Course Description:
· This is a first semester beginning creative writing - prose class. We will focus on some of the many forms of prose: memoir, short-short, and the three act structure of the classic short story.
· This class will be lecture based and workshop format and will focus on contemporary and traditional examples of prose and your work as you produce it during the semester. New work is expected, not something written in the past unless carefully edited. It is expected that punctuation and grammar be corrected before you hand in your typed work.
· If you are having trouble writing (you're blocked), let me know.

Course Rationale/Structure:
Editing is expected in this course with the goal that your writing improves as the semester progresses. Improvement in the quantity, quality, and maturity of your writing will prepare you for advancement in writing as an art and as a career.
We may start class with a "mind clearing" writing exercise to bring the focus into the classroom. Bring a writing notebook to each class. I start class on time. If you are consistently late, this may not be the class for you. If you are late, please wait outside until we have finished the short writing exercise.

Instructor's Course Objectives

Students exiting from this course should be able to:
· Correctly identify the basic forms of prose.
· Accurately identify prose terms.
· Write in the prose forms: short-short, memoir, short story.
· Understand the creative writing workshop and portfolio system.

The Class Structure
· It is expected that you show progress during the semester in the quality and quantity of the work you bring into the class.
· It is expected that you strengthen your editing skills and exhibit this in your end of semester portfolio.
· It is expected that you identify the appropriate form for your prose.
· Required for all grade levels -1 short short, 1 short story, 1 memory pastiche and your carefully edited work is required for the portfolio at the end of the semester. Additional writing assignments: 4 short reports.
· This is a writing intensive class.

Key elements to making the expected progress in the class are the following classroom behaviors:
· courtesy to your fellow students,
· effort - lots of effort,
· participation,
· preparation - reading before class if necessary,
· dedication to the hard work necessary to advance your work,
· each student is required to participate in class discussion.

NOTE: In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.