Course Information for Continuing Education Program Participants
Welcome
The University of Guelph is excited to introduce Creative Writing at Guelph, a program of
writing courses in a variety of genres and, for dedicated learners, a focused program of study
resulting in a certificate. These courses, open to all, will offer practical guidance in how to
generate ideas, take that spark of inspiration to the page, advance your writing skills, and
explore your creativity while offering advice about publishing and bringing your work to the world.
We welcome you as you join a vibrant community of writers and readers and make creative
writing a part of your creative life.
Creative Writing at Guelph is being delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph’s
Creative Writing MFA program, School of English and Theatre Studies. Students and alumni of
this prestigious and nationally regarded graduate program will be involved in course
development and the teaching of these new creative writing courses.
Creative Writing Courses
Currently Creative Writing at Guelph will be offering ten courses on campus. These courses
are available to all members of the community who are interested in exploring and developing
their creative writing skills.
Courses
•
Introduction to Creative Writing
•
Creative Writing through Reading
•
Short Story
•
The Novel
•
Creative Nonfiction
•
The Art of Making Plays: creating characters, developing scenes, and writing
dialogue
•
Poetry
•
Children’s and Young Adult Writing
•
Writing Mystery
•
Talking the Talk: The Art of Writing Dialogue
•
Final Capstone Writing Project
In the future we will be developing a series of online courses to complement our in-class
schedule.
Creative Writing at Guelph Continuing Education Student Information
Creative Writing Certificate Requirements
For aspiring writers who are ready to get serious about their craft, the University of Guelph offers
the Creative Writing Certificate. This focused program of study is designed to improve your
writing, expose you to a variety of writing genres, and give you the chance to develop a
significant writing project. The certificate will be anchored by two introductory courses, one
focused on familiarizing students with writing genres, one on reading and techniques for reading
as writers. The certificate will consist of six courses that meet the certificate’s requirement of
120 hours of instruction. Instructors will provide guidance, professional expertise, and feedback
on student work. The final capstone project will be c. 75 pages of prose or c. 30 of poetry or a
draft of a script that will grow out of work created during the program and revised in a final
advanced-level, revision-focused course. You will leave the program with a portfolio of work and
a significantly developed manuscript.
Completing the Creative Writing Certificate
There are two required or core courses
•
Introduction to Creative Writing
•
Creative Writing through Reading
Students will choose four electives (two in your genre, one outside of your genre specialty)
•
Short Story
•
The Novel
•
Creative Nonfiction
•
The Art of Making Plays: Creating characters, developing scenes, and writing dialogue
•
Poetry
•
Writing Mystery
•
Talking the Talk: The Art of Writing Dialogue
•
Young Adult Writing
To complete the Creative Writing Certificate students must complete a final capstone writing
project.
Course Schedule
W15
Introduction to Creative Writing
Creative Writing through Reading
Talking the Talk:
The Art of Writing Dialogue
Poetry
Creative Nonfiction Part II
The Art of Making Plays
Children’s and Young Adult Writing
S15
F15
W15
TBA
TBA
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Writing Mystery
Short Story
The Novel
Capstone Writing Project
TBA
ON
Demand
The complete course schedule is available on our website at
www.CreativeWritingatGuelph.ca/courses
General Course Expectations
You will receive a course outline prepared by your instructor for each individual course you take
in the Creative Writing at Guelph program. The course outline will explain specifics about the
content of the course, readings, assignments, grading and participation.
Attendance
All students are to come to class on time prepared to engage in class discussion and writing
activities. It is important to attend every class. Eight weeks will go by very fast and we would like
you to get the most out of your time with your instructor and fellow students. Each course will
include a grade assigned to participation. We do realize that extenuating circumstances do
arise, if you are going to miss a class we ask that you inform your instructor prior to the class you
will miss. The instructors will include contact information in the course outline.
Assignments and Writing Activities
The courses in the Creative Writing at Guelph program are part of an accredited University of
Guelph certificate program. Each course will have required assignments and activities which will
be assigned a grade. Due dates and requirements of the assignments and activities will be
communicated by the instructor and through the course outline. Clarify any deadlines,
assignment requirements, submission procedures and other questions with your course
instructor. In the event that you are unable to meet an established deadline discuss the situation
with your instructor immediately and preferably in advanced of the assignment deadline. Your
instructor may negotiate an alternate deadline with or without late penalties.
Final grades will be recorded and will be sent, with any final assignments to the student. Grades
are official when they are communicated by the University of Guelph via the mailing of a grade
report.
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Creative Writing at Guelph Continuing Education Student Information
Grading
All papers and assignments will be graded according to the regulations outlined in the University
of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar. The grading system is as follows:
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
90 - 100%
85 - 89%
80 - 84%
77 - 79%
73 - 76%
70 - 72%
67 - 69%
C
CD+
D
DF
63 - 66%
60 - 62%
57 - 59%
53 - 56%
50 - 52%
0 - 49%
Students should pay particular attention to the definitions of the grade ranges:
80 - 100 (A) Excellent. An outstanding performance in which the student demonstrates a
superior grasp of the subject matter, and an ability to go beyond the given material in a critical
