Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - ENGL 272 D100

Creative Reading (3)

Class Number: 4659

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 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:

Creative Reading for Writers

In this course, students are introduced to the informed practice of creative writing by learning to read closely and actively 'as writers.' They will explore diverse texts within the genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to understand how various techniques and styles can be applied to their writing. Each week, students will engage in writing exercises, often using assigned readings as models. This will allow them to practice within each genre and revise these exercises into longer pieces or create new works for their final portfolio. Students will engage in rich discussions about the roles and responsibilities of writers and artists, the dynamics of publishing within various communities, and contemporary debates about appropriation and ethics. They will also explore the intersection of literary theory and practice. This course uniquely highlights the colonial histories of writing conventions such as "show, don’t tell," emphasizes the function of orality in writing, explores the embodied relationships between readers and writers, and centers writing produced by marginalized peoples. The goals of this course are to become more attentive and passionate readers of literature, to engage the world of literature as an informed practitioner, to learn a practical vocabulary for the composition and editing of literary works, and to prepare for participation in advanced creative writing workshops. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Gain literacy in key terms related to creative writing and literary craft.
  • Learn to engage in didactic and reflective relationships with literary texts.
  • Write within a community, free from the pressures of traditional publication demands and expectations.
  • Be exposed to literary works that you might not have otherwise encountered.
  • Question (though not completely discard) conventions of writing in the pursuit of expression.
  • Reflect on how coloniality continues to shape our reading and writing practices.
  • Build confidence in your ability to create meaningful art.
  • Embrace the potential of art to liberate perceptions of self and others.
  • Participate in ephemeral yet important conversations about using your voice.

Grading

  • Attendance 10%
  • Verbal Participation 10%
  • Ten Writing Exercises 20%
  • Five Reading Responses 20%
  • Final Portfolio 40%

NOTES:

Attendance will be graded as follows: 100% for perfect attendance, 90-99% for missing 1 class or being late up to 2 times, 80-89% for missing 2 classes or being late up to 4 times, 70-79% for missing 3 classes or being late up to 6 times, 60-69% for missing 4 classes or being late up to 8 times, and below 60% for missing more than 4 classes or being late more than 8 times. Excused absences with documentation are not penalized.

Verbal Participation will be assessed based on the frequency, quality, and creativity of contributions in class discussions. Students should offer insightful comments that demonstrate engagement with the material, provide constructive feedback to peers, and contribute respectfully to discussions. Preparedness, active listening, and the ability to offer original perspectives are also important factors. Note that verbal participation pertains to contributions made in words, whether written or spoken.

Graded Writing Exercises include a flash essay about an experience of travel, a letter to your childhood self, a flash essay on your relationship to reading and writing, a review of an artwork or film, a short story using only dialogue, a character sketch, a 250-word story, a lyric poem, a poem using a chosen form from a provided list, and a golden shovel poem. Each completed writing exercise is worth 2%. Note that there may be in-class writing exercises that are not graded but can provide opportunities for you to be assessed on verbal participation.

You are required to complete five 500-word Reading Responses. Your responses should focus on one of the following: 1) how a particular craft element discussed in class is used; 2) why and how a specific image, phrase, or line struck you and its effectiveness; or 3) any craft-related question the poem or prose raised. Do not summarize the work, but engage critically with the reading by asking, "how/why did the writer do that?" Each completed reading response is worth 5%.

The Final Portfolio consists of revised versions of four writing exercises: two poems (one page each), one microfiction (up to 500 words), one short story (1000 words), and one work of creative nonfiction (1200 words). The portfolio must include a reflective introduction (1000-1500 words) that introduces each of creative work, reflects on the revisions undertaken, demonstrate insight into craft gained from the processes of writing and revising, and a brief commentary on the overall development of your reading and writing skills throughout the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Throughout the course, students will read a wide range of literary forms, including essays, letters, interviews, travelogues, personal histories, autobiographies, biographies, journalistic writing, experimental prose, microfictions, short stories, prose poems, narrative poems, and lyric poems. They will also explore various poetic forms such as the villanelle, ballad, sonnet, golden shovel, ghazal, ode, elegy, epistle, ekphrasis, haiku, as well as experimental, found, conceptual, and visual poems. All course materials will be provided via Canvas, including scanned excerpts, PDFs, and links to audio recordings, magazines, journals, and blogs.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.