English 126
Julie Cárdenas
MW 12:30-1:45 pm
Office: 511B, PH: 644-7486
email: julie.cardenas@gcccd.edu
English 126 is a course designed to provide you with practice in writing short prose, dramatic and poetic literature. You will also study and analyze techniques in the works of professional writers and in the works of students. In addition, there will be an opportunity for publication of your work.
This course will help you to:
Three Genres, by Stephen Minot
Acorn Review, current edition
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reading
We will read several works by published authors this semester for examples of poems, short stories, works of creative non-fiction, and plays which illustrate the elements of creative writing that we will be discussing.
Writing
Three poems
One short story (1000-2000 words)
One work of creative non-fiction (1,000-2,000 words)
Progress Report of One-Act Play
One-Act Play of at least 13 minutes playing time
Critique of a play or poetry reading you will attend this semester
Written evaluations of student work
Portfolio of in-class and out-of-class exercises (15 pages)
Submission to Acorn Review
Much of our time will be spent discussing the work you produce. We will "workshop" your works to clarify what is working well in them and what might be changed in revision. Except at the beginning of the semester, you will be given packets of the pieces to be workshopped at least a week before we discuss them, so that you can read them carefully and make notes and suggestions on them to help the writer.
Attendance
Attendance is essential to your individual progress and to the class as a whole because of the workshopping and writing activities we will be doing in class. If you are going to be absent, please leave a message for the instructor, especially if your piece is scheduled for workshop. (If you are absent on the afternoon your piece is scheduled for workshop, you take your chance as to when or if it will be read in class.) Students will be dropped after three consecutive absences.
Academic Accommodations
Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact Disabled Student Services & Programs (DSP&S) early in the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSP&S in person in room 110 or by phone at (619) 644-7112 or (619) 644-7119 (TTY for deaf).
Grading will be based on your effort and success in writing as well as the effort you put forth in critiquing the work of others. Participation is a key factor in your success in this class, so involvement in class discussions and workshops influence your grade. Class attendance is also a factor in determining your grade, as well as whether or not you have met all assignment deadlines listed on the class schedule.
A Final Note: This course is about you in the sense that writers write from their own experiences. Writing creatively is an exciting, worthwhile experience. You should relax, have a good time, and prepare to trust your imagination as an indispensable and trustworthy friend.
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, California 92020
619-644-7000
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