Description:

In this class, students will build upon the knowledge and skills learned in ENGL 223. In addition to studying writing techniques, they will produce a body of written work in one or more literary genres of their choice: poetry, fiction, and/or drama. They will also read other students' work and provide useful feedback on that work. 3 hrs./wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $15 to $25.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Use workshopping methods to provide other writers with feedback on their writing.
2. Produce readable poetry on a regular basis.
3. Produce readable fiction on a regular basis.
4. Produce readable drama on a regular basis.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Course Overview
   A. Explore motivations for writing.
   B. Explore the traits of published authors.
   C. Practice the workshop method.

II. Explore the Methods of Writing Fiction
   A. Structure narratives using plot.
   B. Select and maintain suitable points of view in short stories and
novels.
   C. Open short stories and novels effectively.
   D. Develop fictional characters through assorted methods.
   E. Create believable and effective dialogue.
   F. Use good style.
   G. Create convincing settings for fiction.
   H. Construct stories and novels using scene, summary, and transitions.
   I. Move smoothly back and forth in time in fiction.
   J. Present theme in fiction in various ways.
   K. Choose effective titles for stories and novels.

III. Explore the Methods of Writing Poetry
   A. Identify and incorporate into poems the major elements of poetry,
including line length, sound, rhythm, image, diction, and density.
   B. Write free-verse poems.
   C. Write fixed-form poems.

IV. Explore the Methods of Writing Drama
   A. Identify and incorporate into short plays the major elements of
drama, including conflict, character, scene, pace, dialogue, and visual
impact.
   B. Write short plays.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Written work         75% of the grade
Class participation  25% of the grade

Over the course of the semester, students will develop approximately three
major writing projects for a total of 15,000-20,000 words (or an
equal-value number of lines of poetry), including rough drafts and
revisions. In addition, students are expected to participate in class
discussions, classroom activities designed to practice the methods under
study, and workshops.

Grading criteria:
   A = 90 - 100% of the total possible points
   B = 80 -  89%
   C = 70 -  79%
   D = 60 -  69%
   F =  0 -  59%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.