to face it head on.  I would advise future students to dig deep and lean on your peers and Professor for guidance through this course. Write about what you have always wanted to write about.  It can seem like the premises are wide-ranging, but as a students at USC, we are usually our own worst critiques. Create something meaningful and that you would be proud of. 

—Spring 2022

From the outside, it is perceived as if I come from two different types of people. Those people from where I truly identify myself with and feel the most me versus those people where I have just barely found a way to somehow squeeze myself into their society and fit in. To me it isn’t two different types of people, rather it is two different types of worlds.

My ancestors came to the United States in the late 1980’s to “chase the American dream(!)” as some say. I would like to believe that they were able to catch up to whatever they believe is the American dream to them. During the time they were running, my ancestors made friends with the people chasing the dream beside them that came from the same place as my ancestors. 

I was born. In the United States, obviously. I grew up. I grew up with the children of those similar people that ran beside my ancestors when chasing the “American dream.” We recreated a world for ourselves that mimicked the world that our ancestors came from. Why? Because we were taught growing up that this society and culture that we have embraced ourselves in is not where we come from, it is not who we are, and that we should be proud of our heritage, persistence, and fight. 

I come from this world. From a world that is shaped by my ancestors and the ancestors of the family friends. But this world is integrated within another world. A world that may seem like we are from but, really, we are just visitors. 

This class is a beautiful opportunity. It really is. It allows you to challenge the way you have been taught to write and to explore topics that you probably would not have explored in other classes at USC. You will take time to reflect on many things. Chances are that you may choose to explore aspects that make you who you are or that influenced your way of thinking — people (past and present), places, hobbies, things, ideas. I encourage you to take it all in and to involve your ancestors in the process of making sense of the world.

If you are a Type A person, like me, who likes to plan everything and dislikes surprises, you may be a little worried. Lean into this discomfort. You will be okay and can still thrive. I was initially worried about the amount of freedom this class gives. No due dates? No page limits? No set amount of sources? Surprisingly, this freedom adds to the the experience and allows us to be active participants in shaping how this class can be explored. It allows us to write meaningfully, rather than with the goal of reaching a random, pre-determined set of words. It allows us to question how sources are deemed to be reliable and how we can influence that narrative. Trust the process, you will be proud of how your final work begins to piece itself together.

By the end of the semester, you will have read from amazing authors who’s work inspires you to think critically and write expressively. You will create your own stories and explore your own problems. 

Take each piece as an opportunity for exploration and reflection — even if it makes you uncomfortable. 

—Spring 2022

Find something you are passionate about and make your audience feel your passion and fall in love with your problem, your “movie trailer” to that problem, your solution, and your creativity or freestyle. Write. Write your thoughts, your feelings, your findings, anything you can imagine to add to your piece. Think of your piece as like a painting. First you draw up your piece, then you work on your shadowing, then you add color, then layers, and then you have your finished painting. You are actively throughout the semester working your way through your portfolio until it is a beautiful work of art that you are proud of and ready to share. 

Use the syllabus and advice of Professor Delgado for guidance when you are feeling lost in your piece. You are not alone. In this course you are part of a community with an amazing professor who is there to support you in any way you need. You may feel uneasy holding so much power in this course because it is not created like a traditional classroom structure. Just know that your thoughts, your problem, your solution, your creativity, your love, your sense of writing and community, your participation, and your work ethic are essentially the classroom structure. 

In simpler terms, Find a problem you love. Devote yourself to it. Affect your audience. Create a solution. Show your creativity. Work with your community for feedback and support. Create your beautiful painting without rules, restrictions, or rights and wrongs. Trust and believe in yourself. Show off your talent, creativity, and your painting to your community. 

—Spring 2022

It’s likely you have hiked a mountain, a beautiful trail with plenty of places to stop, and a relatively clear path forward. In this class, your mountain has no trails, and the top only becomes visible once you understand the story you are trying to tell. I’d recommend wandering for a bit until you find it, and take time enjoying the smaller details at the bottom. What will keep you from identifying a path up is by not trying, something that is difficult in the presence of intentionality and passion. The quality of the view will be crafted by your writing along the way, so move deliberately.

Nonetheless,

You will reach dead ends, that doesn’t mean you have to walk all the way back. 

Other times you will find pieces of the forest to be irresistibly beautiful, and you should go in that direction regardless of where it is taking you. 

Take time being lost. It can lead you to the most unexpectedly profound parts of the mountain, and in this case, your research.

Ask questions. Climb trees to scope your surroundings and gage how far from the top you are. 

Participate. Trust that every time you show up, it is providing climbing gear, resources, and a map for inspiration. 

Persevere. If you are not an avid climber, there will be parts that are extremely difficult, but the most direct. 

This mountain becomes steeper and more difficult to climb the less you try throughout the semester. Do not scramble with uncertainty at the last minute. It will be a wasted opportunity for applying your creativity, exploring ideas floating in your mind, and interacting with an incredibly generous and insightful professor. I promise reaching the top becomes much less intimidating when you simply start putting one foot in front of the other.

—Spring 2022

After hearing Professor Delgado introduce this course, you are probably scared. I know because I was too. Most of us crave structure and rules, which makes sense because society has always told us what to do and what is expected of us. Particularly in the classroom.  

Because of this uncertainty, you might begin procrastinating. But if I could leave you with one piece of advice: Just start. Begin writing even if you are unsure, unconfident, or absolutely terrified. Pick a problem that you care deeply about, a problem that keeps you up at night, a problem that you wish you could solve. I chose a topic that all my life I’ve kept close to my heart, but I finally feel like its time to release her and let her out into the world. 

If you wish to succeed in this class, just don't forget to leave your heart on the page. I know you can do it. I believe in you. 

—Spring 2022

After years of education, with rigid curriculums of essays, exams, and presentations, you must feel well acquainted with your expectations in school. From the five paragraph essay (that your high school English teacher has drilled into your mind) to the multiple choice exam (that can rattle your assurance knowing the answer is right in front of you), you may feel there should be a certain structure to how you are evaluated in your intelligence and capability in school. I want you to scrap that. 

Professor Delgado’s WRIT340 class will be your opportunity to create your own path in learning. It truly is a wonderful opportunity that you may not have experienced before - the ability to create/discover/interrogate/explore a topic that you are passionate about. It can be about anything really. Is there something you and your friends discuss over a cup of coffee? Is there something you think about when your mind wanders? Is there something you’ve read that you could discuss at length? Take this class as the perfect opportunity to do just that - take something and run with it.

But, this may seem too open-ended. You may think you’ve been given too much freedom, which can seem scary. You can take this class however you see fit. With none of the strict rules you’ve been so accustomed to, you have the liberty now to form your own curriculum. Regardless, this class will allow you to take a topic you are fascinated in and transform it by your individual dissection. Focus on something you love and you will see your writing blossom. Trust the process and trust the free dexterity in writing whatever you want. At the end, you’ll not only be left with an individualistic portfolio, but a new perspective on how you approach life as a student.

