Syllabus

(Contents of syllabus are subject to change without notice)

EN201
Creative Writing

Semester & Year: Instructor:
Spring 2017 Glen Golightly
Credits/Clock Hours: Instructor AMDA Email:
3.0 [email protected]
Deadline for Drop/Add: Website:
See drop/add policy on subsequent page Course homepage available on Student Portal
Student Course Evaluation Dates: Final Grades Posted By:
TBA (at least once a semester) Friday of Week 15

Regular Meeting Times:

SECTION MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

MA36Z 9:00AM-10:50AM 9:00AM-10:50AM

AOPD36ZA 1:30PM-2:50PM 1:30PM-2:50PM

Other Required Meeting Times
- Final Exam: TBA (Week 15)
- Minimum of 2 Writing Labs

Course Description
This course offers performing artists a dynamic creative writing workshop where students explore, develop,
structure and present their written expressions in a safe and collaborative environment. By reading some of the most
inspired creative works and comparing the fundamental structures of various texts, students will analyze and
identify the components and formats of a range of texts such as poetry, short stories, one-act plays and the
screenplays, then write and present their own material in multiple formats as a creative response.

Prerequisites/Co-Requisites
EN101 English Composition

Required Text (http://astore.amazon.com/amte-20)
Prose, Francine (2007). Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and For Those Who Want to Write Them.
New York, NY: Harper Perennial. (ISBN-10: 0060777052, ISBN-13: 978-0060777050). Cost= $13.02

Additional readings, handouts, and materials on course Portal

Bibliography/Resources/Recommended Text
Minot, Stephen (2006). Three Genres: Writing Fiction/Literary Nonfiction, Poetry, and Drama. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River:
Prentice Hall. (ISBN-10: 0132197383, ISBN-13: 978-0132197380)

Starkey, David (2012). Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s. (ISBN-10: 1457611562
ISBN-13: 978-1457611568)

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster.com/

“20 Most Common Errors” from The Everyday Writer. 3rd Edition:
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/everyday_writer/20errors/

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Additional Course Materials (technology, attire, supplies, equipment, etc. necessary for success in this course)

1. Reliable and regular access to a computer, the Internet, and a printer
2. Three-Ring Binder with loose-leaf paper
3. Writing Utensils: pen/pencil and highlighters


Course Objectives
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
• Analyze a range of written genres and texts
• Identify and create various constructs and literary conventions used in written formats such as monologues,
creative non-fiction, the short story, one-act play and screenplay
• Explore and develop dynamic personal themes for expression
• Write texts which adhere to accepted structures and formats of specific genres and styles

Overview of Course Activity

Course Activity Estimated time to

Complete (per week)
In-class activity (presentation, lecture, discussion, group activity, quizzes, exams, etc) 3 hours
Outside of class preparation (homework, rehearsal, readings, performance, etc.) Minimum of 6 hours

Outline of Topics Covered (week by week)

Week 1 – Introduction to Creative Writing/Monologues
Class 1 • Introductions
• Class policies and syllabus
• Introduction to creative writing
• How a writing workshop operates
• Brainstorming/ideas generation

Assignment: Bring ideas for original monologues to class 2.

Class 2 • Writing exercise
• Developing the monologue
• Building a character
• Famous monologues

Assignment: Start on a rough draft of your monologue.

Notes: Makes sure to bring pen and paper or digital device to write with for every class.
We’ll be doing in-class writing exercises most every class.

Week 2 – Monologues
Class 1 • Writing exercise
• Reading: Famous monologue
• Workshop/individual writing – rough draft

Assignment: Begin reading chapters 2-4 in “Reading like a Writer”

Class 2 • Writing exercise
• Reading: Famous monologue
• Workshop/individual writing – rough draft to final draft

Due: Rough draft of monologue due (#1)

Notes:

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Week 3 – Monologues
Class 1 • Writing exercise
• Reading: Famous monologue
• Workshop/individual writing – final draft

In-class: Quiz on “Reading Like a Writer” and short video (#2)

Class 2 • Writing exercise
• Workshopping/Rehearsing the monologue

DUE: Monologue Final draft to Turnitin.com

Notes:

Week 4 – Monologues
Class 1 • Final rehearsal and checks
• First group performs their monologues

DUE: (#3) Monologue performance

Class 2 • Final rehearsal and checks
• Second group performs their monologues

DUE: (#3) Monologue performance

Notes: We’ll draw random numbers Monday for the order of presentation. All students
must be ready to present whether on Monday or Wednesday. Part of your grade
also includes being a receptive audience member.

