Engl. 1303 Syllabus 1
ENGL 1303: Basic Creative Writing
Instructor:Lori Cook
Office: N/A Meetings will be conducted in the Library or Business Building 2nd Floor
Phone:Email is the best way to get in touch with me.
Email:
Office Hours: By appointment and Scheduled Office hours (Monday and Wednesday 1:00-2:00)
Class: Monday, Wednesday, 2:30-3:50 p.m. Class is equal to 3 credit hours.
Classroom: Ratliff Building North (RBN) 02011
Textbook: No textbook will be required. Readings will be distributed in class or uploaded to Blackboard. PRINTOUTS ARE REQUIRED FOR CLASS.
Supplies:
1.A 3” binder to keep a portfolio for all drafts, peer review edits, assignments, and final papers.
2.Computer to access Blackboard. Laptops may be used in class for generative writing tasks ONLY.
3.Internet access for Blackboard use, email.
NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change depending on the needs of the class. Any adjustments that are made will be given in advance, verbally in class, and in written form via blackboard, email, or in print in class. Lori Cook
Course Description:
The purpose of this class is to introduce you to various creative writing forms such as poetry, fiction, short stories, flash fiction, and creative personal non-fiction. The goal of the class is to teach you how to generate these creative forms and effectively evaluate and revise creative texts. This goal will be accomplished by reading various published creative works as professional examples, original student writings, learning and recognizing rhetorical strategies and how they are applied in a text, and practicing generative writing skills. You will be responsible for writing and revising multiple creative works through the semester. This class will be a workshop environment in which originalstories and poems will be reviewed by your fellow students and the instructor. You will be responsible for responding verbally and in written form to your fellow students during class. Appropriate workshop etiquette will be learned and observed throughout the semester. A cumulative portfolio of drafts and original, revised stories will be turned in at the end of the semester.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to generate, appraise, and critique a text by applying skills learned in writing practice through drafting, revision, editing, and proofreading.
- Demonstrate the ability to work with peers in a collaborative writing group.
- Locate and criticize relevant, rhetorical attributes of a story and construct critical verbal and written responses or arguments.
- Learn and develop appropriate etiquette for verbal and written responses and critiques.
- Expand personal knowledge of creative expression through writing, reading, and peer group exercises.
Explanation of Requirements:
Grades: You will receive letter grades for: creative works, successful completion of portfolio, reflective essays,daily quizzes, completion of peer group editing participation letters, and final exam essay.
Grade Breakdown:
Portfolios: For each creative work generated (poem, short story, creative personal non-fiction, or fiction) you will be required to submit a final draft for the instructor’s review along with all drafts of the main assignment, drafts showing peer work and revisions /rewriting, and a one page reflective essay over each finished work. Please note, all Unit portfolios will require the complete record of your generation, drafts, revisions, and peer reviews to receive full credit for your work. Please be diligent about saving your work. You will turn this portfolio in one binder at the end of the semester with each work separated by genre. Organization details will be provided separate of syllabus.
Final Exam: The final exam will beover material learned during the course of the semester and a substantial reflection essay. While the final may count for a small percentage, missing the final exam will result in failing the course.
Late Papers:Students will sign up to present their stories and you will have plenty of time to prepare. Late papers will drop a full letter grade (e.g. A to B) for each class day that it is overdueand not presented. We will be going by a schedule for in-class presentations and it is strongly encouraged that you present during your scheduled time period. This is major part of your participation grade and it also will reflect in your final portfolio if you do not turn your paper in on time.
Attendance: Please note the participation credit for the final course grade. You are allowed 3 absences the entire semester for emergencies. Since these absences are reserved for emergencies, you must explain and document these absences. Beyond three emergency-based absences, every absence brings your final grade down to a lower letter grade (e.g., A to B). Your attendances will be documented by the instructor on the class roster. The breakdown of grading is as follows:
- 3 excused & 1 unexcused absences = Final letter grade drops by one grade
- 5 undocumented absences = Final letter grade drops by two grades
- 6 undocumented absences = Failure of course
Student Absence due to Religious Observance: Students who anticipate being absent from class due to a religious observance are requested to inform the instructor of such absences by the second class meeting of the semester.
Student Absence for University-Sponsored Events and Activities: If you intend to be absent for a university-sponsored event or activity, you (or the event sponsor) must notify the instructor at least two weeks prior to the date of the planned absence. At that time the instructor will set a date and time when make-up assignments will be completed.
Tardiness:
There are times that being late cannot be helped. In the event you know you will be late, please send an email to the instructor and/or text a classmate to let the instructor know you are coming.
Technology in the Classroom:
There will be the opportunity to bring your computers to class to do generative writing. Surfing the net and social media such as Facebook will not be allowed. Cell phone use of texting and talking on the phone is strictly prohibited. If you have small children or an emergency, please see me prior to class so that I am aware you might need to leave. This is a matter of classroom etiquette and mutual respect. Thank you.
University Policies:
Grade Replacement/Forgiveness: If you are repeating this course for a grade replacement, you must file an intent to receive grade forgiveness with the registrar by the 12th day of class. Failure to do so will result in both the original and repeated grade being used to calculate your overall grade point average. Undergraduates will receive grade forgiveness (grade replacement) for only three course repeats; graduates, for two course repeats during his/her career at UT Tyler.
Required MAPP Test for all Juniors: The University of Texas at Tyler requires theMeasure of Academic Proficiency & Progress (MAPP) Testof all first time degree-seeking students who have completed at least 60 semester credit hours must complete the MAPP Test by the April, 2010 registration period. The MAPP is a web-based test used to assess general academic skills developed through core curriculum courses. MAPP testing sessions will be offered beginning in September, 2009, on all three campuses. The MAPP testing schedule on the main campus is posted at Students on the Tyler campus register for the testing session of their choice by e-mail to . Register at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability in your preferred session. The Tyler campus testing site is RBN 3040. Students attending the Longview University Center or the Palestine Campus may take the MAPP during regular operating hours of the open computer labs at each site. Why do we require this test? UT Tyler is committed to quality instruction and learning. The MAPP is a nationally normed test that allows comparison of UT Tyler group scores with national peers. The prestige of your degree will be impacted through national recognition based on UT Tyler performance.
Disability Services: If you have a disability, including a learning disability, for which you request disability support services/accommodation(s), please contact Ida MacDonald in the Disability Support Services office so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting disability support services/accommodation(s) must provide appropriate documentation of his/her disability to the Disability Support Services counselor. In order to assure approved services the first week of class, diagnostic, prognostic, and prescriptive information should be received 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester services are requested. For more information, call or visit the Student Services Center located in the University Center, Room 282. The telephone number is 566-7079 (TDD 565-5579). Additional information may also be obtained at the following UT Tyler Web address:
Social Security and FERPA Statement: It is the policy of The University of Texas at Tyler to protect the confidential nature of social security numbers. The University has changed its computer programming so that all students have an identification number. The electronic transmission of grades (e.g., via e-mail) risks violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; grades will not be transmitted electronically.
Student Standards of Academic Conduct: Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who engages in scholastic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.