—Spring 2022

This course has an abstract, chaotic approach to breaking writing norms…and that’s what makes it so amazing. In this class, you will be asked to reframe the way in which you think and write about lo que crees que es importante en la forma en que crees que es mejor. Por ejemplo, Spanglish… what you think is important in the way in which you think is best. For example, Spanglish. Throughout our writing education, we are asked to stick to a strict system and after years of obeying every rule, it is officially time to break every     single     one     of     them. This is your chance to explore your ancestry through narrative, topic, composition, creative medium etc. Todo depende de ti… It is all up to you. 

All we are asked is to create something beautiful de un problema que odiamos y amamos… from a problem that we hate and love. If this scares you… that’s ok. Professor Delgado is here to guide you and help you create something that you never thought you could create before. For many of you, including myself, this is the first course in which we are given entire freedom to do what we want. So, have fun, be intentionally creative, break the standards, use Spanglish… and create something that would have made your previous writing professors cry (in a good and bad way). 

—Spring 2022

My advice is to just write. Write when you "shouldn’t" or maybe otherwise wouldnt've. Write when the moment feels palpable enough to strike something in your soul. It doesn't have to be at your desk or with the perfect picturesque Doheny library backdrop. Scribble it in journals, napkins, backs of train tickets, or while blinding yourself in the bright light of your Notes app on those nights you wake up in the middle of the night. Take this semester to observe what impacts you, make mental notes, bookmark those pages that stand out to you... 

There will be something that you can use in there, something that’s fully you. 

Like your ancestors transcribing scrolls to safe-guard for generations, there's a message inside that’s itching to get through.

 Lean into it. Like my classmates have said, the only rule is that there are no rules. It’s best to just roll up your sleeves and do it: write without holding back—letting go of limiting structures like grammar and punctuation—and write simply because you want to. With the lack of rigid deadlines, it's not so much about making yourself write, but granting yourself the (semi)consistent space to express, reflect, and check in on your feelings as the semester flies by. Confront yourself fully, celebrate your failures and laugh at your mistakes. College is a wild ride and the opportunity to be honest with yourself about who you are, where you come from, and where you are headed is a special gift this course affords you while merely checking off a 'degree requirement.' More than anything, this class taught me that I have a story inside of me, a clear voice, and so do you. We’ve written hundreds of papers for countless professors who mapped out every detail of what should be in our prose lest they write out our words themselves. This is your chance to find your voice without the constraint of traditional academic expectations. We’re ~advanced~ writers now and we know what works and what doesn’t. Run with that and you won’t regret it.

And on a final note, get vulnerable. If it makes you too uncomfortable to share in the end, don't include it. But don't be afraid to scratch at what's been underneath the surface; you might learn about yourself or release some shit, so you'll be glad you put it down on paper regardless.

—Spring 2022

How do you modify something that has no rules? How do you plan for something that has no deadlines? How do you resist the urge to call it a month, ditch the work, and make everyday a vacation day? How do you not freak out?

My honest answer: I don’t really know. You know yourself best. What did help me, and hopefully you too, is this realization:

“If you ever start taking things too seriously, just remember that we are talking monkeys on an organic spaceship flying through the     universe.” -Joe Rogan (I know he’s controversial but a good quote is a good quote) 

Don’t take it too seriously. When you’re stressed and overanalyzing, creativity tends to get stifled. Life’s too short to not enjoy the moment, to be too busy worrying about an A rather than appreciating those near you and the life lessons around you. Exercise compassion for the short stories and personal accounts that you hear in class. Focus on what sings to you. Challenge your current perspective; absorb and empathize with the world-views of others. It’s better to be a little wrong than fully right; at least you’re growing and learning along the way.

             How are you feeling right now? What are you feeling? How can this class help you grow as an individual overall? See this as a little therapeutic experience. Write about what you’re passionate about. Or, let out some road rage. Or, play your creativity out on the page. Reflect upon what you love. Reflect upon what you hate. Let your feelings show. 

—Fall 2021

The concept of ancestry is a hard one. Hard, yes, necessary, obviously. How do I, a first-generation American, begin to understand...wait...even begin to identify the experiences of my ancestors, when my 21 years have been spent on a separate continent. Our realities are so different -- night and day, hot and cold, North and South. 

And yet, in maybe a searching-for-belonging-stuck-between-two-cultures way, my fascination with ancestry is ever present. I listen to the music, eat the food, read the books, ask the questions, speak the language. I want to feel connected. I want to feel like a part of their home, of my parents’ native culture, of the place I’ve spent summers sweating. Isn’t that what we all want? To feel like we’re a part of something bigger. And what’s bigger and more all-consuming than culture? 

I can’t speak for you, but for me, culture is the good, the bad and the oddly comforting. The good and the comfort are never forgotten and showcased everywhere we go, but where is this “bad” that we speak of? The bad can be the discomfort, the injustices, the problems. Understanding these problems is understanding culture. That’s where this course comes in. 

Here you will learn to see a problem, but see it for what it's really worth. You will analyze, you will research, heck, you might even soul search. You will commit to soaking in this problem to the point where you forget why this was “bad” to begin with. In owning this problem, we in turn can begin to understand culture. Understand our ancestors. Understand ourselves. When we do so, then and only then, can we prepare to be ancestors too.  

—Fall 2021

Although this is what students dream of, I was brought back to reality shortly after beginning the semester. Respectfully, this is my nightmare. The idea of being in control of my own education is foreign to me as it probably is for most students. Humans crave routine. We crave structure. Without it there’s chaos. That is what scares me. On the other hand, that’s not to say it’s entirely bad. There’s still a way to make it work for you. Ask yourself how you can turn this into something great. The personal expectations that you have for yourself should be set on day one. If you utilize every class, you’ll mitigate the danger of being off of a leash. As impossible as it sounds, throw away your mindset that you need an A. What is an A? What does it mean? Most of you probably don’t know. Treat your writing as a reflection of you as an individual and I guarantee that your outlook will change. In turn, the way that you craft your writing will change and become much more thought provoking. This isn’t your typical writing class, so stop treating it like it is. The moment you step out of that mindset is the second your writing starts flowing effortlessly. I spent countless hours trying to write according to the bland old format that has been branded into my brain for years and it led me nowhere. I went weeks without even getting words on paper because I was clueless. Write what you want to write. Let your voice make its way onto the paper. You can always worry about the formatting and grammar later if need be, but write something.

—Fall 2021

I consider myself a doubly colonized person. My family moved from British-owned Hong Kong to America in the 80s. My mother took little effort in raising me American, whatever that means, she raised me and my cousins having afternoon tea and sandwiches with her at the table after school. I didn’t have peanut butter jelly sandwiches, I had toast with condensed milk or marmite and butter. 

My family is proud to be from Hong Kong and like most immigrant families they passed down values of hard work and family but also prejudice. Like many diaspora-ed Hong Kong Chinese, my family immigrated to escape from communist rule from China and for a better life for their children. So if communist China is the villain in their story then colonizing Britain is the hero, which is problematic to say the least. 

