English 9CE2011.
Creative Expression Through Writing
Course Policies and Procedures
Winter 2018Instructor: Keith Ekiss
T/TH: 11:30AM-1:20PM; EDUC 207Email:
Office Hours: T/TH: 10:30AM-11:30AM; M: 1:30PM-2:30PMOffice: Margaret Jacks (Bldg 460-210)
“Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things, you’re doomed.” —Ray Bradbury
Taking as our starting point Ray Bradbury’s advice, we’ll treat this course as a laboratory, engaging in various “word experiments” designed to test and expand our abilities and imaginations. We’ll challenge ourselves to bring our best writing to our prose and poetry, exploring the question of what makes good writing successful. We’ll think about which elements of writing are common to poetry and prose while concentrating on the tools of image, voice, character, setting, and story. Reading as writers, we’ll study examples from a variety of authors to learn what we can adopt and adapt to our own emerging styles. Writing frequently, and intensively, we’ll push our writing in new directions.
Required Text
Torres, Justin. We the Animals. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2011
Requirements
Writing: For workshop, you will turn in one story and one poem based on assignments designed to introduce you to a wide range of subjects and formal possibilities. Additionally, you will complete a portfolio of in-class and take-homewriting assignments.
Please type all assignments in 12-point font. On each assignment, include your name, assignment number (e.g., Poem #1), the piece’s title (all pieces must be titled), and the date. Bring enough copies for each member of the class, and a couple of extra copies.Assignments may NOT be submitted via e-mail.
**You will receive a grade of ‘C’ for any assignment submitted after the due date, unless we have made other arrangements prior to the assignment’s deadline.
Participation: Because this course is discussion-based, thoughtful, regular participation will be a key component of your success. I expect you to engage closely with the readings in the course texts, bringing your ideas and observations to each class. You will also complete a series of in-class exercises designed to expand your sense of formal innovation.
Interview: As a core component of the class, you’ll interview a writer or creative individual in your field and prepare a 4-5 page profile. This is your chance to identify, contact, and talk with someone about how he or she made it as a writer or creative professional. You’ll summarize your conversation with the individual and discuss how your conversation impacted your ideas about writing and creativity.
Readings: All students must attend a minimum of three readings over the course of the term. As an alternative to a reading, you can substitute a visit to Poet’s House or an Art of Writing seminar. Please do not take notes during the readings. A list of events is located on the Creative Writing web site:
ABSENCES: Attendance and participation is absolutely critical to your success in this course. You will be granted two unexcused absences for the duration of the semester. Notification should be given to the instructor
in advance for any absences. Additional absences will drop your final grade by one full letter grade for each session missed.
TARDINESS: Since this is a discussion class, punctuality is very important. If you must come late for any reason during the quarter (or request to leave early), please let me know as soon as possible. If you are more than five minutes late to class without prior permission, this will count as an unexcused absence. Frequent tardiness within 5 minutes may count as an absence at the instructor’s discretion.
Conferences: My office hours are listed above. If that time is not convenient, I am happy to schedule an alternative. I may request a conference if I think it would benefit your work or progress. Please reserve e-mail for simple requests, or minor housekeeping matters.
Grading and Revision: The percentages of contribution to your final grade are as follows:
In-class participation25%
Written Assignments40%
Interview15%
Reading attendance10%
Written peer feedback10%
Paper work: You will receive a lot of paper in this course, such as hand-outs, student writing, and critiques from your fellow students. Be prepared to get organized and consider purchasing a file folder or binder. Do not discard any of your work during the quarter.
Disability Support: Students who may need an academic accommodation based on the impact of a disability must initiate the request with the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) located within the Office of Accessible Education (OAE). SDRC staff will evaluate the request with required documentation, recommend reasonable accommodations, and prepare an Accommodation Letter for faculty dated in the current quarter in which the request is being made. Students should contact the SDRC as soon as possible since timely notice is needed to coordinate accommodations. The OAE is located at 563 Salvatierra Walk (phone: 723-1066, 723-1067 TTY).
Academic Integrity: For questions regarding proper classroom and student conduct, please refer to the Stanford Student Honor Code.
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EGL-9CE, Creative Expression Through Writing