Creative Writing (CRW)

Practice in developing skills in composing and editing original creative work. This course includes selections from the Western canon.

Analysis of the major techniques used in creative writing, thematically based in nature. Students develop skills in reading, reviewing, and editing creative writing that is steeped in an environmental awareness. Students in this course will be required to demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple assignments. This course will fulfill three (3) semester hours of the twelve (12) semester hours in writing skills coursework required for Florida’s College-Level Communication and Computation Skills assessment. This course includes selections from the Western canon.

Examination of the genres and readings of contemporary creative writing with attention to literary technique and discussion of the concerns of professional writers. Attendance of Sanibel Island Writers Conference workshops is required.

Analysis and development of fiction writing techniques including plot structure, characterization, point of view, and revision. Course includes critical analysis of published fiction and an introduction to analysis of original manuscripts in the workshop setting.

An examination of the diverse strategies employed in the forms of nonfiction, including memoir, essay, researched essay, micro-memoir, braided essays, nature writing, food writing, literary journalism, and writing about place. Students may also write and submit original nonfiction for individual and group constructive evaluation.

Analysis and development of poetic elements and devices including imagery, voice, lyric structure, considerations of form, and revision. Course includes analysis of published poetry and an introduction to analysis of original manuscripts in the workshop setting.

The study, theory, and practice of various short narrative forms including flash, sudden, and micro.

Analysis of the elements of the short story, novella, and novel forms. Emphasis on the development of an individual style in writing fiction; critiquing, editing, and revising original fiction; and preparing fiction for publication.

The study, theory, and practice writing of various forms and genres of fiction including fantasy, science fiction, horror, post-apocalyptic/dystopian, and alternative history.

An examination of various forms of memoir through reading, analyzing, and draft writing. Students may also submit original memoir for individual and constructive evaluation.

Study, theory, and practice of various poetic forms. Development of individual style. Critiquing, editing, and revising original poetry.

Independent work in creative writing, course content determined by instructor

Courses centering around topics of current or special interest to creative writing students and instructors, with an emphasis on advanced skills in creative writing. Students may take up to two (2) CRW 4930 courses for credit, but they may not repeat the course with the same instructor.