and constructive manner. The student demonstrates a high degree of creative and/or logical
thinking, a superior ability to organize, analyze and to integrate ideas, and a thorough familiarity
with the appropriate literature and techniques.
70 - 79 (B) Good. A more than adequate performance in which the student demonstrates a
thorough grasp of the subject matter, and an ability to organize and examine the material in a
critical and constructive manner. The student demonstrates a good understanding of the
relevant issues and a familiarity with the appropriate literature and techniques.
60 - 69 (C) Acceptable. An adequate performance in which the student demonstrates a
generally adequate grasp of the subject matter and a moderate ability to examine the material in
a critical and constructive manner. The student displays an adequate understanding of the
relevant issues, and a general familiarity with the appropriate literature and techniques.
50 - 59 (D) Minimally Acceptable. A barely adequate performance in which the student
demonstrates a familiarity with the subject matter, but whose attempts to examine the material in
a critical and constructive manner is only partially successful. The student displays some
understanding of the relevant issues, and some familiarity with the appropriate literature and
techniques.
0 - 49 (F) Fail. An inadequate performance.@
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Creative Writing at Guelph Continuing Education Student Information
Course Materials
Each course includes required readings. Readings will be distributed to students as internet links
or printed readings in a course reading pack. Students will receive their reading lists and where
needed course reading packs the first day of class.
Textbooks
Some of the Creative Writing at Guelph courses requires textbooks. Students will be
responsible for purchasing any textbooks through the University of Guelph bookstores or from a
book seller of your choice.
All Creative Writing students are encouraged to obtain a copy of a good literary dictionary. Two
good examples are:
A Glossary of Literary Terms
M.H. Abrams
Publisher: Harcourt Brace College Publishers
ISBN:015505452X
The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory, 4th ed.
Publisher: Penguin Books, London, 1999
ISBN:9780140513639
Writing Journal
All Creative Writing students are encouraged to purchase an inexpensive notebook to use in
writing assignments and journaling.
Library Access
All Creative Writing at Guelph students will receive a University of Guelph library card on the first
day of class, giving you in-person and on-line access to the University of Guelph database and
collections. The library card is activated for the duration of the course.
For further information about the library=s services for open learning students, visit
http://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/services/borrowing/open_learners.cfm
Evaluations and Feedback
Creative Writing at Guelph students will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the course
design, instructional approach and course administration at the conclusion of each course.
Evaluations will be administered so as to preserve students’ anonymity. Evaluation comments
will be summarized and shared with the instructor, only after final grades have been submitted.
Students are welcomed to provide comments directly to the Manager, Program Development at
any point during the course.
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Creative Writing at Guelph Continuing Education Student Information
Request to Graduate – Obtaining your Creative Writing Certificate
The Creative Writing Certificate will be issued to students who successfully complete and pass
both core (required) courses, and four electives (two electives in your genre, one elective
outside of your genre) and the final capstone project.
Students achieving a cumulative average of
 80% or higher will receive a Parchment with Distinction
 70 – 70% will receive a Parchment with Honours
 50 – 70% will receive a Parchment
Once you have completed all of the courses in the Creative Writing Certificate students will send
a completed “Request for Certificate” form to the Open Learning and Educational Support. The
form can be downloaded from the Creative Writing website
www.CreativeWritingatGuelph.ca/current-students
You can expect to receive your Creative Writing Certificate six to eight weeks following your
request.
Students can send the complete “Request for Certificate” form by:
Mail:
Open Learning and Educational Support
Rm 160 Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
Fax:
519-767-1114
Email:
Sign and scan the “Request for Certificate’ form to:
Robert Cutting
rcutting@uoguelph.ca
Transcripts
Creative Writing students will be mailed a grade report for each course following the instructor’s
submission of grades to the Manager Program Development.
Students requiring official transcripts must request them in writing, by email, fax or mail using the
transcript order form with payment. A copy of the transcript order form can be found at
http://www.coles.uoguelph.ca/current/undergrad-portal/forms/ The fee of $12 per transcript may
be paid by cheque, money order or credit card.
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Creative Writing at Guelph Continuing Education Student Information
Please direct transcript requests to:
Open Learning and Educational Support
Room 160 Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
Fax (519) 767-1114
Email: info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca.
Bursaries available at the Open Learning and Educational Support
Bursaries are awarded to individuals wishing to enroll in an Open Learning and Educational
Support continuing education activities and/or in an Open Learning course or program.
Virginia L. Gray Memorial Bursary
The Virginia L. Gray Memorial Bursary recognizes the exemplary work of Virginia L. Gray in
continuing and distance education, and her passion for making education accessible.
Open Learning Bursary
The Open Learning Bursary supports individuals requiring financial assistance to advance their
academic and career goals through education.
Bursary Application Requirements
Apply to Open Learning and Educational Support by January 30 th and July 30th for the following
Fall/Winter/Spring semesters of study with a letter of application outlining financial need with
