COURSES

Each week, students will read a short prose piece that exemplifies an element (such as dynamic characterization) or a technique (such as symbolism).  This would provide students with ideas and inspiration to launch into their own creative compositions.

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For example, the short story “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver could be used to pay attention to how a complex symbol is fashioned in the course of a narrative, and to demonstrate unexpected internal shifts in a character following an interaction with another.

The story could lead to a “prompt” students could use to write a scene where tension between two characters results in unexpected outcomes.  Student work would be discussed in a workshop led by the instructor, with the aim of providing the author with feedback and suggestions—all of it in an encouraging and supportive fashion. 

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The course would meet objectives critical to the process of composing creative work.  It would introduce students to work they could learn from; it would inspire them to produce their own work, present it to an audience, and receive valuable feedback they could use to grow their craft.  It would also teach students the art of critiquing peer work in productive ways (as modeled by the instructor).  Finally, it would teach students to read texts carefully and closely. 

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At the end of six weeks, each student would have a portfolio they could share beyond the class!