But when Hong Kong’s current relationship with China is of violence, police brutality and pain it is hard not to root for Eurocentrism when it means democracy and freedom for Hong Kong. Yet as an American, I still do not fully understand what that means, Eurocentrism’s effect is violence, police brutality and unimaginable pain. So how can I possibly impart this heritage as a foundation for the next generation when I myself cannot make peace with it. 

Rather I propose to not make peace and to welcome discomfort. I propose to not shy away from cognitive dissonance and instead question it, pull it apart and dissect it. I invite you to dive into your contradictions, to explore a question or a problem so that we can give those who come after us more than a fractured foundation.

—Fall 2021

“Those who do not know how to look back at where they came from will never get to their destination.” (English translation of “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.”) 

– Dr. Jose Rizal, Filipino revolutionary and national hero

No history, no self. Know history, know self.

I don’t know if I ever truly got to know myself before college. 

As an immigrant who moved to the U.S. at age 5 and knew of nearly nothing else but my white, Midwest suburbia, the authenticity of my Filipino identity was always in question. Outside of my immediate family, the spaces I entered were void of opportunity for people like me to grow in knowledge of my ancestors, my impact, the words of my mother tongue. 

It is only recently that I was given the chance- the choice- to be unapologetic in understanding who I am through the lens of my culture, my personhood, and my being. Challenging myself to take part in academia that pushes me to walk through the invisibility of my ancestors’ narrative and find my voice in my work is inherently part of what this class is aimed to do. I am honored to know that my blood runs with revolutionaries, leaders, and the writers of our own history. 

As I sit here thankful for the learning, the loving, the hurt, and the growth that I encountered this semester, I can’t help but hope that future generations of this class will experience the beautiful chaos that I stumbled upon when registering for this course that was beyond any of my expectations for a mandatory writing requirement at USC.

So here’s where our paths collide.

I am glad you are here, and I am excited for the journey that will undoubtedly leave you in awe of what you learned, if you allow for it. But by the time you read this, I will have moved on and you will have only just begun. 

Here is my advice to you.

I urge you to make this class a gift. Let it be the space that you and others need to rebuild institutions to make your education as accessible to you all as possible. Create a community that cultivates inclusion, encourages civil discussion, and dares to dream past what you imagine a writing course at this university could be. Come as you are- with everything that you already know to be true, all the complications of what it means to be human, and make space to learn more about others and yourself through what you write. Give yourself the freedom that you wish other classes would have granted you to give forth your best self. Don’t be afraid to let your writing be your healing. 

This course gives you permission to be brave. To be bold with your creative decisions, to be gentle with yourself when dealing with failure. To be fierce in the questions you ask and to give yourself grace in dealing with the answers that come to find you. Above all, this course invites you to reflect on who you are, and why you are here.

Your story is your power. Let this be your opportunity to use it.

Regina Alexandra San Andres, Fall 2021

Ancestry is a difficult concept. Being a Black woman in America, I don’t know much about my ancestry. There are pieces here and there that I may get from a family tree or a discovered old letter or from sepia distressed images of the past. But I won’t ever be able to get a full story. I have tried to search, using sites like Ancestry.com to find tidbits of information or results from a DNA that I could bring together to make my history feel whole. 

My father was the same way. He never knew his birth father. He spent years trying to find anything about him...a record of his birth, a picture, hell...even a death certificate. To this day I don’t know if he ever found his father, but his  journey has made me rethink the path that I am on.

How do I channel the energy of my ancestors, of my people...people I don’t even know...to participate in the creation of a class and syllabus that is all about ancestry? Well, in this class and in the creation of a syllabus to follow I have found my answer...I am my ancestors and my passions, goals, my whole life is a way that my ancestors live through me. I may not have all the answers about the people of my past or truly understand all the trials and tribulations that brought me to be who I am today. But what I can do is discover my passions and channel the energy of my ancestors through the topics I choose to write about, the work I produce, and the conversations I foster through that work. 

It may seem complicated to work through, and I’m sure you will have lots of questions about how you will get to this point of clarity in your work. But what you will find through this class is that you are the best representation of your ancestors.

—Fall 2021

Growing up, we learn about the different methodologies that come with writing essays for class. Our teachers taught us in the way of the five paragraph essay, one with an introduction, three pieces of evidence and a conclusion. They showed us what a three-pronged thesis statement looks like, and how transitions serve as bridges between ideas.

But this class disrupts these notions of academic writing, allowing the student to think deeper and love harder. Aspects that aren’t typically thought of in exploratory essays — empathy, compassion, growth, discomfort, risks — will be applied to the course, intersecting and blending our own personal experiences with the writing we present. 

The class’ purpose isn’t to uphold rigid styles of writing, but to see where we can go and what we can seek with the way we analyze topics. Advanced writing — as is the course name — isn’t about what repertoire of fancy vocabulary you have acquired or how well you can navigate a literary database, but a reflection of the skills you’ve gathered. 

Advanced writing and all its nuances and rigor carry a certain weight of expectations and traditions, but how can we take what we write and be proud of it? What can we shatter right here and now about higher education, about what many of us grow up wanting to do but struggle fitting into?

These questions won’t be answered or resolved overnight, but with those in mind, they’ll inform our insights. Writing has the power to change the world, and word by word this class will show you that what you create has that same potential.

—Fall 2021

I have always been aware of the legacy that follows my family name. I am a direct grandchild of an indigenous soldier that was recruited and later promoted to captain to aid the United States during the Vietnam War. Long story short, he was credited for saving many of our people but became refugees. That is how my indigenous family ended up in California.

What does this legacy mean for me? Why do I feel the need to amount to anything remotely close?

These questions were at the back of my mind growing up, from as young as elementary school.

How do I hold on to my culture in a world forcing me to abandon it? How do I reckon with the idea that my family thinks the U.S. are the good guys? How do I, as a first-generation student committed to liberation, navigate this? What does it truly mean to be an ancestor-in-training? 

So in my 4th year at the University of Southern California in this writing class, I ask what do we leave behind? What will be remembered for, if at all?

I implore you to try your best to reach for the deepest parts of yourself and turn it into something, anything. There is a big emphasis on anything in this course. It was scary and uncomfortable to be given full autonomy, it is not something I have been used to in a world with so many requirements and I am guessing you have had a similar experience. I believe in you! Good luck :)

—Fall 2021

It feels kind of primitive— the idea of capturing the essence of an entire course into “description.” I guess I mean to say that “Course Description” does not do what it aims to accomplish enough justice. Especially for a class that challenges our own beliefs, ideas, and free thought as much as Writing 340 does— each class should progress and adapt a new, working definition of what a course description embodies. As a new generation, we must do our ancestors proud and move the needle; recognize what came before us and create a new legacy. 

This course is a journey— a beautiful one at that. One of transformation and maturation. We should look to protect the legacy of our past, create a tangible and creative platform for those who follow us, while bettering our own development in the present. This seems a rigorous task— pressure to balance legacy and yourself. But this is the beauty in struggle, ugliness in the success. It’s what we should strive to do in structuring our lives. Legacy is important— let us carry it with purpose.