pertinent supporting documentation.
Submit applications to:
Open Learning Bursary Award Committee
Open Learning and Educational Support
University of Guelph
Room 160 Johnston Hall
Guelph ON Canada N1G 2W1
For more information visit:
www.OpenEd.uoguelph.ca/bursary or contact Open Learning and Educational Support
You Can Help
Open Learning and Educational Support staff and friends have established and contribute
annually to a bursary fund. We invite you to consider making a contribution to this fund. To
donate, simple indicate the amount on your course registration form. A donation receipt will be
issued for your contribution.
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Creative Writing at Guelph Continuing Education Student Information
University of Guelph Academic Policies
Grade Appeals
In the event that a student wishes to appeal a grade, the following procedure is in place:
$
The student submits the original paper and reasons for appeal in writing to the Manager,
Program Development. The student is asked to specify and substantiate what grade
she/he believes the work should receive.
$
The Manager, Program Development returns the paper and the reasons for appeal to the
original instructor.
$
After review of the materials, the original instructor communicates the results of the
review to the Manager, Program Development and to the student.
$
If the instructor and the student come to a satisfactory agreement, the grade will be
revised, or will hold, according to their resolution.
$
If the instructor and the student are not able to resolve the disputed grade, the Manager,
Program Development may forward the paper to a third party instructor for review.
$
It should be noted that the third party review may result in a raising or lowering of the
grade, or it may stay the same. In any case, the results of the third party assessment will
hold.
Copies of out-of-class assignments
Keep paper and/or other reliable back-up copies of all out-of-class assignments: you may be
asked to resubmit work at any time.
Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is behaviour that erodes the basis of mutual trust on which scholarly
exchanges occur, undermines the University=s exercise of its responsibility to evaluate
students= academic achievement or restricts the University=s ability to accomplish its learning
objectives (University of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar, section 8;
http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-amisconduct.shtml ).
The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity
and requires all members of the University community to be aware of what constitutes academic
misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring.
Policies, procedures and penalties regarding academic misconduct apply to all participants in
Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support -sponsored courses (referred to hereafter as
AOpen Learners@), as they do to all University students.
As an Open Learner, it is your responsibility to understand what constitutes Academic
Misconduct and to abide by the University of Guelph policy on student academic misconduct,
regardless of your location or program of study.
Academic misconduct is broadly understood to mean offences against the academic integrity of
the learning environment. Offences include, but are not limited to:
Misappropriation of others= work
$
Plagiarism (i.e. misrepresenting the work of other as one=s own, without
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$
$
$
appropriate use of referencing)
Copying another person=s answers to an exam question or assignment
Submitting the same assignment for credit on more than one occasion without
prior written permission from the instructor
Unauthorized cooperation or collaboration (i.e. working on individual assignments
in a group and submitting collaborative work as one=s own)
Misrepresentation and Fraud
 Impersonation of one=s self for the purposes of writing an exam or submitting an
assignment
 Submitting false, fraudulent or purchased assignments or medical documentation
 Use of unauthorized aids or assistance in the completion of exams or assignments
Specific requirements for course work and evaluation will be described in your course outline,
distributed at the first class meeting. It is your responsibility to understand and meet these
requirements. Discuss any questions you have with your instructor in advance of completing
assignments or exams.
Procedure for Suspected Academic Misconduct
Should an instructor in a continuing education course suspect an incident of academic
misconduct, the course instructor will bring the suspected offence to the attention of the
Manager, Program Development responsible for the course. The instructor and manager will
investigate the offence and may interview the student, but there is no obligation to do so. If an
academic misconduct offence is suspected to have been committed, the Manager, Program
Development will bring the suspected offence, including all evidence and documentation to the
attention of the director, Open Learning and Educational Support. In the event that an offence of
academic misconduct is confirmed, the director will assess an appropriate penalty, according to
the University=s guidelines and will inform the student. Should the student appeal the decision,
appeals will be heard by the Senate Committee on Open Learning.
For full details about Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct policies, procedures and
penalties, visit the Open Learning and Educational Support website at
http://www.OpenEd.uoguelph.ca/prospective/distance-education/academic-integrity.aspx
Academic Consideration
The University of Guelph, Open Learning and Educational Support will consider granting
Academic Consideration for courses if there are sufficient extenuating medical, psychological, or
compassionate reasons. Academic Consideration may take the form of an extended deadline, a
deferred privilege, a late drop date of a course with or without failure, or permission to continue
on probationary status. A deferred privilege could take the form of approval to write a missed
final examination or the completion of a course requirement after the end of the semester.
If you require Academic Consideration before the final day of class:
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Creative Writing at Guelph Continuing Education Student Information

