Creative Writing Syllabus, Fall, 2014
The O’Foranator/Mrs. O’Foran/Dr. O’Foran: shelly.oforan@lcps.org
Welcome to Creative Writing, a workshop where we will focus on the writing process, from initial
brainstorming through publication. We will explore primarily poetry and fiction, and we will get inspired by
listening to other people’s work, participating in coffee house readings, and even taking field trips to collaborate
with third graders at Liberty Elementary School.
At the end of the semester, you will have a portfolio of several selections in each genre, and the growth in your
writing abilities will be the basis for approximately half of your grade. The other half of your grade will come
from classwork and observation posts, as well as from your activities in the workshop. Homework will be kept
to a minimum.
The course will cover the Loudoun County requirements, including:
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Examining the fundamental elements of creative literary genres;
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Critiquing others’ work;
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Experimenting with and writing selections of poetry and prose;
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Experimenting with rhetorical devices through reading and writing;
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Using technology to support writing.
Classroom Climate:
We will discuss and agree to student and teacher responsibilities to create a positive climate for learning and
growth. This is important in any classroom, but especially so in a subject where students take risks in sharing
their creative products with others. However, a few simple rules will be expected from every class:
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Be in your seat before the bell rings. (We will go "bell to bell" every day.)
Bring your enthusiasm and your energy. (No barnacles, leeches, or parasites allowed.)
Leave your street language outside. (If I can't say it, neither can you.)
Maintain academic integrity. (See below.)
o
o
Academic Integrity Includes:
 Requesting or providing only authorized assistance on any assignment. Completing assignments
independently with the understanding that completing formative work helps students succeed on
summative assessments;
 Protecting the integrity of work by not allowing other students to copy assignments;
 Preparing for summative assignments and only using authorized study aids during tests;
 Upholding the validity of assessments by not sharing information about quizzes or tests with peers who
will be taking the assessment at a later date;
 Giving proper credit to the ideas, opinions, or work of others incorporated into the student’s work.
Integrity Violation Consequences Include:
 Student and teacher will discuss the incident; teacher will contact parent or guardian; incident will be
referred to administration for possible further action. Academic penalty may be imposed.
Rough Course Plan:
1st quarter: Poetry and beginning of children’s book collaborative project
2nd quarter: End of children’s book collaborative project and fiction
Late Work: Students are expected to turn in assignments on time in order to progress towards the learning
objectives as scheduled by the teacher. All assignments have a purpose, and promptness is integral to maximize
learning and ensure that students manage their time appropriately. If a student has work that is not turned in by
the deadline, he/she MUST communicate with their teacher, before class time to make alternative arrangements.
Please note that no late work will be accepted within the last week of each grading period.
Retakes/Redos: You are always welcome to redo any piece of writing with which you are not satisfied. Please
see me to make arrangements.
Make-up work: In accordance with LCPS policy, you will have one week to make up work missed due to
absence. In the case of extended absence, we will agree on a reasonable deadline schedule for make-up work.
Extra help: When you need extra help, please make an appointment. I arrive at FHS early and leave late.
Student’s Name: _____________________________________ Block # _____________
Creative Writing
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Please review this syllabus with your son or daughter and return this page to Shelly O’Foran. I would
appreciate it if you would complete the contact information below and designate if the phone
number is a work, home, or cell number. The syllabus should remain in the front of the student’s
Creative Writing binder. Thank you so much; I look forward to working with you and your son or
daughter throughout the upcoming semester.
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I have reviewed this syllabus with my son or daughter.
__________________________________________________ _______________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature
Date
__________________________________________________ _______________
Student’s Signature
Date
Address: _________________________________________
_________________________________________
Guardian #1: M____________________________________
Relationship to Student: _____________________________
Phone Number: __________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________
Guardian #2: M____________________________________
Relationship to Student: _____________________________
Phone Number: __________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________
Please check preferred method of contact.
Do you give permission for teacher to disclose grade info by email?
Yes
No