Let’s tighten the scope for the sake of a semester’s given structure and time constraint. Allow us to cultivate a problem, convince our peers that this IS a problem worth considering. Once we do this, the rest is cake. Support YOUR problem. What makes this a problem? Why SHOULD people care and why DO people care? Give us your story and fight for it. Make it your OWN. Fight for something that speaks to you. Your conviction will show in your writing. 

I cannot wait to get started.

—Fall 2021

Storytelling is at the core of everything I am and everything I do. Storytelling allows me to share those which I have heard, those which I have experienced and those which otherwise would have never been told. Each of our stories influences the lenses through which we see, experience and perceive the world. Our stories serve as the testimonies through which our thoughts, our actions and our words begin to frame the foundational components of our identities.

In this course, we invite you to ignite that desire within you; the desire to share your story while inspiring others to share their own. Discover your story. Draft the beginning chapters of your long lived legacy. And question. Question the testimonies which once inspired you. The once-upon-a-time’s  that once defined you. Question the facts, the fables and decipher the truth. Or at least your truth. 

Bear witness to the good, the bad and the uncertainty of the world. Question it. Feel inspired by the opportunity to teach about it, the chance to redefine it. Allow storytelling to serve as the medium through which you make your voice heard. Let this opportunity for questioning burn in you so that that sensation catalyzes your desire to share your words. Allow us to see that the stories you, me, we tell, are only heard because we are empowered to tell them. 

Our stories are the testimonies of who we are and who we will become. Storytelling humanizes us. It defines us. 

So this semester I invite you to curate a problem; a problem that inspires you, that provokes you. A problem that tells a story. A problem worth fighting for. Find a problem that tells a story which when told, gives others the courage to share their own. And tell that story. Find conviction to the problem, and dedication to the testimony you give it through your solution. Make your audience feel as though they are characters in it. Characters who experience it, who are defined by it. Defined by your problem. Let us feel as though we are characters who recognize the importance of telling stories; stories which we have heard, those which we have experienced, and those which otherwise would have never been heard. 

So what’s your question… we can’t wait to hear your story.

—Fall 2021

Welcome, to the class where imagination runs free. 

A safe space for you to explore your passions and purpose, to put your ideas to words. However, you must also be wary of the trenches that lie ahead of you and the battles you choose. Be ready to pick up your weapon and take charge of your own discovery and development, for with unimaginable freedom comes the danger to fall into the depths of confusion and despair. 

This is the process of becoming the world’s greatest warrior. In navigating and overcoming that confusion, you will produce your greatest work as a writer. You get to decide your own fate but must demonstrate an undying will to continuously challenge your own thought process, and take initiative to make your vision into reality. 

Do not let the fear of ambiguity overcome you. What does not break you will always make you stronger. By staying true to your voice in this process, you will find pride and liberation through your work. Remember that you are always more powerful than you think you are.

We each live a unique narrative and through our voice, can speak into this world our truth. This is your chance to let your voice shine and be heard. 

Show the world the beauty of your story, your love, your passion, your fears, your loss, your battle, and your reality. Let the freedom and ambiguity guide you. Ultimately, it is entirely up to you to create a piece of work that you can be proud of. Take advantage of this class and seize your moment. Show the world what you are made of. 

—Fall 2021

As you step into the classroom (or zoom) on the first day of the semester, the anxious nerves and curiosity of what a course entails wraps over your head. Oh my, another writing class as you think, dreading it; or, you are passionate and eager about the course. Well, regardless of whether writing is your passion or not, this course will allow you to dive deeper into finding meaning about a topic that excites you. A single topic that allows you to research and think deeply about it. A topic that allows you to feel the joy that every time you think about it, serotonin is released and transmitted into your brain. But most importantly, a topic that allows you to unleash more and more questions that you may or may not know how to answer as you continue to write and research about it. 

This course invites you all to think deeply about your work; liberate your feelings and emotions freely without judgment; learn to revision and strengthen your writing; challenge yourself yet be hopeful; tell your story creatively, and present a problem that may be unanswerable to the table. Freely collaborate with your classmates and learn from one another, make this space a judgment-free zone and discuss topics or problems that should be brought to the surface. 

Now think about what story you want to tell. What excites you the most and what topic do you want to learn more about? Once you have a topic in mind, be excited for all the questions and obstacles that might be thrown your way, and write your thoughts away!

—Fall 2021

Dear past and future students of WRIT 340: Advanced Writing for the Arts & Humanities,

I, a current student, present you with the syllabus of Fall 2021. A document that has undergone numerous evolutions by its predecessors. A document that will continue to undergo transformational change for the better.

As a small cohort that my peers and I may be, our mission is to aid learners in developing the attitudes and skills for thinking critically on the strifes of today and what that entails for the long-term. 

By reflecting on our contemporaneous circumstances, we can drive effective involvement in envisioning, and helping others envision, the needs and desires of future generations yet unborn; a meaningful effort to give rise to a society that balances the needs and desires of present generations with the needs and desires of future generations.

I hope this piece of collaboration is one that our predecessors can be proud of, and one that our successors can carry on the legacy of in a world where we need one another more than ever.

—Fall 2021

Like the rippling effect from a drop of water, the details of every droplet affect the magnitude of the waves that come after. My parents were refugees who fled their country of Vietnam in order to escape the horrors of the Vietnam war. My grandfathers on both sides of the family were chief officers who fought against the communist regime, thus, their families were forced to flee to escape certain death if caught. 

Years later as an American citizen, I learned the stories told about my parents’ war through history classes and documentaries. Horrific details of torture, starvation, and gruesome deeds soldiers of every side endured and committed. The desperation refugees felt, as they had no option but to immigrate by boat, enduring weeks to months of starvation, illness, cramming twenty lives onto a small fishing boat meant for five. Yet from my parents’ own mouths, they spoke nothing of their past. They would say that focusing on the past does nothing for the future, that the fear once felt does not have to dictate your choices later in life. However, it was obvious to me, from the emotional and physical abuse I received, that I was only one of many who suffered from the rippling waves of generational trauma. It was clear that fear and denial of the past dictated the lives and choices of my immigrant parents. 

Then, how can we do better to properly explore, acknowledge, and learn from our heritages that will undoubtedly shape future generations? How do we question the choices of our ancestors, analyze their stories, and grow upon their strengths and weaknesses? I have found that fear and denial of the past often breeds despair and limits progress; Meanwhile, knowledge and hope are necessary conditions for generations to move forward. I encourage this class to contemplate these questions and consider what inspires your path, what you intend to leave behind for future generations, and what it means to be a good ancestor. How does ancestry matter to you, to others, and how will your footsteps affect those who follow?

— Fall 2021

This course description is not for everyone, but it is for my beginning-of-the-semester self and anyone who felt as lost as I did with the amount of freedom, or the lack of structure, from this course. As someone who likes the security of clear guidelines and structure, a class that gave so much creative agency to the student was quite difficult to navigate. Each class was spent trying to buy into the vision of the class. And the early writing sessions, sitting in front of a blank screen, frustrated by the lack of instruction I felt I needed to get started. I’ve always considered myself artistically challenged. So, to have to creatively work out this writing course felt too daunting to even know where to begin. 

