Denise Wadsworth Trimm
Advanced CW/MUSE
Mountain Brook High School
Website: www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us
Email address:trimmd@mtnbrook.k12.al.us
Phone: 414-3800 Ex. 7628
Conference/Planning Periods: 1st and 5th
Advanced Creative Writing/MUSE
The curriculum for this course focuses on both writing and publication. Students will,
therefore, read, write, and analyze their own work while soliciting, selecting, and editing
work for the literary magazine Muse.
Workshop
Workshop is the process that enables writers to improve their craft. For this process to be
successful, respect is essential. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Students may
not make hurtful, personal comments that have little to do with the work. In addition,
quality will prevail over favoritism. The work is the thing.
To be a writer is to have a thick skin and desire above all else to improve the work with
each draft. Listening to one’s peers and instructor is vital to seeing one’s work from an
audience’s point of view.
Course Requirements
Publication of any type survives on two essential components—time and fiscal
management. Deadlines, therefore, are crucial. In addition, it is also vital that we as a
community of writers do our best to seek and recognize quality writing. Therefore, we
will immerse ourselves in researching, reading, and producing quality writing within the
class as we seek submissions from the rest of the school. Below are some of the activities
that will enable us to meet these goals.
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Each student will write and submit an original poem, short fiction piece, or
nonfiction piece either weekly or biweekly as deemed by the teacher.
Each student will provide written analysis and give oral commentary on other
people’s works during the weekly workshop.
Each student will complete exercises from the texts as assigned by the teacher.
Each student will contribute constructive criticism to the workshop and during the
selection and editing process.
Each student will cooperate fully with staff, editors, and sponsor/teacher
Each student will participate in scheduling and adhering to deadlines for the
publication of MUSE
Each student will enter 3-5 major writing contests in which the school participates
Denise Wadsworth Trimm
Advanced CW/MUSE
Mountain Brook High School
Website: www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us
Email address:trimmd@mtnbrook.k12.al.us
Phone: 414-3800 Ex. 7628
Conference/Planning Periods: 1st and 5th
Grading
Grading will be determined on how well you complete the requirements listed above.
Grades are determined on a point possible scale. When appropriate, the teacher may
allow alternative assignments. Work must be turned in on time with the appropriate
number of copies made before entering the room. Failure to have work ready and on time
will results in a 10% penalty for work that is handed in by the end of the day and a 50%
the next day.
Attendance
Attendance and participation are vital to success in this course. If you must be out for
any reason, you are responsible for either making up the work you miss or for finding a
way to meet the deadline via email.
Materials/Supplies
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One three-ring binder with dividers and pockets
One composition notebook for journal writing and free writing
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Acknowledgement of the class syllabus and policies therein. Please sign and return this
portion to class tomorrow as an acknowledgement of having read and understand the
course and its policies.
Student____________________________________________________________
Date___________________________________________________________
Parent or Guardian________________________________________________
Date______________________________________________
Denise Wadsworth Trimm
Advanced CW/MUSE
Mountain Brook High School
Website: www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us
Email address:trimmd@mtnbrook.k12.al.us
Phone: 414-3800 Ex. 7628
Conference/Planning Periods: 1st and 5th