Creative Writing Syllabus
Sue. Churchill
873-6861
Churchill Home

Every animal leaves traces of what it was; man alone leaves traces of what he created.
The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski  

“Nothing can be created out of nothing.”
De Rerum Natura by Lucretius

Welcome to Creative Writing!!  I hope for this to be the most enriching class you will have here at WCHS.  That, of course, depends largely on you.  No one can give you the ability to write; it is gained only by practice.  I can provide you with good models and explain processes and patterns, but, the practice itself is what makes the difference.  Your  homework is, therefore, very important.  It won’t be every night; it won’t be difficult or time-consuming; it will require you to reflect and write.  Writing is a power I want you to have in your life.  It empowers us in clearer thinking, in self-expression, and in communication.  Writing can be a great pleasure.  But, honestly, the act of writing can also be exasperating and painful.  The pleasure sometimes comes more from the product than the process.  As Kentucky author George Ella Lyon says, “the only thing worse than writing is not writing.”

         We have no text book for this course, but please keep the handouts I give you, so we can refer back to them.  Please keep all drafts of all your writing, as well.  My evaluation of your work will be based on the entire package you turn in, not merely the final draft of any piece of writing.  This allows me to count your effort and assess the development of a piece of writing, rather than simply grading you on the writing skills you already had.  We will start our course with poetry, working with the basic elements of all good writing: economy, imagery and detail, figures of speech, and rhythm or style.  Our later units will include the writing of a children’s book, creative non-fiction, and finally, fiction/short story.

Supplies:

–-One three ring binder with pockets.  Use this to collect class notes, assignments, and handouts.

-–Looseleaf notebook paper for binder

-–Blue or black pens; PENCIL, MARKER OR OTHER INK COLORS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR WORK YOU WILL TURN IN.

–-2 file folders: one for turning in projects and one for your class file.

–-One “blank book” for your children’s book.  This may be purchased through your teacher.

–one package of Post-it Notes

            --highlighter

            --computer diskettes

Grades:

Homework assignments must be legible, neat, and turned in on time for you to receive credit.   Only one side of the paper should be used for any assignments.  All formal assignments should be typed.  All works must have a title, and except for poems, works must be double-spaced.  The grade for late projects will be lowered ten points for each day, except in the case of excused absence.  After four days, you may turn in a project, but for an “F” (60) at best. Your grade will be based on the following percentages and grading scale:

92-100 = A                                   45% Writing

83- 91 = B                                    33% Homework and class participation            

74- 82 = C                                    12% Projects and presentations

65- 73 = D                                    10% Final Portfolio and Class Anthology
     (Counts as Final Exam)  

64 and below = F

Participation Grade:  Enthusiastic participation will positively affect your grade, while distraction and disruption will have a negative impact. I will give you a monthly class participation grade based on your contributions to class–-your willingness to share your work and your efforts to respond to the work of other students.  I will keep a chart on my desk where you will receive points for participation in class discussion and keeping yourself on task and you will lose points for off-task behavior such as inappropriate talking or sleeping.   You must also evaluate your own class participation every month.   

Participation Grading Scale:

MAKE-UP WORK: It is your responsibility to take care of make-up work when you are absent.  Please check with me     AFTER SCHOOL.  During class I will be busy with the current day’s activities.  You should contact me or another     student to find out what you missed.  My home phone number is 873-6861.  If you or your parents have questions, you may call me at that number before 9 p.m.

PLAN OF STUDY                          

REMEMBER, ALL SUPPORTING MATERIALS MUST BE TURNED IN WITH FINAL DRAFTS. 

**Always keep a copy of any INDIVIDUAL draft you turn in!!**  

I look forward to a great semester working with you!!!