I could give you a description of what to expect from the course, but let’s be honest, you’re probably snooping around here to get some clues at how you can succeed in this class. So here are a few things I wish I asked myself earlier on in my writing process:

• What are you writing for? Write with purpose. Write because you have something to say, not just because you have a page to fill. 

• When are you writing for? Don’t feel the pressure to relate universally. You bring an experience so unique; you only have lived your time and only you have lived your time. So, don’t be afraid to use those experiences. Use it to speak to your generation, to reflect on your time and speak into the next. 

• Ask yourself these questions before you begin. Ask yourself these questions week 5 into this class. And when you’re making the last edits!

Last, but most certainly not least, commit!! Pick a good topic and just commit to it. I guarantee that you will come up with a better idea with less than a month left of class. Just jot the idea down for the future but stick with what you’ve started.

—Fall 2021

In a world where people find great comfort and security in the idea of sameness and normalcy, it is important to recognize that we, as human beings, cannot always depend on the world to rule in our favor. Clinging to that idea would simply be futile as sometimes life presents us instances when things do not always go the way we desire. With all the craziness that 2020 and 2021 have brought, take the lessons you've learned in that time and embed them in as many things as possible. Whether it's something trivial like going out for a run that has taught you a form of discipline or hugging a family that has taught you to cherish loved ones, the possibilities are endless. Most importantly though, take those lessons and utilize them in this class. Take advantage of the freedom that you have in expressing yourself within this class. While I know the American education and school system has failed us in many ways on our academic autonomy, I want you to bring that power back from the dead and run with it. While the unique class structure may become overwhelming in some ways, in the end, you’ll realize that everyone actually feels the same and you just need to embrace the chaos of it all. There are no rigid guidelines that you have to follow or specific topics you need to cover, so use this as an opportunity to write about your passions and the thoughts that often get lost in your mind.

One of the most important pieces of writing advice I've ever received is to "write what you're afraid of". Don't be nervous to mention parts of yourself that you don't normally show. Break free of the constraints of what was told of you in your early academic career and just approach this class the way you want rather than looking at others for validation. Don't forget to be your authentic self. Wear your heart on your sleeve if need be. If that helps in making you proud of what you make and create, then you've learned to become a good ancestor. After all, we all have something great to offer, even if we think it's small. 

—Fall 2021

Going off of the compelling and excellent words of Maricar, this class offers a new task of writing that should be free, although seemingly uncomfortable. An abnormal approach indeed coming off of the well-structured system you may (or may not) have had through your high school and writing 150 courses. One scary aspect you must take on is the idea of being self-directed; cliché I know, but taking on your own purpose and putting your heart into your writing is how you will become better as a writer. Spending a lot of these classes split due to the ongoing pandemic has posed difficulties, but the key to remember, whether online or in person, is to let your writing come together with the help of your classmates. It is crucial that you don't reserve your writing skills and stay a closed book throughout the class because the only way to put out your best work is to show it to the world; trust me, it's scary to write and share, but everyone is in the same boat and ready to help. Go bold, and have fun, because this is your chance to break out of the shackles that have weighed you down in previous writing experiences; this is your time to have freedom and expression. 

Each paper you write will be different and similar in some way. The difficulties through A1 - A3 become how you can connect them posing a problem and a well-written response. A4 then moves to a change in setting; creating something that is artistic on a topic that means a lot to you. The key here is to be careful with what you choose; choose a problem that you are ready to devote your best effort to, because as far as I have seen, writing about a topic that you don't like can be one of the hardest tasks you can take on.

-—Fall 2021

For this class, throw everything you know about the “standards of composition” out the window. Writing is a way for us humans to communicate – communicate in a way that is thoughtful and intentional. Like we celebrate the differences in verbal language and dialect, this course celebrates writing in all its forms. Here’s the catch: you must write about something worth communicating. The things that are worth communicating through writing are not valued in this class by how accurately they answer a prompt, or by how long the word count ends up to be, or by how ‘academic’ the writing reads. Topics of discussion that are worth communicating are those that are thought-provoking, emotionally meaningful, and oftentimes those that are difficult to talk about. The difficult part of this course will vary from student to student. Whatever those challenges may be, should be looked at as an opportunity for growth.

If you choose to take this course the right way, you will encounter some sort of difficulty initiating the conversation you chose to talk about – the fun part is that you have the agency in deciding what it may be. Maybe you…consider yourself a deep thinker but shy away from participating in class discussions. Maybe you...are comfortable adhering to rubrics, rules, and guidelines but are curious about challenging the status quo. Maybe you…have been penalized in a past course for getting ‘too creative’ but you want to feel like you can freely express yourself in the classroom. This is your opportunity to experiment and connect with your peers. After all, we are all here for the same reason: to learn. And true learning does not happen without experimentation. As an ancestor here is some advice: if you have a question, if you are interested in what’s being discussed, if you agree or disagree with something a classmate said, or even if you want to simply get out of your comfort zone – participate! As for your writing: allow yourself to be vulnerable, allow yourself to be curious, allow yourself to genre bend, and allow yourself to be free of all self-inflicted pressures or judgments. And if you write about something that is truly meaningful to you, most likely it will best reflect your capabilities as a writer and have an impact on the people that read it.

— Fall 2021

By now, I hope that you are able to participate in this class fully in-person. I have spent my junior and senior year learning through a hybrid environment and now, I hope, you are back in the learning environment we know. Respectively, I hope there is one thing - new lessons, thoughts, emotions, or possibly even a problem you love? - that you can take away from our time in hibernation. 

The course WRIT 340, is like no other writing class I have taken. You will be given the freedom and structure to formulate meaningful arguments and thoughts, discovering new parts of yourself as a writer. From my experience, reaching to find that perfect ‘problem’ that I love and being unable to stop typing. Being given the opportunity to speak and develop your own voice and tone is what differentiates us as individuals and is a privilege. I encourage all students to take this opportunity of being in an advanced writing class, with a professor filled with wisdom and encouragement, to challenge yourself. Pick a problem that keeps you up at night- that constantly crosses your mind. Our minds are beautiful things that store and reach your imagination, ideas, thoughts, feelings, and words. Trust your mind - I trusted mine this semester. 

Additionally, this course requires a strong community of students. This semester, as a community of students we developed the opportunity for this course to be open, playful, strong, and personalized writing pieces for students to love, and in hope to inspire the audience too. With these assignments and the participation of the community, we had the ability to reflect on the thought-provoking questions and problems that we have experienced - we have the opportunity to share a part of ourselves and a part of our obstacles that have led us to where we are today in the world. Allow the community to create a space for each to individually explore, express, and grow. 

— Fall 2021

There are many styles of writing that go unexplored, especially in an academic setting where writing standards follow strict and specific guidelines. This course takes all the concepts you’ve learned and explores them in creative ways. It can be confusing at times the mount of freedom that there is, but this style of learning allows for more abstract discussions and the freedom to express ones self without binding their ideas to the status quo. It’s actually kind of liberating just how many ways you can go about your writing and finding your voice. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but part of the process is discovering yourself and allowing yourself to open up to new ways of expressing your ideas.

