Have you ever wondered how your favorite poem came into being or what in the world your favorite writer was thinking when they developed that fascinating essay about bugs or that heartrending exploration of coming to terms with a family trauma? Have you ever wondered how the intricate plots and subplots of your favorite novel were woven together? Have you ever wondered how your favorite writer constructed the most beautiful sentence you’ve ever read? This class may help dispel some of those mysteries.
Through lectures and readings, this class will introduce you to the creative processes of working prose writers and poets. Through numerous short writing assignments (both in class and at home), you will have the chance to write about writing and to create your own short works. Online forums will allow you to share your writing with classmates and receive feedback.
Day and Time: TTh 12:30-2:20
Instructor: Professor Maya Sonenberg
Texts: Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration, and the Artistic Process, ed. by Joe Fassler Other readings will be uploaded to Canvas
Class Structure:
- Lectures and readings
- Break into small groups for discussion and other small group work
- Size—up to 100 students
- No quiz or discussion sections
- No TAs
- Fulfills VLPA requirement
Cost:
- The one required text is a $17.00 paperback (new)
- There may be some fairly minimal costs to print writings to share with a group of students
Assignments will include but not be limited to:
- Keeping a writer’s journal
- Writing weekly very brief responses to lectures and readings
- Writing several short creative writing assignments
- Providing written and oral feedback on classmates’ writing
- Memorizing a poem or short work of prose