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Advanced Placement Language and Composition Writing Seminar Griffith Backwork: Tuesday, Thursday Askew 219 Monday, Wednesday JH 101

Course Description

The focus of this course is on writing: reading the writing of representative authors of the different prose subgenres, discussing and analyzing the techniques of these writers, and modeling these authors through your own creative writing. Through appreciation, analysis, and creativity, you will gain a body of technique, the tools to recognize and shape the expression of your truths.

In the first half of this course, you will begin to develop “writerly” habits (freewriting etc.), develop as a member of writing community, and write works of prose, specifically based upon the subgenres of personal essay (place, portrait), and memoir. You will also be expected to participate frequently through discussion, reading aloud, and giving feedback to peers. The course is designed to encourage and foster a community in which to brainstorm, craft, workshop, and revise writing. The second half of the class is devoted to the reading of sample short stories and polishing of an original short story, which will be included in a class anthology.

What we will assume:

1. Everyone can write. Good writing comes from habit more than talent. 2. Writing does not simply record experience, it creates it. 3. Writers improve when members of a community of fellow writers. 4. You learn writing by doing. I cannot “teach” you how to write. I can introduce you to a process that will contribute to your growth as a writer and help you find your true voice. 5. Writing is work!

//Writing True// by Sondra Perl and Mimi Schwartz //Bird by Bird by// Anne Lamott //On Writing// by Stephen King
 * Texts: **

Genesis recyclable spiral notebook Pen that allows you to freewrite with ease.
 * Materials **

1. Establishing Good Writing Habits and A Writing Community
 * Writing Units **

2. Poem

3. Place Essay

4. Portrait

5. Memoir

6. 55-Word Short Story

20% Homework 20% Participation 60% Writing (drafts, revisions; creative and analytical pieces)
 * Grade Breakdown **

Your homework grade is based on: -doing the whole assignment and doing it on time

Your participation grade is loosely based on: -your willingness to write, read, listen, and respond to your classmates’ work

Your writing grades are loosely based on:

-attending to specific rules and elements of an assignment and of the rules of creative good writing -revising thoroughly and thoughtfully based upon my comments


 * Calender Outline**

Week 1 (1/4-1/8) -Establishing Good Writing Habits and A Writing Community

Week 2 (1/11-1/15)-Establishing Good Writing Habits and A Writing Community

Week 3 (1/18-1/22)-Establishing Good Writing Habits and A Writing Community

Week 4 (1/25-1/29)-100 Word Excerpt

Week 5 (2/1-2/5)-Writing About Place

Week 6 (2/8-2/12)-Writing About Place

Week 7 (2/15-2/19)-Writing About Place

Week 8 (2/22-2/26)-Writing about Place

Week 9 (3/1--3/5)-Introduction to Portrait

Week 10 ( 3/15-3/19)-Introduction to Portrait

Week 11 (3/22-3/26)-Introduction to Portrait

Week 12 (3/29-4/2)-Memoir

Week 13 (4/5-4/9)-Memoir

Week 14 (4/12-4/16)-Memoir

Week 15 (4/26-4/30)-Micro-Fiction

Week 16 (5/3-5/7)-Micro-Fiction