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Spring 2009,
3 Credits, #5156
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Some additional aims of this course:
In some ways this class is like the proverbial arts enclave: a comfortable meeting place for writers who are seeking the support, feedback, and stimulation of other writers. We sit down together, share and discuss our writing. That's the gist of it.
This is also an academic experience, of course, and I do need to ultimately assign a grade for each student. Though much of the class is student-directed and open, you'll complete some assigned projects as well as a self-published chapbook.
Grades
Grading is based on a simple point system, in which your aim is to earn as close to 100 as possible. You’ll start the semester with 0, then earn credit for the assignments described below. To arrive at a specific number of points for a given assignment, I generally first assign a grade where Very Good=A; Good=B; Fair=C; Poor=D; Unacceptable=F. I then fine-tune that letter grade judgment with points.
At the end of the term, I tally the points you've earned for all course work and determine a semester grade where 90-100=A, 79-89=B , 68-78=C, 57-67=D, below 57=F.
Click on pics below for full assignments:
Notebook (30 pts. or 30% of semester grade)
Your notebook is something to carry with you throughout the semester, jotting ideas and producing short writings every chance you get. It's a place to try anything and everything without worrying about being judged; to think on paper; to practice experiencing the world as a writer who is always awake to possibilities. Your final notebook should be the equivalent of at least 30 pages, typed and double-spaced, and will be checked two or more times in the course of the term.
For full notebook instructions, click here.
Exercises and Miscellaneous (20 pts. or 20% of semester grade)
You will often be completing an assortment of short exercises, in-class writing, quizzes, Blackboard postings, brief small-group projects, writing prompts, excursions outside the classroom, and any number of mysterious and challenging something-somethings. Expect the unexpected.
Workshop (check method)
Workshopping is the heart of this course: good-spirited, large-group discussion of work written by class members. Click here for full instructions.
Chapbook (50 pts. possible or 50% of semester total)
"A tree crying out to be covered with leaves."
Your chapbook will be a self-published collection of your completed stories and/or poems. It will contain work which has been conscientiously revised (mainly with the help of workshop feedback), and may include completed class projects (see below). Click here for full chapbook instructions.
Optional Projects
These projects are larger exercises designed to give you practice with a variety of skills and approaches. They are all optional, but may help you produce material for workshop, notebook, and/or chapbook. Click on the links below for specifics:
Fiction Project 1 | Fiction Project 2 | Poetry Project 1 | Poetry Project 2 | Poetry Project 3 |
Feel free to visit, call, or email me if you ever have questions or concerns.
Disclaimer! I believe
in the creative as well as practical value of spontaneity. I also believe
that disorder is always there, lurking in any plan or scheme no matter
how carefully devised— especially my own. I therefore reserve the
right, if the occasion warrants it, and with ample advance notice to you,
to alter some of the details on this page as the semester progresses. Fundamental
aspects of the course, such as basic requirements and aims, will not change.
A Note to English Majors
During their senior year, English majors generally enroll in the English Capstone course (Engl 467), during which they assemble a portfolio containing representative written work from NDSU English courses. The English Department evaluates these portfolios to assess its undergraduate programs, analyzing how student work meets departmental outcomes. In order to facilitate the preparation of senior portfolios, English majors are encouraged to save copies of their written work (in electronic and hard copy) each semester.
Departmental Outcomes
This course meets at least three English Dept. outcomes:
General Education Outcomes
This course has been approved for the Humanities and Fine arts category in General Education because it 1) “promotes the appreciation of aesthetics and the expression of creativity”; and 2) “systematically explores cultural and intellectual forces shaping events, individual expression, and social values.”
The course meets the following General Education Outcomes:
#1: “Communicate effectively in a variety of contexts and formats.”
#6: “Integrate knowledge and ideas in a coherent and meaningful manner.”
Americans with Disabilities Statement/Students with Special Needs
Any students with disabilities or other special needs, who need special accommodations in this course are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.
Student Conduct
All interactions in this course including interactions by email, weblogs, discussion boards, or other online methods will be civil and students will demonstrate respect for one another. Student conduct at NDSU is governed by the Code of Student Behavior. See http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/vpsa/code/ for more information.
University Statement on Academic Honesty
All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, Section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct. http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm
Any instances of deliberate plagiarism in English 323 will result in an F for the course.
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