Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for English 11
INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING
Catalog Description:
11 - Introduction to Creative Writing
(May be repeated 3 times)
3 units
Elements of creative writing, including narrative, verse and dialogue, using materials drawn from
individual's own work and selected texts. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1A. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate the basic skills of writing fiction: narrative, dialogue, characterization and description;
2. demonstrate skills in writing poetry including the function of image, metaphor and symbol and
the use of traditional and modern forms;
3. demonstrate skills in writing drama: dialogue, characterization and dramatization;
4. identify and manipulate source materials for creative writing;
5. compile a portfolio of original work;
6. demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and interrelatedness of each genre and
select the appropriate vehicle for creative interests.
Course Content:
1. Modes of Creative Writing: An analysis of selected works of professional writers.
Development of a beginning vocabulary of criticism a writer must have to self evaluate work
2. The Craft: Specific training through controlled assignments (for instance, characterization
and figurative language) to enable the student to explore specific elements and techniques
3. The Creative Experience: Consideration of creative writing as a means of discovery.
Introduction to the creative process and the possibilities offered by exploring imaginative
techniques
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture and discussion
2. Analysis and discussion of the student's work by the class and the teacher
3. Group activities
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Write a short story for peer/workshop review
b. Compose a poem for peer/workshop review
c. Present an oral analysis of an assigned story discussing the author’s choices regarding
point of view, characterization and dialogue
d. Present an oral analysis of an assigned poem discussing the author’s choices regarding
image, metaphor, and symbolism
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Written exercises and original work
b. Participation in the evaluation of the work of other members of the class
c. Compilation of a portfolio of original work, including a final project
d. Final examination
Chabot College
Course Outline for English 11, Page 2
Fall 2010
Textbook(s) (Typical):
A Writer’s Country: A Collection of Fiction and Poetry, Knorr and Schell, Prentice Hall, 2000
Best American Short Plays, Glubke, Applause Books, 2002
Bum Rush the Page, Sanchez, Medina, Rivera, Three Rivers Press, 2001
Mooring Against the Tide: Writing Fiction and Poetry, 2nd ed., Knorr and Schell, Prentice Hall, 2005
Three Genres, (8th edition), Minot, Prentice Hall, 2006
Writing Fiction (7th Edition), Burroway, Longman, 2007
Writing Down the Bones, Goldberg, Shambala Pocket Classics, 2006
Note: While some of these texts are more than nine years old, they represent foundational and stillrelevant work in this genre. They are meant as guidelines or suggestions only; faculty may assign
more recent or different works as they become available.
Special Student Materials:
None
dk 9/29/09
curriculum 0910