Creative Writers Workshop

Creative Writers Workshop

Mr. James Cook

jcook@gloucester.k12.ma.us

jcookcreativewriting.blogspot.com

TheElicitor.blogspot.com

Term One: Exploration of genres

• Students read examples of literature written in a particular genre.
• Students (guided by the teacher) create writing exercises based on the examples.
• Students write their own literature using the exercises.
• Students turn in a sample of each exercise and a revised draft of one exercise.
• Students give feedback to each other in peer review sessions called "workshops".
• Students then use the feedback to revise their work of literature.
• We move on to a new genre and begin the process again.

Genres:

            Fiction

Microfiction/Flash fiction/Sudden fiction/short short story

Poetry

                     Narrative verse

                                Lyrical verse

                                Formal

                                Free verse

                                Experimental

                                Poetic Journal

            Non-fiction prose

                     Journalism: articles, features, profiles, reviews, columns, etc.

                               Personal essay/memoir

            Dramatic Scripts

                        Plays, screenplays, teleplays, etc.

Grades:

• Unedited "first" drafts (usually done in your notebook during class) 30%
• Edited "second" drafts (polished up at home) and revised "third" drafts (completed after feedback from teacher & peers) 50%
• Constructive participation in workshops and metacognitive reflection on writing process 20%

Term Two: Project portfolio

• Students will design a project to complete by the end of the course.
• In the past students have produced collections of poetry and short stories, novellas, film scripts, and memoirs. Other projects are possible.

Grades

• Proposal letter (& if necessary revision of letter), Meeting deadlines, &  Quality of work along the way 20%
• Response to related reading along the way 10%
• Constructive participation in workshops and metacognitive reflection on writing process 20%
• Completion & quality of final project 50%

EXAM GRADE: Final project, reflection, & "coffeehouse" reading.

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Mr. James Cook's Class Policies

1. Know the policies that are in the Compass. 

2. Show respect, take responsibility, try hard, be engaged

·   Show respect for yourself, each other, me, other teachers, administrators, staff members, the room (including desks, floors, walls, etc.), and the equipment (books, etc.). This is especially important when we share writing with each other.

·   Take responsibility for your own education and behavior.

·   Put forth a good faith effort.

·   I promise to work hard to help you learn to think like a writer while giving you daily opportunities to respond to your environment, exercise your imagination, and express yourself.  In return I ask that you engage with the work we do in class and the work I ask you to do outside of class.

3. Writing and staying organized

You will need something to write with everyday.

You will need to use your Compass to write down assignments.

You will need a writer's notebook in which you will write directions, metacognitive responses, writing exercise drafts, etc. I will check your notebook occasionally.

You will need a folder in which to keep readings and other handouts.

4. Late work

·          If you are between one and five school days late with a major assignment (a processed paper or project for example) your grade on that paper or project will be reduced by ten points.

·          If you are more than five school days late with a major assignment (processed paper or project) you may receive a passing grade (65) on that paper or project if you discuss the lateness with me , you turn the assignment in a week or more before the end of the term, and the work meets requirements.

·          Not doing a major assignment is not an option.

5. Tardiness and Truancy from Class

·          If you are late to class (meaning you arrive at your desk after the bell and after Mr. Cook has begun the day's lesson) you may lose unit-work credit.

·          If you are late by more than seven minutes you will be marked sent to the attendance office. This is school policy as set forth in the Compass.

·          If you are discovered to have skipped class you will receive a unit-work zero for the day. You will not be able to make up any work missed on the day you skipped.

6. Absences and make-up work

·          Work missed due to absences is your responsibility. The absence policy for GHS is outlined in the Compass.

·          On the day you return to class, you will be expected to take tests, quizzes, participate, and turn in any assignments that are due on the day of return or had been due during your absence, so long as the due date was announced or posted before your absence.

Note:  These policies are subject to change.  All changes will be announced in class.  Students will cross out the changed language and write in the new.

After you have read the course overview and policies let me know in the comment box that you have read and have understood what you have read. Identify yourself with your first name and last initial.