Creative Writers Workshop Syllabus and Policies

Creative Writing 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, also called “exercises” (usually done in your notebook or using a Chromebook 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.

1. Know the policies that are in the Compass.

2. Respect

This is a college-level class. If you act like a young adult I will treat you that way, at least as much as I am able to do so within the confines of a high school. Show respect for yourself, each other, Mr. Cook, other teachers, administrators, staff members, the room (including desks, floors, walls, etc.), and the equipment (books, etc.)

3. Staying organized

You will need something to write with everyday.

You will need your Compass.

You will need a writer’s notebook and/or Google Docs that you access using a Chromebook in which you will write directions, metacognitive responses, writing exercise drafts, etc. I will check your notebook occasionally.

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

4. Late work

·         If you are between one and five school days late with an assignment your grade on that paper or project will be reduced by ten points or a letter grade.

·         If you are more than five school days late with an assignment you may receive a passing grade (65) on that assignment 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) your constructive participation grade may suffer.

·         If you are late by more than seven minutes you will be marked absent and may be 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 failing grade for constructive participation for the term. You will also 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 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.