Week 5 – Sudden Fiction

Class 1 • Writing exercise
• Introduction to short fiction
• Reading: Short fiction selections
• Brainstorming and outlining

Assignment: Begin reading chapters 5-8 in “Reading like a Writer”

Class 2 • Writing exercise
• Reading: Short fiction selections
• Workshop and individual – outline and rough draft

Notes:

Week 6 – Sudden Fiction

Class 1 • Writing exercise
• Reading: Short fiction selections
• Workshop and individual – begin second draft

Due: (#4) Sudden fiction draft

Class 2 • Writing exercise
• Reading: Short fiction selections
• Workshop and individual – finishing the final draft

Notes:

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Week 7 – Sudden Fiction
Class 1 • MIDTERM EXAM
• Students may use extra time to work on their fiction drafts

Class 2 • In-class readings of final drafts or excepts depending on number of

students.

Due: A. Sudden fiction final draft to Turnitin

B. Writing lab receipt
Notes:

Week 8 – Creative Non-fiction

Class 1 • Introduction to creative non-fiction
• Selected readings
• Brainstorming
• Short video: The New Journalism

Assignment: Develop 2-3 ideas for a non-fiction story

Class 2 • Creative non-fiction discussion

• Selected readings
• Workshop/individual – ideas to outline

Notes: Use the time between Friday and the Monday class to do research, interviews or
have experiences you can use for your creative-nonfiction piece.

Week 9 – Creative Non-fiction

Class 1 • Creative non-fiction discussion
• Selected readings
• Workshop/individual – begin the rough draft

In-class: (#5) Quiz on “Reading Like a Writer” and short video

Class 2 • Creative non-fiction discussion
• Selected readings
• Workshop/individual – rough draft to final draft

Due: (#6) Creative non-fiction rough draft

Notes:

Week 10 – Creative Non-fiction

Class 1 • Creative non-fiction discussion
• Selected readings
• Workshop/individual – polishing the final draft

Class 2 • Readings of creative-nonfiction stories or excerpts depending on number

of students.
Due: Creative non-fiction final draft to Turnitin.

Notes:

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Week 11 – One-act Play
Class 1 • Writing exercise
• The short play or screenplay
• Video: Ian McKellen – Acting Shakespeare (first half)
• Brainstorming
Class 2 • Writing exercise
• The short play or screenplay
• Video: Ian McKellen – Acting Shakespeare (second half)
• Developing outline – beats, arcs and the ending

Notes:

Week 12 – One-act Play

Class 1 • Writing exercise
• Discussion on the short play or script
• Workshop/Individual – outline to rough draft

Class 2 • Writing exercise

• Discussion on the short play or script
• Workshop/Individual – begin final draft

Due: (#7) Play first draft

Notes:

Week 13 – One-act Play

Class 1 • Workshop – casting the script. Writer listens to table read for adjustments.

Class 2 • Workshop – Final casting and rehearsal. Writer makes notes and minor
final adjustments.

Due: Play final draft to Turnitin

Notes:

Week 14 – One-act Play

Class 1 • Performance/table read of plays and scripts

Class 2 • Performance/table read of plays and scripts

Due: A. (#8) Portfolio to Turnitin

B. Writing lab receipts for second half including extra credit labs.

Notes: The portfolio should contain polished pieces you have written in the class.

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Week 15 – Final Exam
Class 1 In-class final exam.
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Notes: No classes on Monday, May 29, 2017 -- Memorial Day

Instructional Methodology
Any or all of the following instructional methods may be used for this course: direct instruction, indirect instruction,
independent study, and interactive instruction.
• Direct instruction strategy is highly instructor-directed strategy and is effective for providing
information or developing step-by-step skills. It also works well for introducing other teaching methods,
or actively involving students in knowledge construction.
• Indirect instruction is mainly student-centered. Indirect instruction seeks a high level of student
involvement in observing, investigating, drawing inferences from data, or forming hypotheses. It takes
advantage of students’ interest and curiosity, often encouraging them to generate alternatives or solve
problems. The teacher arranges the learning environment, provides opportunity for student involvement,
and, when appropriate, provides feedback to students while they conduct the inquiry.
• Independent study refers to the range of instructional methods which are purposefully provided to foster
the development of individual student initiative, self-reliance, and self-improvement. While independent
study may be initiated by student or teacher, the focus here will be on planned independent study by
students under the guidance or supervision of a classroom teacher. In addition, independent study can
include learning in partnership with another individual or as part of a small group.
• Interactive instruction relies heavily on discussion and sharing among participants. Students can learn
from peers and instructors to develop social skills and abilities, to organize their thoughts, and to develop
rational arguments. The interactive instruction strategy allows for a range of groupings and interactive
methods. Interactive instruction requires the refinement of observation, listening, interpersonal, and
intervention skills and abilities.

