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Syllabus
The OpenFiction Project
Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction
(tOFP note: The syllabus information here is more or less as it was developed for the online course I taught at Emerson College circa 2001, but this online resource is not a course. No grade or recognition will be provided for use of the materials. The syllabus is provided to help visitors to the site self-study using the materials, and so other fiction instructors can better understand how and why these materials were developed.)
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the craft of writing fiction. You will focus first on the development of a critical vocabulary that will allow the class to discuss elements of fiction writing, such as point of view, character, plot, description, chronology, dialogue, and setting. In addition, you will practice methods of generating first draft material and skills for revising that material once generated. You will be reading the work of published authors, and using your developing critical vocabulary, you will report back to the class your observations of techniques the authors employ.
During the semester, you will submit one original story, developed out of class exercises, to be critiqued by fellow classmates. In a supportive and thoughtful manner, classmates will provide feedback designed to help you redraft the submitted story. After critique, you will submit a redraft of the story that demonstrates careful thought about the advice you've received and illustrates your developing understanding of the elements of fiction writing. You and the class as a whole will organize notes, exercises, drafts, and thoughts on writing into a craftbook, which will serve as a reference and repository to support the class as each student continues to write beyond the boundaries of the class.
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