Creative Writing
Course Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Christi Crutchfield
E-mail: [email protected]
Voice Mail #688-6565 ex. 641
Room #E-210
Prep Per. 4
 

I. Course Description/Outline
In this class, students are expected to develop both academically and creatively as writers, so they will be prepared to succeed in college and in their careers. This is an ideal environment for students to polish their writing skills and learn to communicate in a professional and engaging manner. Additionally, this class should be a place that is inviting and comfortable without losing the sense of adventure and spontaneity. I hope that throughout this year this class will became a safe place for students to share their thoughts, feelings and work.

II. Materials Provided

Poetry Unit Videos:
Dead Poets Society
United States of Poetry
Bill Moyers Language of Life Videos
Various videos about poetry and poets

Screenplay/Short Story Unit Videos:

Sixth Sense
The Princess Bride
Forrest Gump
George Lucas in Love (short film)
 

III. Materials Required:
You will need to bring to class each day:
1. A notebook. I recommend 100-120 sheets, 3 subject, 11”x8 1/2”
2. Pencil and/or pen
3. Books, homework and any materials necessary for class
 

IV. Goals
The purpose of this course is to allow students to develop as well-rounded, effective writers through fiction and screenplay writing, poetry, reading, various projects and assignments, and working collaboratively.

Students will be expected to:
1.organize thoughts and information for writing, develop drafts, analyze, revise and edit work as appropriate for audience and purpose (ESLR: A,B,C,D)
2. use literary elements to establish a situation, plot, point of view, setting, conflict, and characters (ESLR: A, B)
3. write for reflection and self expression (ESLR: A,B,D)
4. make connections to prior knowledge and experience (ESLR: A,C,D)
5. develop literary and poetic devices, sound devices, sensory detail and concrete language (ESLR: A,B)
6. read, interpret, evaluate and give written and oral responses to literary works (ESLR: A,B,C,D)
7. explore ideas, observations and situations of significance (ESLR: A,B,D)
8. gain and review skills in writing sentences, paragraphs, and multi-paragraph essays. (ESLR: A,B,C,D)
9. utilize speaking and listening skills to participate in small group and whole group discussions, oral
reading, and presentations. (ESLR: A,B,C)
10. utilize computers and internet to enhance their word processing skills, research skills, and
publication skills. (ESLR: A,B,C,D)
11. write various poems, short stories, essays and screenplays both individually and in groups (ESLR: A,B,C,D)

V. Units of Study
1. Poetry (1st and 2nd quarter)
This unit concentrates on reading various forms of poetry as models for the students own poetic writing. In this unit poems, articles, and visual media will be utilized. Students will learn and implement literary devices (simile, metaphor, etc), sound devices (ex: alliteration), Students will maintain writing journals throughout. This unit ends with a student poetry presentation and a chapbook of poems written by the student.

2. Short Story/Personal Essay (3rd quarter)
This unit covers writing the short story and personal essay while implementing various literary techniques into writing. Students will learn and use setting, characterization, plot structure, along with other literary elements in short story writing. Students will maintain writing journals throughout. This unit culminates in children's book project.

3. Screenplays (4th quarter)
This unit focuses on the development of a screenplay. Emphasis will be on literary elements and implementing them into writing. Students will maintain writing journals throughout. This unit culminates in a final group screenplay.

4. Individual Writing (throughout entire year)
Throughout the year students will select their best pieces of writing from class or outside of class and submit to the teacher.

VI. Methods of Assessment
Your grade will be based on the following:
Writing and daily classwork, homework (Notebook)
Projects/Presentations
Class participation
 
 VII. Grading Policy
Your grading will be based on a point system. Small assignments will be worth 5 points, larger
assignments and quizzes will be worth 10-20 points, projects and tests will vary  from 50-200+
points. Participation points are awarded daily in class.
The grading rubric follows (subject to small changes depending on the quarter):
50% writing, assignments, homework, quizzes
40% projects and/or tests
10% class participation
(Final Exam/Projects will be 10%-20% of your grade and the rubric will be adjusted accordingly)

VIII. Class Procedures
Missed assignments and late work:
It is your responsibility to find out what class work or homework was missed during an absence. I
need proof of an excused absence before I will allow makeup work. Plan on bringing a brief note
from home since updates on cleared absences don’t always appear promptly on the computer (email
from parents with work and home numbers will also suffice). NO MAKEUP WORK will be given
until your absence is cleared. Tutorial, break, lunch or afterschool is a good time to get makeup
work and not during class time. For excused absences, you have one week to make up work. No late
work will be accepted from unexecused absences.

Extra Credit:
You are allowed to do extra credit work each quarter (I will periodically announce the possibilities
for extra credit). Extra credit will always be double or triple the size of a regular assignment. You
can not raise your grade more than one letter by extra credit work.

IX. Behavioral Expectations and Consequences

My priority in this class is to ensure that every student receives the excellent education that
he/she deserves to become successful participants in this society.

1. Please be in your seats ready to listen and work when the bell rings. More than 5 tardies results in
a referral. Running into the classroom just as the last bell rings counts as a tardy. For every 5
additional tardies you will get additional referrals. In addition to being marked tardy, you will lose 3
participation points.

2. No food. No drinks. No gum or candy.

3. Be Respectful toward everyone in the class and anyone who comes into the classroom.
Put-downs and slurs will not be tolerated.

4. Please stay in your seats until the bell rings. Standing near the door or leaving the room at any
time during class is not allowed.

5. Be peaceful and kind with one another and have a very successful year!

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I have read and understood the course syllabus for Creative Writing

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