Directions for Submission of Assignments
• All assignments must be submitted or presented on time; late assignments will not be accepted
• All assignments must be submitted in person (in class) on the submitted due date.
• Teachers will not accept assignments submitted via email.

Makeup Work/Late Assignments
• Late assignments will not be accepted by the instructor and may result in a “0” for that assignment
• If missing class, students are responsible for getting information from classmates and being fully prepared
by next class; in-class review will not be provided based on absence
• For Extra Credit opportunities, see “Grading Policies/Rubrics” below

Assignment Point Values
Attendance 10%
All In-Class Written, Oral & Other Assignments 30%
Writing Assignments:
Monologue 10%
Flash fiction 10%
Creative non-fiction 10%
Short screenplay or stage play 10%
Mid-term exam 10%
Final exam 10%
TOTAL: 100%
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Additional Assignment/Grading info: (i.e.: extra credit policy [if any])
• Midterm/Final Exam
These exams will draw from the lectures, class discussions, and readings you do during the semester.

• Writing Portfolio
Your portfolio, submitted on the last day of class, will contain polished drafts of three pieces of your best writing from
class. The portfolio should also contain a 250-400 word artist statement about what you achieved in the class.

• Electronics in Class
Electronic devices to include phones, tablets and laptops, etc. are to be used only for assignments or class research.
Students using them for other purposes may lose a portion of their daily grade, be asked to leave the classroom, receive
an absent mark for the day or all of the proceeding.

• Extra Credit Writing Labs
For extra credit, you may attend up to two additional writing labs (beyond the two required, for a total of four labs)
during the semester.


Final Grades
Letter Grade Points
A 95-100
A- 90-94 Final Grade Inquiry
B+ 87-89 Students who wish to have their final grades evaluated further may
B 84-86 submit the “Final Grade Inquiry” form within two weeks after the
B- 80-83 semester’s end. The form is to be submitted to the attention of the
C+ 77-79 Education Department. The Grade Inquiry Form will be forwarded to
C 74-76 the appropriate faculty for evaluation. Upon resolution, a copy of the
C- 70-73 form will be provided to the student and a copy is retained on record.

D+ 67-69

D 65-66

F 0-64



AMDA POLICY SUMMARIES
For complete policy details check the current Academic Catalog.
Attendance Policy
• AMDA’s attendance policies are directly related to performing arts professional standards and
industry expectations. Within the Performing Arts industry, any missed rehearsal or
performance can affect the artist’s reputation, salary, and/or ability to procure future work.
Likewise, a student’s development is critically dependent upon attendance and class
participation, therefore, every absence counts.

• AMDA students are expected to attend all classes, every day, according to their semester class
schedule. Missing class has a direct impact on student performance and class structure. Students
are responsible for monitoring their own absences and understanding the impact each absence
may have on their grade. If a student misses a class, the student is responsible for getting the
information and being fully prepared by the next class session. Delivery of previous class content
may not be repeated based upon an individual’s absence.

• All absences are recorded and retained on the student’s academic record. Although a missed
class cannot be truly made up (the exact experiential nature cannot be recaptured), there may
be ways that students can mitigate the consequences of their absences; students should refer
to the course syllabus.

• Advance notification regarding an absence is encouraged and considered a professional
courtesy. However, advance notification does not eliminate grading consequences. It is
important to note that students receiving financial aid are subject to a federal audit of
attendance, and absences may delay or nullify Title IV funds and other financial aid.

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• AMDA’s attendance policy establishes a threshold of absences intended to provide latitude
when emergencies occur. As a general guideline, absences based on extenuating
circumstances are evaluated for special consideration with regard to the impact on grading
and total cumulative absences. Extenuating circumstances are commonly defined as:
Ø Hospitalization
Ø Contagious disease (community health risk)
Ø Death of an immediate family member
Ø Religious Observance
It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the Education Services Department
regarding any absence related to extenuating circumstances. Communication should occur
within five (5) school days of the absence.