It takes a certain kind of discipline to own such freedom in writing. I would say to those who are interested in taking the course to speak up when you have ideas or feel that others share similar sentiments. The course allows you to collaborate with others and decide for yourselves what you will be working on and the rubric that follows. Come into the course with an open mind and participate whenever you can. When it comes to writing, allow yourself to enjoy it and maybe write something atypical. This goes beyond your standard poly-sci or research essay. Allow yourself to be more abstract in your ideas and write something unique. This course really is the space to explore these things.

— Fall 2021

This class might seem the epitome of what a college class is stereotyped as. You need to work on multiple papers over the course of a semester and hold yourself accountable to what is done on your own time. You need to be an adult and ask questions and seek out the professor for help when it is needed. However, at the same time it is completely the opposite. What this very class is all up to you. You decide how strict, or loose, assignments will be. You have a power in the way class is run and graded in a way, most likely, no other professor has given to you. So, make the most of it. It is daunting at first, and a firsthand experience of the bystander effect, when no one wants to make the first move assuming another student will. Nonetheless, do not be afraid to speak up. Build a community of people inside and outside this classroom. With the ongoing pandemic it is understandable that by the midpoint of the semester half will be in person with the other sleepily on zoom, but really try to make it to class.

In regards to writing, pick something close to you. Do let this class be another class where you write simply to finish the assignment. Pick a problem and matter that truly means something to you. This makes combing through readings and articles all the more bearable. With no set deadlines throughout the semester, the time frame is up to you. Therefore, pick a topic that pushes you. After all, this is all about you. 

— Fall 2021

To what can we offer a class full of college students? A new perspective, idea, style, way of thinking? Is it appropriate to influence another to take on your view or to change their view? Are your methods appropriate or valid?

The beauty of writing comes with the beauty of being who you are and expressing as such. We shouldn’t need to conform to what others may think, want, or expect, but to only live up to our own personal needs, wants, and expectations. This class will not only unchain the shackles of restrictive academic criteria, but it will help you grow as a writer and an artist of your own unique craft. 

The questions I presented before you only stand within an ideology that begs for writers…creators… to create products for the sake of others. But have we thought about writing for ourselves and writing elegant & mystic & creative masterpieces that us ourselves are absolutely proud of? If not, then let’s start the trend, break the shackles, don’t hold back, and write as we hope to live – as we hope our words, sentences, and phrases may live. Go beyond the norm, go beyond yourself. Write because you love to not because you need to.  

I invite everyone to join this movement of unconventional (“unacademic”) writing so that we may explore the unexplored. Let us pave the way of silenced writers so that they may finally be set free and be recognized that something so chaotic is actually something so beautiful. This is our task as ancestors, and we must forge our way so that others may enjoy its elegance. 

— Fall 2021

As stated before me, this is a course that completely challenges your perception of a “traditional” writing class. The writing prompts, rubrics, and deadlines that you are used to being set in stone at the beginning of a semester will instead be things that you as a class will mold throughout the semester and ultimately define together. The word “together” is an important word as it defines what this class encompasses. Be sure to use this sense of togetherness that is established to seek out other students as well as your professor when you feel stuck (you will just trust me), as they will offer fresh perspectives and help to guide you along.  

In this course, you will be given the freedom to explore problems and topics that are personal and meaningful to you while being able to write about them on your own accord. Given this freedom, do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk, whether through the medium of writing that you choose or the problem you choose to address. Believe me you will be better off for it. I should also note that the “problem” that you write about during the semester isn’t really a problem but more of an idea or personal experience that has shaped you as a person or affected you in some profound way (or maybe it hasn’t). You will begin by defining that “problem” in A1 by letting the reader know what it is, why it is profound to either you or society and why it needs to be noticed. A2 serves as a lead into A3, where you will briefly summarize the findings of A1. A1 and A2 culminate into A3, which is an opportunity to prepare a well-researched (you have to use sources… I know) academic paper that explores both sides of your problem. A4 is a departure from the first three prompts as you are encouraged to create an artistic offering. These prompts allow you to create an arc to your problem and tell a story that is unique to you.    

Please do not look at this class as “just another writing class” but instead look at it as an opportunity for personal growth through self-expression and experimentation. This course is yours to mold, so be sure to make the most out of it because after all, that is what being a good ancestor is all about. 

I will leave you with this quote:

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

 ― Sylvia Plath

— Fall 2021

To be honest, this writing class is nothing like what I’ve experienced or heard before. The freedom of this class makes many things confusing at first: ambiguous requirements, loose connection with classes, challenging materials… However, if you are patient and active, you will realize it also makes so many things possible: the possibility to think, explore, practice, and reflect not only on the writing content itself, but also on the topic, genre, structure, perspective, etc. One can freely select almost every combination he or she can come up with, and fearlessly practice and play with them through a series of writing. These attempts allow the student not only to become a more mature writer, but also a more imaginative creator. Therefore, please view this freedom as an opportunity and advantage, and utilize it to make your unrealistic ideas come true.

However, this class is also a traditional writing class in the way of encouraging your practice and inspiring your reflection. Everyone has their self-designed rubric and reflection for each of the papers, and even a syllabus for the entire course. It may sound challenging, but eventually, it works perfectly as a way to think and dive into the core of the writing, and improve your critical thinking ability.

So, please be confused, be curious, be patient, and be active. Every feeling is valuable for this class, and every word is meaningful for your writing. Write whatever you want and reflect whenever you need. Don’t hastate to break standards, and be confident to create your own rules.

 — Fall 2021

This class is an original take on a college-level university class on advanced writing. It is structured very similarly to most classes in the writing sphere however writing 340 for the arts and humanities might be different than one might think. Instead of the professor deciding all the guidelines, homework, essays, and ultimately grades part of the students' work through the semester is creating and helping form these aspects of the course. It is to create a cohesive footprint at the end of the semester for others to learn from. 

On the flip side, there lie the more common things you would probably find in a writing course at USC, papers. We had three main papers throughout the term divided into A1, A2, and A3. A1 was exploring a problem, A2 was summarizing and addressing a topic in a short brief form, and A3 was your classic academic research paper connected to the arts and humanities as one might think. For the final assignment, there is A4. A4 walks on a separate path from the other three "papers". It is an assignment to express oneself and produce something artistic in nature and original.

This class opened my view to what learning really is and how many different paths one can take to get to that goal of becoming educated on a given subject such as writing. With the structure of this class not only will we help teach each other, but future classes as well with our ancestor syllabus. 

To be creative, bold, original, and questioning is what is needed to be successful in this class.

— Fall 2021

WRIT 340 with Professor Delgado, is like no other English course you’ve ever experienced. In other words, be prepared to put what you’ve learned about sticking to the usual five paragraph writing structure, weekly reading/assignment due dates, and any other typical English course structure you’re used to on the back burner. In this course, you’re given free range to create your own agenda. In this course, you can read and write whatever you need to and whenever you need to, with unlimited access to the professor’s expertise and advice. However, being that this is still an academic environment and that there is still some sort of feedback needed on what the students have gained from the course, you are still given an assignment that is expected from you at the end of the semester.

