Methods of Teaching Creative Writing

Methods of Teaching Creative Writing, Carolyne Wright, Instructor, Eng 600, Post-graduates only
In this course we will explore theoretical and practical issues that inform the teaching of creative writing, using both “how-to” creative writing texts and writings about creative writing pedagogy as a discipline. You will develop a teaching philosophy and pedagogy to help you conduct writing workshops and alternatives—including the use of writing texts, prompts and exercises; learning outcomes and how to devise them; and responses to students’ creative work. You will hone your ability to give presentations, to speak about writing, publishing, and your own experiences as writers in any context (colleges, schools, conferences and festivals, community centers, libraries and literary groups) and for diverse age groups and demographics. The residency for this course takes place following the online semester, so plan on attending the January 2011 residency to complete the course.

Required for all students:
Colors of a Different Horse: Rethinking Creative Writing Theory and Pedagogy, Wendy Bishop and Hans Ostrom, editors. Natl Council of Teachers of English.
ISBN-10: 0814107168; ISBN-13: 78-08141071964, ERIC # ED366967
Out of Print–Full text available online through ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center)

The Elephants Teach: Creative Writing Since 1880, by David Gershom Myers, University of Chicago Press; New edition (June 1, 2006)

The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry and Writing, Richard Hugo, W. W. Norton & Co.

Teaching Poetry
(Only One Text is Needed–But Poets in the Class May Use Other Similar Texts Instead. This One is My Suggestion)
Thirteen Ways of Looking for a Poem: A Guide to Writing Poetry, Wendy Bishop. Addison Wesley Longman, 2000.

Fiction
(Only One Text is Needed–But Fiction Writers in the Class May Use Other Similar Texts Instead. This One is My Suggestion)
Writing Fiction (6th Edition), by Janet Burroway. Longman (sixth edition, 2002) or Longman (seventh edition, 2006)

Creative Nonfiction
(Only One Text is Needed–But Creative Nonfiction Writers in the Class May Use Other Similar Texts Instead. This One is My Suggestion)
Tell It Slant: Writing and Shaping Creative Nonfiction, by Brenda Miller, McGraw-Hill, 2004

Children’s / Young Adult
(Only One Text is Needed–But CYA Writers in the Class May Use Other Similar Texts Instead. This One is My Suggestion)
The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Storytellers & Screenwriters, by Christopher Vogler. Michael Wiese Productions, 1998.