Contact the instructor of the course, if possible, prior to the date on which the
work is due.

When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of
illness or compassionate reasons, please advise your course instructor in writing
by email. i.e. when you cannot attend a class where you have a presentation due
If you require Academic Consideration beyond the end of the Semester

Notify the Manager, Program Development immediately.

Draft a personal letter/email stating your request, outlining the medical,
psychological or compassionate grounds for your request.

Obtain supporting documentation.

Submit to Manager Program Development
The Senate Committee on Open Learning will review your request and you will be notified of the
outcome in writing.
Accessibility
The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services
for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This
relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the
University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment.
Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or
a short-term disability should contact Program Manager, Open Learning & Educational Support.
For more information, contact Marjory Gaouette at 519-824-4120 ext. 53862 or email
m.gaouette@uoguelph.ca.
Recording of Materials
Presentations which are made in relation to course work—including lectures—cannot be
recorded or copied without the permission of the presenter, whether the instructor, a classmate
or guest lecturer. Material recorded with permission is restricted to use for that course unless
further permission is granted.
Course Cancellation Policy
Refunds will be issued according to the following schedule provided Open Learning and
Educational Support receive a completed Drop Form;





A full refund at least 30 calendar days prior to the course start date.
A refund, less a $75.00 administration fee at least 14 calendar days prior to the course
start date.
A refund, less a $100.00 administration fee 48 hours following the first day of class for
your course. There are no refunds after this date.
Failure to take part in a course does not constitute notification of withdrawal and will
result in forfeiture of the entire course fee.
Should you decide not to continue after the course drop date, you must still send in a
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Creative Writing at Guelph Continuing Education Student Information
completed drop form by the 40th class day to avoid academic penalty (receiving a grade
of “F” on your academic record). No drop forms are accepted after the 40th class day.
Copyright
All universities and libraries in Canada are required to comply with Canadian copyright law, and
with the international copyright conventions to which Canada is signatory. In practical terms, this
means that any copying of materials by University faculty, staff or students, regardless of format,
is subject to certain limits and restrictions.
Creative Writing at Guelph Contacts
General Administration and Registration Inquiries
Open Learning and Educational Support
160 Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca
(519) 767-5000; fax (519) 767-1114
Program Manager
Marjory Gaouette
Creative Writing at Guelph Manager, Program Development
Open Learning and Educational Support
m.gaouette@uoguelph.ca
(519) 824-4120, ext. 53862
Program Coordinator
Robert Cutting
Program Logistics Coordinator
Open Learning and Educational Support
rcutting@uoguelph.ca
(519) 824-4120, ext.52908
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