You’ll have to compose a portfolio containing four different papers. They are labeled as A1, A2, A3 & A4. You’re asked to bring to light a controversial subject and explain to your audience why it is that this topic is controversial (A1).  The first paper will then be followed by an outline on how you plan to show its origin and fix (A2). After that, you’ll show how you would propose a fix to this problem and what it would look like in academic research like paper (A3). Lastly, you’ll have an artistic outlet to portray what you talked about in the preceding (A4). My advice is get comfortable with this course’s structure fast. It’s exactly what it sounds like, you have free reign to do almost anything, and your experience is, legitimately, what you make it.

— Fall 2021

I can only reiterate the statements made by all the speakers above. This class, for most, may be a difficult one. It  will not be difficult because the professor is a harsh grader or because you will be overwhelmed with the amount of assignments. This class may be difficult because it will challenge you to take charge of your own learning. 

The US education system is grounded on teaching with the purpose of satisfying academic standards. Every college course appears to be structured to simply provide students with loads of information so that they may then be able to regurgitate that same information on a few tests or other forms of evaluation. This class is not that! 

In this class you will be provided with a space to write freely, without restrictions. The only real guidelines you will be provided is that you will be exploring an issue through four separate writing papers, A1, A2, A3, and A4. While there is some general consensus as to what each of these writing papers should look like, you should feel free to make the writing taks your own. 

The professor does an excellent job of describing the intent of this course, which is to not strive for a perfect product, but instead enjoy the opportunity to observe and learn about your own writing process. That being said, be proactive, creative, and enjoy being able to write freely.

— Fall 2021

Similar to WRIT 150, my experience with writing in this class has allowed me to grow tremendously. In WRIT 150, I felt like I was learning how to write for the first time in my life. I learned how to create structure, flow, logic, persuasion, and so on: things I never really learned in high school. WRIT 150 was a foundational class that set me up for this class so well. With that proper foundational understanding of how to write under my belt, WRIT 340 served as a class where I could be free and creative in my writing. This was very liberating. The topic I explored this semester is the exclusion of creative intelligences from the high school education system. Unlike high school English classes, this class was a breath of fresh air as it offered freedom in style rather than one limited, “correct” form of writing. In this class, subjectivity and qualitative measurements of success prevailed over narrow objectivity and quantitative measurements of success in writing. Thus, I was able to find my voice, and do so in a way that was celebrated for being unique rather than penalized. This class is a great example of the kind of the kind of holistic class I argue for throughout my essays form this course.

I'm sure throughout your time writing in this course you will surprise yourself with your creative aptitudes because you are in a class that encourages it, unlike most high school writing classes. No restraints. No limitations. Just room to write what you are passionate about and be yourself. :)

—Fall 2021

The act of enabling alternative ways of thinking, unblocking old patterns of thinking and nurturing a sense of togetherness; creativity at its finest. The creativity impulse that we indulge in today was triggered by our ancestors, they used their ways to use fire, sharp and create knives, make ceramics, all in all let us thank them. They showed us that there will be many failures on our way to success. We are one generation shaping these years passing by. Let us bring awareness to our bodies, the weight of our thoughts and bones and our flesh. Let us thank them. 

Let us make sure that we see comfort in the uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there has been a rude awakening in our creativity and innovation in times of crisis (COVID 19). As young adults in higher education, we strive to find a safe space especially after our worlds got shut down through a pandemic, where there was no room to express our creativity in a classroom through a screen. But we are here now, in our safe space expressing our thoughts in a class full of strangers but somehow we are all connected one way or another. What I have learned is that strangers can enhance our writing. We are all here now creating an atmosphere generated by all of our passions through our writing. This course can be your safe space where you can have continuous thoughts and conversations about what you believe is an important issue - all I can hope is that we have gained knowledge and found the best approach to an unsolved/huge problem. But let us thank ourselves. Thank you for your vulnerability in our safe space.  

-Fall 2021

This class you're about to take is one of a kind and one that you have never experienced before. In this Writ 340 class for the arts and humanities, you will have complete freedom over the entire course and you will take charge of your own class assignments and requirements.. I know it may seem a bit scary and overwhelming to have unlimited options to choose from and it may be hard trying to know how to structure a class, but do not worry just take each assignment one step at a time and you will have an amazing portfolio that you will be proud of by the end of the semester.

The class consists of 4 main assignments, A1,A2,A3, and A4. As you begin A1, write an exploratory essay about a problem you want to solve in this world and really make it as interesting and out of the ordinary as possible. A2 consists of a short and brief abstract to give a small preview of the next paper, sort of like a trailer or a book description. A3, the academic research paper, usually a bit boring and formal, but it does not have to be this way at all. Lastly, A4, wrapping all of the previous assignments into one by offering an artistic piece that clearly shows who you are and how this problem could be solved into something more meaningful and beautiful. 

Trust the process and trust your own writing voice. There is not a standard form of writing and no proper way of speaking. Put your own twist to it and have a fun semester exploring this problem that is yet to be solved.

— Fall 2021

Agency. Autonomy. Creative freedom. These are not words that are typically associated with a high-ranking research institution such as USC. Or the American education system in general—whose sole purpose is to condition us to be functioning members of capitalism. That’s an entirely different conversation for another class, but you see what I’m getting at. All of this to say: this is not a class with that structure—or any structure. And I mean that in the best way possible. 

Why is it that juniors and seniors dread taking WRIT 340? Personally, I didn’t want to be in a class confined to strict prompts with required sources and long page limits or word counts with hard deadlines that would basically be an elevated, higher stress-induced WRIT 150. That was my perception at least. So imagine my surprise when I show up to this class and I hear the words “ancestor syllabus” and I’m instructed to choose MY own problem in the arts and humanities, with special significance to ME (how dare anyone ask me what I want to write about!)? That’s what this class is. Complete creative freedom that allows you to explore topics that are meaningful to you, while also allowing you to compose them in any format that you choose. 

By now, I hope that you’ve adjusted to this second-wave transition of returning to campus in-person after a crazy year of online instruction. Quite frankly, I wish I’d taken this class under different circumstances, to fully take advantage of the wonderful possibilities of creative autonomy under a much better, healthier mindset (hopefully).  My advice to you? Embrace it. Bask in it! Enjoy it. Because I don’t know where you will find another writing class that lets you work at your own pace. And don’t be afraid of community! We’re all in this together. 

Goodluck.:)

—

Fall 2021

Almost there.That is how I would describe my experience in this class. After initially reading the syllabus at the beginning of the semester, it is safe to say everyone was confused and maybe even scared of what we had to do in this class. Once I found out that we were going to be in charge of modifying the current syllabus and creating a new one for next class I immediately thought the entire class would come to an agreement to not require anything to be turned in at all. However, after we all decided on the prompts, I realized this class was the best class I could have taken. Being able to edit the prompt and requirements of A1, A2, and A3 made it so we could write what we are truly passionate about without having to worry about the actual structure, grammar, and length of the paper. My contribution to the ancestor syllabus was in A3’s prompt. I wrote the reflection description in a way that the next student that reads it will be able to follow along, line by line, and create their own reflection. I truly believe that if USC had a better plan for in-person classes regarding covid, then this class would have been in a totally different place right now. The few times we all had an active discussion I felt as if everyone participated.

