Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - ENGL 272 D100

Creative Reading (3)

Class Number: 3527

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ENGL 111W, 112W, 113W, 114W, or 115W; or WL 105W; or PUB 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the art of reading for creative writers, focusing on the linguistic, literary, and conceptual tools writers use to manipulate language to create different experiences for those encountering it, and exposing new writers to innovative literature. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will introduce ourselves to the practice of creative writing by learning to read closely and actively ‘as writers.’  We will analyze fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction, learning how these forms work, and appreciating how authors in different contexts have sustained and challenged literary traditions.  We will address issues such as voice, details, perspective, constraints, speculative writing, the ethics of representation, and the question of writing-what-you-know.  We will also closely examine how authors themselves have articulated their practice and sustained their efforts.

Much of the course will involve the regular completion of creative reading assignments, which will serve as prompts for classroom discussions, and which students will assemble into a journal.  In addition to reading a variety of texts from a number of acclaimed authors, we will study at least one book by a professional writer who will visit the class and share their own perspectives on writing and the writing life.  Students will also have the chance to ‘pitch’ and work directly upon a writing project of their own.  Finally, there will be a ‘self-study’ component to the course, in which students will reflect personally upon their engagement with course materials.

The goals of this course are to become more knowledgeable and passionate readers, to learn terms and skills towards the composition and editing of creative writing, to find space and guidance to begin embarking upon our own writing projects, and to prepare ourselves for advanced creative writing classes.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Reading Responses (4 in total) 20%
  • Pitch for a Creative Project 20%
  • Creative Project 30%
  • Self-Study 20%

NOTES:

Your participation grade will reflect not only your attendance but especially your degree of informed participation in classroom exercises and discussions of weekly readings.  Please be aware that your participation must be satisfactory in order for you to receive credit for this course.

Your reading responses will be up to 2 pages in length (no longer) and due at the very beginning of each class.  We will oftentimes open classes by inviting students to share responses with the class.  In your response, you will first, for a page, draw attention to a particular stylistic feature in the required reading(s) for that week.  You will then, for another page, explicitly ‘model’ this stylistic feature, thereby creating your own original piece of creative writing.  The 4 assignments are each worth 5% of your final grade, for a total of 20%.  You may choose when you would like to offer a reading response; however, you must ensure that you have completed 4 responses by the end of the semester.

Your pitch for a creative project will be 3-4 pages in length and delivered orally to the class.  You will describe what you plan to write, why this project interests you (in part by referencing other creative works that have inspired you), and how you plan on completing this project (by offering, for instance, a writing timeline, an outline of research you will perform, and even a list of challenges that you anticipate).

Your creative project will be 8-10 pages in length, absolutely no longer, and executed in carefully written prose or poetry.  It will be submitted on the last day of class along with your self-study project.

Your self study will be 4-5 pages in length and offer a narrative of your personal engagement with the course discussions and materials.  It will require you to cite course materials and discussions whenever possible.  It will also offer your own personal reflections upon your creative project as well as any future writing you may wish to do.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Pagh, Nancy.  Write Moves: A Creative Writing Guide and Anthology.  Broadview Press, 2016
ISBN: 978-1554812264

Ramji, Shazia Hafiz.  Port of Being.  Invisibility Publishing, 2018
ISBN: 978-1988784120

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).