Sample classes

This class is an interdisciplinary look at creativity, where you’ll explore aspects and issues of the creative process. Your goals will be: 1) to consider possible steps in the process, such as observing, abstracting, patterning, empathizing, and synthesizing; and 2) to inspire your own creativity through a variety of exercises. While this class is filed under “creative writing,” the material will cover a range of fields in the arts and sciences.

Lectures and readings will focus on the stories and processes behind some of the greatest creative accomplishments: What inspired Auden’s Musée des Beaux Arts? Why did Picasso spend so many years sketching the feet of pigeons? How did Andrew Wiles prove Fermat’s Last Theorem? Where does Stephen King get his ideas? Do the Iron Chefs get any prep time? How did scientists discover that the urine of diabetics is sweet?

The spring semester will feature 17 guest lecturers—writers, actors, musicians, painters, doctors, mathematicians—who will speak about their creative experiences. During this second half of the class, you’ll also be required to complete a major creative project in a genre of your choice.

Instructor: Shashi Bhat

Prerequisites: Students must have fulfilled the writing class requirement listed in the Degree Requirements section of the Undergraduate Calendar.

Download class syllabus (PDF)

This class deals with the elements of writing a novel. In workshops, you’ll discuss the function of dramatic elements; how to devise a captivating story and compelling plot; how to effectively develop characters; the importance of setting; how to be consistent with point of view; why revision is important and how to do it; and, every writer’s dream—how to get published.

Prerequisites: Students must have fulfilled the writing class requirement listed in the Degree Requirements section of the Undergraduate Calendar.

In this class, you’ll advance your craft as a poet through writing, discussion, and presentations. You’ll propose a theme you’d like to pursue in your work, supported by a 500-word project description. The first term will be structured around critiquing the poems you and your classmates produce. As well, scheduled classroom discussions will explore various poetic topics including: inspiration, silence, practice/discipline, and metaphor. All discussions will be supported by readings of essays and poems, as well as an assortment of writing exercises.

In the second term, you’ll continue writing and critiquing new poems. You’ll also be responsible for doing presentations on poets you’ve read, admired or are challenged by three times during the term. Two writing assignments are required, both 500-word responses to a topic or question discussed in class. A public reading will be arranged at the end of the final term to give you the opportunity to read your work to a general audience. Possibilities for publication will also be discussed.

Instructor: Sue Goyette

Prerequisites: CRWR 3000