Intermediate Creative Wrting
Reading as Writers
Course Description
“In order for a writer to succeed, I suggest three things – read and write – and wait.”– Countee Cullen
This intermediate creative writing course focuses on the continued improvement of student writing through reading and discussing models in literature. The emphasis of the course is on reading texts as writers, and discussion of craft. It operates with the belief that writers must read deeply and extensively in order to hone their work. Students will explore their literary interests and proclivities through regular reading and writing activities designed to promote an in-depth understanding and appreciation for the craft of writing. Students will intellectually engage with both contemporary and classic authors and use the craft elements discussed in class to compose their own original poetry and prose. Furthermore, students will develop an iterative writing process they will be able to apply across genres and disciplines through regular self-reflection and revision. Student responsibilities include class participation, several short writing assignments, peer reviews of other students’ writing, and a final portfolio of revised work.
Note: This is a synchronous online course. In addition to attending live class sessions via Zoom, you will also be asked to engage with your peers and instructor through email, blogs, social networking, and other collaborative learning tools.
Course Learning Outcomes
| CLO | Translation | Experience |
| 1. Gather, interpret, and assess information from a variety of sources and points of view related to the production of written creative work in a variety of genres. | Read Manual (Craft/How to) essays, as well as Model (creative pieces) pieces to understand both the process and product of creative writing. | Mix of assigned and in-class readings |
| 2. Produce well-reasoned written or oral arguments using evidence to support conclusions; and Evaluate evidence and arguments critically or analytically. | Read Like a Writer, assessing the choices and techniques of writers in order to improve your own craft. | In-class discussions and writing activities |
| 3. Identity and apply the fundamental concepts and methods Creative Writing. | Learn the elements and techniques of each genre covered, and apply these methods to your writing | Major genre writing assignments, blog posts, and in class writing activities |
| 4. Analyze how arts from diverse cultures of the past serve as a foundation for those of the present and describe the significance of works of art in the societies that created them. | Read classic and contemporary work to discuss the evolution of craft and the ideas on “good” writing | Mix of assigned and in-class readings; In-class discussions and writing activities |
| 5. Articulate how meaning is created in the arts or communications and how experience is interpreted and conveyed through creative work. | Use Critical-Creative thinking to understand and describe what is successful/effective about a creative piece | In-class discussions and writing activities; Peer review workshops |
| 6. Demonstrate knowledge of the skills involved in the creative process. | Develop your own writing process and understand what works for you; as well understand the importance of peer review, revision, and publishing. | First drafts and first revisions of major genre assignments; Peer review workshops; In-class discussions and writing activities |
| 7. Use appropriate technologies to conduct research and to communicate. | Engage in multimodal tools of composing that fit with our digital creative world. | Major genre writing assignments, blog posts, and in class writing activities |
Required Materials
This is a Zero Textbook Cost course. There are links to reading assignments that live online, and I have uploaded additional materials in portable document format (.pdf).
City College Blackboard: Other reading and writing materials, PowerPoint slideshows, educational links and videos will be posted online on Bb during the semester. Note: You must use your CCNY email address in Bb (log in to the CCNY Portal, click Blackboard, then Update Email in the Tools menu). If you add a non-CCNY domain email address in this window, you will not receive important course announcements.
CUNY Academic Commons: Other writing activities and assessments will be posted to the course blog on the CUNY Academic Commons throughout the semester. Overall, the course blog is a way for us to begin conversations about our work that we will continue offline in both small group and whole-class discussions. Note: You must use your CCNY College email address in order to access the Academic Commons. Register for an account at https://commons.gc.cuny.edu.
Photo: I accidentally brought money to a book sale. by Brittany Stevens is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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