Creative Writing Course Philosophy
Philosophy: Creative Writing introduces students to creative communication and expression through instruction and
practice in the techniques, devices, conventions, and processes used in production of literary genres. Students learn the
elements of creative writing and the process for generating ideas, creating drafts, revising, and editing. Students will
demonstrate knowledge of creative writing techniques, devices, and processes by applying them in production of their
own works in the following genres: creative non-fiction, fiction, and poetry (both fixed forms and free verse). This is an
introductory course, so emphasis is not focused solely on the literary merit of student works, but also on the degree to
which the student demonstrates understanding of basic creative writing concepts and techniques that can be further
developed through additional study and practice.
Bottom Line: A passing grade in Creative Writing indicates the student has grasped the basic elements and characteristics
of the literary genres through assessment of meaningful application of those elements and characteristics in the student’s
own works. Students will also demonstrate ability to utilize writing processes that result in thoughtfully developed
creative works.
Objectives:
The student will demonstrate application of the following outcomes expected in ENG 2023.
1. Demonstrate understanding of literary devices by identifying representative examples and discussing their effects
and purposes during analysis of course readings in the genres studied
2. Apply literary devices effectively in creative works of their own in each genre
3. Utilize techniques for generating and developing creative ideas into working drafts
4. Employ thoughtful revision and editing to improve artistic effect
5. Provide and respond to constructive feedback in a workshop environment
Assignments:
Instructors will assign sufficient readings, exams, writing exercises, quizzes, and other assignments to enable students to
demonstrate their level of mastery in the objectives above. As a minimum, instructors will assign the following:
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Readings in each genre to serve as examples for analysis and discussion
Writing of a creative non-fiction essay
Writing of a short story
Writing of fixed-form poetry
Writing of free verse
A comprehensive final exam
Instructors may assign other assignments at their discretion; however, enough instructors should gather enough graded
work to assess the student’s understanding of the course objectives. Exams should not be comprised of objective
questions only (matching, multiple choice, true & false, etc.) but should include at least some questions requiring analysis.
Instructors must provide sufficient constructive feedback to help students improve performance.
Assessment: All instructors must participate in the assessment of the course as directed by the lead instructor.
Contact information:
Division Chair: Dr. Dennis Humphrey (501)882-4406, djhumphrey@asub.edu
Lead instructor: Dr. Dennis Humphrey (501)882-4406, djhumphrey@asub.edu