Advanced Creative Writing - Editing & Publishing

Course Number:
WR 246
Transcript Title:
Advanced Creative Writing - Editing & Publishing
Created:
Aug 17, 2022
Updated:
Jul 18, 2023
Total Credits:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
Yes
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

(WR 241, WR 242, or WR 243) and (WR 244 or WR 245) or instructor permission

Course Description

Emphasizes development of craft while introducing basics of editing others' manuscripts and preparing them for publication in a variety of forms, including an annual student literary magazine. Prerequisites: (WR 241, 242 or 243) and (WR 244 or 245) or instructor permission. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Solicit and read a variety of literary and artistic submissions, and use appropriate critical language to define an aesthetic to guide the
    evaluation process and the decisions to accept or reject manuscripts.
  2. Work cooperatively and communicate effectively with co-editors and contributors to edit and publish a small literary publication, using critical thinking
    and problem solving to address the multitude of mechanical and strategic problems and possibilities in publishing.
  3. Respond fairly, intelligently, and professionally to a variety of literary and artistic submissions, showing respect for themselves and others as writers.
  4. Participate in a complete publication cycle, engaging in the mechanics of keyboarding, design, layout, and proofreading; and communicate effectively with the professionals who handle other aspects of publication, such as the printing and binding.
  5. Write their own creative writing with greater knowledge and self-awareness.

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major
1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)
Major
2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)
Not Addressed
3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)
Minor
4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)
Minor
5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The course grade is determined by appraisal of the student's participation and contribution to the group effort of producing the literary and arts magazine. Evaluation is based upon effectiveness, dependability and timeliness in carrying out responsibilities; contribution of imaginative and workable ideas; application of critical values as developed in this and other classes; successful completion of any other assigned work, such as a personal chapbook and creative writing; and, acceptance of responsibility for editorial choices. Attendance policies vary with instructors: students missing a week's worth of class may not expect an A; those missing two weeks' worth may not pass the course.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

  • Desktop publishing
  • Becoming conversant with current desktop publishing software, such as:
    • InDesign
    • Photoshop
    • OmniPage Direct
    • MS Word
  • Book design and typography
  • Self-publishing
  • Designing and producing a small chapbook
  • Furthering creative writing skills
  • Publishing and the business of literature
  • Editing and proofreading skills
  • Sharpening critical skills

Department Notes

A brief interview with the instructor may be necessary before enrollment in the course. Students are encouraged to continue study in literature and languages as well as other creative writing courses.