Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2017 - ENGL 472W D100

Advanced Creative Writing (4)

Class Number: 1070

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2017: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ENGL 372 or 374.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced seminar-workshop in the theory and practice of poetry or fiction. Genre varies from term to term. Students with credit for ENGL 472 prior to fall 2015 may not complete this course for further credit. Otherwise, course may be repeated for credit when the genre varies. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will offer students the opportunity to explore both conventions and innovations in prose fiction through the disciplined practice of writing.  Throughout the course, we will closely read different types of fiction in order to build an eye/ear and a practical vocabulary for matters regarding point-of-view, consciousness, focalization, free-indirect discourse, story vs. plot, detail, sound, spatial form, etc.  We will also devote considerable time to collectively work-shopping pieces of writing submitted by members of the class (e.g. short stories, excerpts of novels, linked prose vignettes, etc.).  At the end of the course, students will submit a portfolio consisting of carefully revised writing, as well as a descriptive self-study of the project. The goal of the course is to help us become closer and more active readers of fiction, while enabling us to pursue, in an informed and supportive studio environment, the challenge of writing.  Seating for this class is limited. 

All students will be considered for the Ying Chen Creative Writing Award, an annual prize of $1,300 given to the best undergraduate writer in an academic year.

Grading

  • Reading Assignments (4 of 2 pages each) 20%
  • Fiction Submission to be Workshopped (10 pages) 25%
  • Final Portfolio (revised submission and self-study -- 20 pages) 35%
  • Participation and Peer Feedback 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Diaz, Junot.  Drown. Riverhead, 2002.
ISBN: 978-1573226066

Gardner, John.  The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers.  Vintage, 1991. 
ISBN: 978-0679734031

Hempel, Amy.  The Collected Stories of Amy Hempel.  Scribner, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0743291637

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS