7000014 - Creative Writing through Reading
Course Description
Reading is not only an act of leisure but a vital part of a writer’s job, and most writers will admit, in part, that they’ve learned how to write through reading.
In Creative Writing through Reading, you are encouraged to think about reading as a creative act in which you can collaborate with an author to create an imagined world and consider the reading of creative work as an act that builds empathy.
Read examples of literary work through the lens of the writing practice and learn to consider questions of authorial choice—including implications of choices related to point of view, structure and voice. You are encouraged to consider creative writing as an art of authorial choice and selection, and to expand your own range of choice.
Concentrate on three genres: fiction (short story, novel excerpts), creative non-fiction (memoir, lyric essay) and poetry. Techniques for getting started as a writer, generating material, finding a voice, and transforming life experience into writing are also covered.
It is important to note that this course is structured as a workshop. Feedback is exchanged between your instructor and fellow writers in a “roundtable” setting. Offering your classmates responses to their work is part of the process.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Define what it means to read closely (reading and responding to close readings in fiction, non-fiction and poetry)
- Identify various approaches to style including dialogue, description, character development, sound and rhythm
- Apply stylistic techniques to your writing
- Demonstrate the use of creative writing styles and techniques in your writing
- Give and receive effective writing feedback through the practice of "workshopping"
Course Topics
- What does it mean to read closely?
- Writing Basics: Words, Sentences, and Paragraphs
- Fiction: Character, Dialogue and Science, and Structure and Plot
- Poetry: Sound, Voice and the Line in Free Verse
- Creative Non-Fiction: Different forms and the Memoir
- Revisions and the Writing Practice
Job Market Overview
Additional Requirements
There are no prerequisites for this course. You may take this as an individual course or choose to complete the Creative Writing Certificate. This is one of two required courses for the certificate.
Assessment
| Assessment Items | Weight |
|---|---|
| Participation: Discussion, and Workshops | 30% |
| Weekly Writing Exercises | 15% |
| Journal Responses | 15% |
| Final Portfolio | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Please note that the course assessment is subject to change.
Sponsoring Partner
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Creative Writing Certificate : Required Courses
Technical Requirements
You are responsible for ensuring that your computer system meets the necessary system requirements. Use the browser check tool to ensure your browser settings are compatible and up to date (results will be displayed in a new browser window).
*Course details are subject to change.