Creative
Writing 
Course description:
Every writer has a “tool box.” A writer’s tool box contains
words, imagination, a love of books, a sense of story, and ideas for how
to make their writing live and breathe. Students taking this class will utilize
their “tool boxes” in developing the essential components of
writing, such as dialogue, plot, characterization, and description. Daily
writing exercises as well as process pieces will be the focus of the class.
What to expect:
After a time of preparation and exploration, we will hone our writing skills
by reading different genres of literature, responding to the literature,
and writing our own pieces in these genres. Students can expect to write
nonfiction, memoir, and fiction, including poetry.
Essentials for the class:
1. An open mind.
2. Paper: preferably college-lined.
3. A pencil or pen: blue or black ink only, please.
4. A binder – 1 1/2” to 2” preferred – see portfolio
section below.
5. Reading material. You are expected to have something to read during the
creative reading portion of class and whenever you come to a stopping point
in your writing. I expect that you will choose some sort of non-required
reading. Reading material can be a novel, a book of poetry, a collection
of short stories and/or essays, a publication with literary merit, and approved
works of nonfiction. I’ll let you know if you have chosen to read something
outside these parameters. Creative reading will occur 2-3 times per week,
for 30-45 minutes per session. Bring your reading material every day.
My Expectations:
Basic Class Rules/Philosophy:
1. No student has the right to insult or otherwise interfere with the work
of anyone else in the class.
2. Students in this classroom have permission to think differently, to take
risks with their thinking; therefore, anyone who criticizes another’s
ideas is undermining the class community.
3. I expect everyone in this class to show respect toward each other, the
classroom, and themselves. I often ask students to share their work or speak
in class. Students are simply expected to listen when others are speaking.
I do not expect that every individual in this room with agree with every
opinion expressed. If a student wishes to voice his/her disagreement, I expect
that it will be handled in a mature manner. I will not put up with an absence
of respect.
4. All work you submit for a grade should be your own. All writing must be
original.
5. Hate language is not tolerated.
Late Work Policy: There should never be a time when students turn in work later than the due date. Late work should be completed for the portfolio, even if it is not submitted in time for a grade. Some major assignments may be accepted late for significantly reduced credit.
Grading:
Students will be graded on creativity, progress, effort, and attitude.
Writing is a process. No written piece is ever perfect, nor is it complete.
I expect that you will continue to revise and resubmit pieces throughout
the semester. Students with the diligence to improve will be rewarded with
high marks.
Students will be graded with a standard scale used by all Saline High School.
There will be no curve.
Participation:
In addition to writing, you are expected to share your writing both in small
groups and for the class as a whole. There will be many opportunities for
you to share your written work. You must read your written work to the class
at least five times over the course of the semester. Daily prompts can count
for up to three of these instances.
Website:
I update my website daily with the day’s agenda, homework, and links
to assignments. The address is www.salineschools.com/users/kreplec ; you
can also navigate to it through the Saline Schools & Saline High School
homepages.
Portfolio:
-You will be creating a portfolio of your work through the course of the
semester. This is not an extra assignment, but a documentation of your
growth as a writer. This portfolio will contain a variety of writing samples,
as well as other class work. You will divide this portfolio into the following
sections: Notes & Handouts, Classwork, Homework, Reading Responses,
and Final Drafts.
-This portfolio should be in the form of a 3-ring binder (1 ½” -
2” is a good size) with dividers for the sections.
-Each item in the portfolio should be organized in chronological order. I
expect each sheet of paper to be punched with holes and secured in the binder.
You may use sheet protectors.
-You will receive a list near the end of each marking period, indicating
what should be in your portfolio. It is your responsibility to ensure that
every item is in there.
Classroom Library:
The classroom library consists of my own books from home that I think students
might like, books that have been donated to me, and books that belong to
the English Department. (If you or your parents ever clean off your bookshelves
at home, please consider donating them to my classroom library.) Over the
past few years, I have loaned many of these books and have not always had
my books returned to me. You may check out any book that interests you.
However, because I want my library to grow, not shrink, I ask that you
follow my simple checkout process. Inside each book is a 3 x 5 card with
the book’s title on it. When checking out the book, write your name
on the book’s 3 x 5 card and give it to me. When you return the book,
I will put the card back in the book and reshelve it. (If you reshelve
it yourself, I won’t know that you have turned it in, so please turn
it in to me.)
Things to remember:
? Students are expected to come to class prepared to work. This means bringing
all materials needed. Do not ask me for a pen or pencil. You will not be
permitted to go to your locker for forgotten homework or book.
? If you are absent, it is your responsibility to look at the website for
any make up work. If you still have questions after looking on the website,
please see me before or after class. I will not remind you to make up work.
? When you are absent, you have as many days as you were gone from class
to turn in the assignments you missed. I will NOT ask you for them. It is
up to you to turn these in promptly. Absent work is entered as I for Incomplete
(equaling a zero). Assignments not turned in at all are entered as M for
Missing (equaling a zero).
? Individual extra credit is not given. There may be a few opportunities
for extra credit throughout the semester.
? The phone and computer are not for student use.
? No food. Drinks must have a lid.
? No electronic equipment, i.e. cell phone, iPod, portable CD player, etc.
? Disrespect will not be tolerated.
I LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT SEMESTER!
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