A hybrid literature/creative writing topics course that both refines students' general analytical, interpretive, and academic writing skills and gives them experience in crafting their own short creative works in the genre. Sections may include Narrative Nation (digital forms of creative nonfiction and journalism), Songwriting, or Writing for Performance.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
Fall Semester information
Samuel Autman245A: Topics:Narrative Techniques Across Genres
Human beings are wired for stories. Our species has told stories since the beginning but in the last two decades storytelling has exploded across genres and platforms. As we moved from oral to printed stories, books and the printed word reigned for the longest. The arrival of radio, film and television in the 20th century set the stage for what we are experiencing now. This course aims to demystify and analyze what makes up effective narrative. They call it narratology, which is the study of narrative structure. Students in this course will read, critique and analyze news stories, literary pieces, podcasts, books, TV shows and at least one movie adaptation. Students will: develop a language for critiquing and dissecting narratives, articulate what shifts and why when a story moves from one format to another, develop an eye for the ways characters evolve and learn to identify and articulate a narrative's flaws and strengths.
Gregory Schwipps
245B: Topics:Nature Writing
A hybrid literature/creative writing topics course that both refines students' general analytical, interpretive, and academic writing skills and gives them experience in crafting their own short creative works in the genre. Nature Writing asks students to read examples of contemporary nature writing (mostly nonfiction), while also reflecting on current trends and issues in the outdoor world. Students will write both academic papers and creative nonfiction essays.