Advanced Creative Writing

English 598 (2010/2011)

ADVANCED CREATIVE WRITING

The Book Length Manuscript

(Poetry)

Instructor: Robert Majzels

Course description

English 598 is an advanced course in creative writing, intended to offer the practiced student an opportunity to work intensively on a book-length poetry manuscript. The objective is to go beyond the occasional production of individual poems, to develop a sustained writing practice working through an interrelated set of thematic and formal problems. The specific poetic genre or combination of genres may vary and will be determined by the student’s particular project, but it should be informed by an awareness of contemporary literary poetics. Forms may include anything from modern narrative or lyric poetry to sound, concrete, interventionist, language, conceptual or digital writing.

Prerequisites for Application

Students enrolled in this course are likely to have already taken English 364, English 494, or an equivalent discipline with consent of the department. The instructor will select qualified students for admission to the course based upon the quality of their writing samples submitted with the application.

Requirements for Submission

Students wishing to attend this course must submit a portfolio (10to 20 pages long), consisting of work by the applicant. Although you may submit other forms of writing, you are advised to include poetry. Keep copies for yourself in case of loss, and include a SASE if you wish to have the department return your work. All work must be legibly typeset in its intended mode of presentation on 8.5" by 11" paper.

Students must include a completed copy of the attached questionnaire and a brief (one to two page) written proposal describing the book-length project the student wishes to complete during the course.

All portfolios must be submitted to the department no later than 15 Aug 2010. The names of students granted permission to register in the course will be announced by 31 Aug 2010. The enrollment for this course is strictly limited. Not all students can be granted consent to register; consequently, all students are encouraged to sign up in advance for a second course so as to avoid disappointment if they do not receive permission to participate in this course. Successful applicants can change their registration.

APPLICATION FORM

English 598 (2010/2011)

Advanced Creative Writing

DUE: 15 AUGUST 2010

Full Name:______

Student ID:______

Address:______

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Phone Number:______

Email Address:______

List all courses already taken in creative writing (including teacher’s name):

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List some relevant courses taken in literary studies (including teacher’s name):

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If you have literary publications, list some (beginning with most recent work in print):

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List three of your favourite poets and your favourite books by them:

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Attach a one-page proposal describing (as much as you are able at this time) the book-length project you intend to work on during the course.