—Fall 2021

[You excel at being mediocre...but everything's gonna be okay.]: A fortune from a fortune cookie that unfortunately wasn’t that fortunate.  Indeed, to think that 3000 years of Chinese fortune telling ancestry would eventually lead to me receiving a backhanded compliment from a fortune cookie at an All You Can Eat Chinese Buffet.  I was baffled by the amount of disrespect in one phrase.  In honesty, I wanted to vent out my bewildered frustration by shouting, “What the fuck, universe!” 

 However, ignoring the disrespect, there was a sense of sacredness about reading fortunes.  The historic-cultural meaning behind the sentence, even the numbers, convey something more than just triviality. Even though objectively, the creation of the fortune cookie, not including the fortune, is a little piece of paper inside a yummy cookie, possessing a humble origin originating from California’s early 20th century.  Yet, I still find myself reading and sharing my fortune with those around me, lost in wonder that it could predict the future because of its Chinese fortune-telling ancestry spanning 3000 years old, seemingly irrelevant to time.  

If restricted to a single sentence, how can we replicate a similar knee-jerking wonder from our audience?  If given a paragraph, how can we make something beyond just a fleeting memory?  If given an entire space of limitless expression, can we create an everlasting impression?  Like how a fortune from a fortune cookie is just one phrase until imbued with 3000 years of Chinese fortune telling ancestry. We must imbue our own ancestry into the triviality so that it too could become fortune in the eyes of random bystanders.

Welcome, to WRIT 340.  For this class, it’s up to you how you may become the ancestor that transforms trivial writing into fortune.

— Fall 2021

On my right wrist is a tattoo of the Southern Cross, embedded on my skin. At the age of 18, I hand-picked this tattoo design to honor my ancestors – the Filipino and Samoan people who voyaged the seas in search of new islands to call home. Whilst on their travels, this constellation grounded them in their routes, never to be lost. 

I chose this tattoo as a reminder to be grounded in my everyday life, in guidance and perseverance like my ancestors, always keeping their chin up high and voyaging the seas. In today’s world, we no longer need constellations in the sky to stay grounded through our adventures. Instead, we call upon other means. 

One of the ways in which we ground ourselves in the current world is through written passages. It is through writing that we stay in touch with those who come before us. It is through writing that we learn about our people, and in turn, ourselves. 

Ancestors – literally meaning the people who come before us, from whom one is descended. But what is the true significance of those who come before our time? What is the purpose of this? 

This class will help you voyage not the seas, but instead your own identity and give you the ability to confront your problems in the most beautiful way – on paper, through your words, with unimaginable creative freedom.

— Fall 2021

“Life is what you make of it”, I’d say, is a fairly cliché phrase. One of those phrases where you read it and say OK… now what? Has anyone really ever gotten off their feet and gotten to work on a masterpiece following the enlightenment of these seven words? It is comparable to someone who tried to be poetic at the most basic, painful level. Shot for the stars and instead landed in some stagnant world of medicore suburbia. But more terrifying than this reality perhaps is the infamous “Writing 340”. Upper division, 300 LEVEL, SENIOR CALIBER WRITING COURSE. You better be experts at this point!

Well, class. That isn’t why we’re here. An expert is only an expert if they claim to be, and at that point we have all given up. It is overrated to consider anyone an expert really. This term only strips us of the wonders derived from the phenomenon of acquiring more knowledge. We are taking that term and throwing it off a cliff in this class. There is nothing better than knowing more than you did 5 minutes ago. Have you ever played a game of trivia and actually paid attention to your wrong answers? And then at some unsuspecting time in the future, this little factoid filed away in the archives of your mind actually came in handy? How marvelous did it feel to be the smartest person in the room! And the most fulfilling part is that there is no limit to the number of moments like these you can have, if you’re only willing to try. Here we will check the term “expert” at the door of Life and never pick it back up. 

In this course, you will grapple with a lot of things. How much you grapple and what you grapple with is up to your own accord. You are only selling yourself short if you choose to input a fraction of your effort into it. Therefore, this class can be your dream come true or your worst nightmare. One thing is for sure: there are few univeristy courses where you will be alloted so much freedom. So you might as well make the most of it. This is sounding a little bit like my highly criticized phrase from above. But I suppose if we dissect it this phrase can become applicable. 

Life. Is that a generalized word, or can we agree that “life” is really defined as right this second. Each word you just glazed over in this sentence was life. It was there and then it was gone. You’re as young as you’ll ever be right now and older than you’ve ever been. That’s life. It is right now, and then it’s a second ago and then second ahead. Are you following? In this class, your life is every second that you spend in lecture, on Zoom, looking at your hopeless Word document, etc. What you should not do is discount that- not for a single moment. The only reason you place a higher value on moments of luxury and excitement is because you have not accepted that these moments are the same as the ordinary ones. They’re all a part of the unique recipe that makes up your time here. 

Is. That’s verb right? In that case, it signifies action. Action, in it’s most simplest terms, means DO SOMETHING. Do not let this class go to waste! 

What. What? You’re starting a sentence with what? That’s what! You’re probably confused now. But what else is there to say about what? You know what what is. It is WHAT. WHAT you choose to do with the ten minutes in between brushing your teeth and going to sleep. What you decide to dress yourself in each morning. Here, it is what you immerse yourself in to ignite passion and curiosity. That is what. 

You. Chaotic, impulsive, tired, anxious, lovely. You. The most important word contained in this phrase. You is special because it is for everyone and simultaneouslyfor the individual. There isn’t another you! So in this class your efforts will be particular, because they came from you. That goes for life, too. 

Make. Anything can be made- especially when “You” is involved! It is crucial that you take something that already is, and turn it into something that is your own. In your work here, that is what “making” means. 

Of. Preposition. Filler. But more than that, “of” implies the shift between action and thing. The action you are taking, is applied to the object you are taking it from. Make something of it!

It. That’s it. It is this course. Writing 340. Intimidating. Demanding. But even more than that, rewarding. This “it” can be whatever you want it to be. I can promise that it will be more fun if you let it inspire you. You are going to write about something and that something will be chosen by the one and only (You). Do not half-ass this decision. Because you and ‘chosen topic’ are going to become very familiar with each other. It will become a Rubik’s cube, with multiple different pathways to a successful finished product. What if you don’t “finsih” it? We have room for that here! That is the beauty. The power is in the process, and the process is what-you-make-of-it. Yes, we are using that phrase again. 

— Fall 2021

This class felt extremely liberating for me. For a while, I felt like I haven't been able to write a paper infused with my own writing style because there’s always a strict rubric to follow. However, this class was the first time in a while where I felt absolutely flexible to write with unconstrained “voice” and I was reminded of what writing out of self interest feels like. View this class as a section of time in your day mearley dedicated to self expression. The essays you will work on make you think about yourself and the world and there is a sort of therapy in exercising these thoughts on paper. 

• Mia