Absences Related to Injury or Prolonged Illness

Students who cannot fully participate in class due to injury or prolonged illness are required to meet with the
Education Services Department and provide medical documentation. Based upon medical documentation,
if a student must modify their participation, the modification is limited to a two-week maximum. During
that time, the student is required to attend and participate to the student’s maximum ability without
risking additional harm. However, any injury or illness that prevents a student from fully participating in
class work beyond a two-week time period will require the student to meet with the Education Services
Department for review and re-evaluation as warranted. Students may be required to withdraw from the
course and re-take it in a future semester if their injury/illness impedes participation for an extended
amount of time.

Class Absence and Grade Impact

Since class attendance is of vital importance, all absences affect the student’s final grade. There are two ways
that absences impact grades:
1. Participation points as part of grading criteria: All classes attach a particular amount of
“points” or “weight” to each day’s class session. Any absence, regardless of reason, will still
impact the grade based on that course’s point system.
2. Cumulative absences: AMDA’s training models industry standards by teaching students that
productions, rehearsals, and/or classes that have fewer total meetings or occur in a more
condensed time frame, carry a greater responsibility with regard to attendance. Based on the
frequency of class meetings for a given course, AMDA has established a maximum number of
absences. Any absence above this maximum cap will result in course failure. The table below
illustrates the correlation between the number of weekly class meetings per course and the effect
of total cumulative absences.
Weekly class meetings per course Absences resulting in course failure
Maximum of 4 absences.
Three (3) or more class meetings per week
Fifth [5th] absence will result in a failed grade*
Maximum of 3 absences.
Two (2) class meetings per week
Fourth [4th] absence will result in a failed
Maximum of 2 absences.
grade*
One (1) class meeting per week
Third [3rd] absence will result in a failed grade*

*Students who reach “failure status” have an “F” posted to their transcript, are removed from the
class roster and are not permitted to attend the class.

Discounted Absences: Absences due to extenuating circumstances (as defined under the Attendance
Policy section) may result in the Education Services Department classifying an absence as
“discounted”. The Education Services Department will notify faculty directly when this occurs and
advise instructors to “discount” the particular absence when calculating the total number of
cumulative absences as depicted in the chart above; however discounted absences still may
impact grades as related to points earned for daily class participation or with regard to fulfilling
minimum curricular requirements.

Misconduct regarding Attendance Policy

Students who misuse the attendance policy will be considered to have committed academic
misconduct. Examples include:
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Ø Falsifying an illness or family emergency
Ø Falsely claiming to an instructor that a particular absence is approved by
AMDA administration.
Ø Falsely presenting an absence as “extenuating circumstance” as defined by AMDA
If a student is found in violation of the above, it will be treated as any other instance of academic
misconduct.

Classroom Policies:
• Punctuality: Students must be on time to every class. Students may not be permitted to enter the
class after it has already begun and will be marked absent. Whenever possible, students should get
in the habit of arriving several minutes early to warm up and prepare
• Leaving Class: Students may not leave class without the permission of the instructor. Even if the
student is not involved in a performance, it is disruptive to leave when others are performing. A
student who walks out of class may be dismissed and receive an absence for that class. If the
teacher is delayed in starting class, students are instructed to remain in class and be prepared to
work.
• Electronic Devices: The use of ALL electronic devices (unless specifically permitted by the
instructor) is prohibited during class. Text messaging during class is absolutely prohibited. Classes,
in part or in whole, may not be recorded without the express permission of the instructor.
§ Food & Drink: No food or drink (other than bottled water) is allowed in AMDA’s classrooms, voice
studios, dance rooms, or performance spaces.
§ Classroom Attire: Students must wear comfortable, non-restrictive and neutral attire. Attire
considered inappropriate for classes includes but is not limited to: hats, bare feet, sandals, flip-flops,
shorts, clothing with holes, rips, and tears, excessive jewelry and piercing studs; covering body
artwork may also be required. Students who are not dressed appropriately may be asked to leave
class and take an absence. Failure to comply with any of these polices may result in disciplinary
action. Final Demonstrations often require specified attire as outlined in the course syllabus or per
teacher direction.

Registration
Only individuals who are registered may attend classes. Non-registered students may not turn in
assignments, take tests or receive grades.

