You'll explore the basics of writing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The class covers elements like character development, plot structure, imagery, and voice. You'll read works by established authors, practice various writing techniques, and participate in workshops to give and receive feedback on your own pieces.
It's not typically a tough class in terms of workload, but it can be challenging in other ways. The hardest part for most people is sharing their work and receiving criticism. It also requires a good amount of creativity and self-discipline to keep up with writing assignments. But if you enjoy writing, it can be a really fun and rewarding experience.
Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram for any literary terms or concepts you need to know. 🌶️
Read widely outside of class. The more you read, the better you'll write.
Keep a journal or notebook for random ideas, observations, and snippets of dialogue.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and genres.
Take workshop feedback seriously, but remember it's your work - you decide what advice to take.
Watch "Dead Poets Society" for some writing inspiration.
Try writing in different environments to see where you're most productive.
Composition I: This course focuses on developing critical thinking and writing skills. You'll learn to craft clear, well-structured essays and arguments.
Introduction to Literature: Here you'll study various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama. It helps build a foundation for understanding different writing styles and techniques.
Screenwriting: Learn the art of writing for film and television. You'll study script structure, dialogue, and visual storytelling techniques.
Playwriting: Focus on writing for the stage, including character development, dialogue, and dramatic structure.
Creative Nonfiction: Explore the art of writing true stories in a compelling, literary style. You'll work on personal essays, memoirs, and narrative journalism.
Poetry Workshop: Dive deep into the world of poetry, experimenting with different forms and styles while honing your poetic voice.
English: Focuses on literature, writing, and critical analysis. Students study a wide range of texts and develop strong communication skills.
Creative Writing: Emphasizes the craft of writing across various genres. Students workshop their own pieces and study literature to improve their skills.
Journalism: Combines writing skills with reporting and storytelling. Students learn to write for different media platforms and cover various topics.
Film and Media Studies: Explores storytelling through visual media. Students analyze films, TV shows, and other media while learning about production and screenwriting.
Author: Write novels, short stories, or poetry for publication. This career requires creativity, persistence, and the ability to handle rejection.
Copywriter: Create persuasive content for advertising and marketing. Copywriters need to be creative and adaptable, writing for various formats and audiences.
Editor: Review and revise written content for publication. Editors need a keen eye for detail and a strong grasp of language and storytelling.
Content Creator: Produce written, audio, or video content for websites, social media, or other platforms. This role requires versatility and an understanding of different media formats.
Do I need to be a good writer to take this class? Not at all! The class is designed to help you improve, no matter your starting point.
Will we only write short stories? Nope, you'll typically get to try your hand at various forms including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
How much reading is involved? It varies, but expect to read work by published authors as well as your classmates' pieces for workshops.
Can I write about personal experiences? Absolutely! Many creative writing pieces draw from personal experiences, especially in nonfiction.