MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Creative Writing

Course: CRW150

First Term: 2012 Spring

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: Introduces the student to elements and techniques of creative writing in a variety of genres; teaches terminology and concepts needed for successful participation in writing workshops; facilitates writing practice and evaluation; offers individual guidance on the student`s development as a writer.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Use several different techniques and sources of invention and discovery to generate ideas for creative writing. (I) 2. Write samples of creative work in a variety of genres. (I-IV) 3. Evaluate language in professional and student writing, considering precision, conciseness, use of connotation and use of figurative language. (II-III, V-VI) 4. Use imagery in a variety of genres. (II) 5. In a creative work, use plot, character, setting, point of view, theme, and dialogue. (II) 6. Distinguish between showing and telling, and write examples of both. (II) 7. Identify cliches, sentimentality, insufficient revision, insufficient editing, and inappropriate genre choice in writing samples. (III, V-VI) 8. Identify the elements that characterize each genre of creative writing. (IV) 9. Compose a constructive response to student writing in a creative writing workshop. (V-VI) 10. Evaluate student and professional writing according to its aesthetic value, its adherence to a particular form if applicable, the overall quality of its writing, and its use of elements particular to the genre it is in. (V-VI) 11. Use a variety of workshop techniques to facilitate discussion, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of student writing. (V) 12. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate another writer`s creative work. (V-VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Invention and Discovery A. Techniques 1. Freewriting 2. Writer`s notebook 3. Journal 4. Models 5. Other B. Sources 1. Memory 2. Dreams 3. Interview 4. Reading 5. Computer databases and networks 6. Other II. Elements of Creative Writing A. Language 1. Precision 2. Conciseness 3. Connotation 4. Figurative language B. Imagery C. Plot and story 1. Tension and conflict 2. Plausibility D. Character development E. Setting and atmosphere F. Point of view G. Theme H. Showing and telling I. Dialogue J. Tone III. Problems A. Cliche and sentimentality B. Lack of development/depth C. Insufficient revision D. Insufficient editing E. Inappropriate genre F. Other IV. Overview of Genres A. Poetry B. Fiction C. Stage play D. Screen play E. Creative nonfiction F. Other V. Workshop Preparation A. Explication and paraphrase B. Interpretation C. Questions and comments VI. Workshop Techniques A. Reading aloud B. Analyzing and evaluating C. Constructive commentary D. Collaborative writing

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 11/22/2011

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.