Add/Drop Policy for BFA Programs Only
• Week 1 Course Add/Drop: Students may add/drop courses within the first FIVE (5) DAYS of the
semester.
• Weeks 2-5 Course Withdrawal Policy: Students who withdraw from class during the SECOND week
through the FIFTH week, will have a “W” (Withdrawal) recorded.
• AFTER Week 5 Course Withdrawal: Students who withdraw from class after the FIFTH week will
have a “W/F” (Withdrawal/Fail) recorded & GPA is affected.

Academic Honesty/Integrity
Everyone who participates in the educational process at AMDA is expected to exhibit honesty and integrity
in all aspects of their academic work. Cases of academic dishonesty are initially handled between instructors
and students. Depending upon the severity of the case, consequences may range from partial credit after
work is redone to expulsion from the Institution. As in all situations where a member of the institution
violates the behavioral and academic expectations of the community, opportunity for restoration and
restitution will be extended to those willing to work to correct the situation and reconcile with the
community.
For more information regarding AMDA’s Academic Honesty policy, please refer to the AMDA Consolidated
Catalog.

Notification: Use of Turnitin Database for Class Assignments

Consistent with AMDA’s efforts to enhance student learning, foster honesty, and maintain integrity in our
academic processes, instructors may use a tool called Turnitin to compare a student’s work with multiple
sources. The tool compares each student’s work with an extensive database of prior publications and papers,
providing links to possible matches and a ‘similarity score’. The tool does not determine whether plagiarism
has occurred or not. Instead, the instructor must make a complete assessment and judge the originality of
the student’s work. All writing submissions to this course may be checked using this tool. Electronic
databases often add the submitted material to their sources to compare against other student work. By
submitting assignments, a student agrees to these processes.

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Behavioral Standards
Student behaviors disruptive to the educational process may result in the student being dismissed from a
class or AMDA.

Sexual Harassment Policy
Harassment of a student or an employee of the Institution by other students, employees, supervisors, or
agents of AMDA will not be tolerated. All reports of harassment will be taken seriously, promptly
investigated and addressed by AMDA in accordance with Institution policies and procedures, as well as all
city, state and federal regulations.

Responsible Use of Technology
The use of resources at AMDA is a privilege, not a right. Violations of Institution guidelines on computer use
will result in disciplinary action, which may include any of the following: warnings, loss of computer
privileges, suspension, and/or legal prosecution.

Students with Disabilities
AMDA makes every effort to providing services and accommodations for any student with a documented
disability. Students should first register with the Education Department, which will then coordinate services
for students with disabilities in order to arrange for accommodations in the classroom. For additional
information see the undergraduate student handbook, available online at www.amda.edu.

Incompletes
Incomplete grades are given only in special cases related to unexpected and unavoidable circumstances such
as serious illness, accident or death in the immediate family, which have made it impossible for the student
to complete all course requirements as scheduled. A grade of “incomplete” is not issued for unsatisfactory
work or failure to submit work due to student negligence.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students are expected to make satisfactory progress toward completion of their program by maintaining an
institutional grade-point average of 2.0 or higher (for associate/baccalaureate students). Institutional grade-
point averages are based on AMDA coursework only.

AMDA Student Portal and email
Portal: The AMDA Web Portal is the institution’s device through which students may access everything
related to their courses and enrollment, including calendars, schedules, classes, grades, degree audits, etc.
Email: Students are expected to check their AMDA.edu email on a frequent and consistent daily basis. AMDA
Email is used to share information such as schedule adjustments, newsletters, alerts, events, and many other
announcements related to campus life.

Student and Faculty Dispute Resolution
Occasionally a student may find cause to question the action of an instructor regarding requirements of a
course, teaching effectiveness, comments made in a class that seem derogatory or inflammatory, criticism of
the student, general performance or sanctions given for academic dishonesty. Students should first discuss
their concerns with the instructor. If the student and faculty member cannot resolve the issue satisfactorily
or if the student does not feel comfortable speaking directly with the instructor the student should consult
with the Director of Education Services, who will attempt to resolve the issue. Decisions may be appealed to
the Director of Education and/or Director of Academic Services for a final resolution.

Right to Petition
Request for exception to academic policies may be made when there are extenuating circumstances such as
a serious medical condition, a death in the immediate family or other traumatic, unforeseen events.
Students should complete a Communication Form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. Forms will be
forwarded to the appropriate academic official or committee for consideration and decision.


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