Syllabus
FALL TERM
Course Meeting Times
Lectures: 2 sessions per week, 2 hours per session
Course Goals
Explore and experience the process of creative writing as a spiritual practice leading to liberation and personal fulfillment. Examine the practical disciplines of successful storytelling and strategically integrate mind into manuscript.
Contribute new ideas to the classroom. Explore perspectives. Competently field questions. Reflect on what is learned and think of ways to make improvements.
Instructor Expectations
Learn and have fun! Respect varying points of view. Be present for class. Arrive prepared with finished work and all appropriate materials. Embrace academic integrity. Take responsibility for your own learning.
Grading
Reflections 75%
Quizzes 15%
Attendance & Participation 10%
(Punctuality counts. Attendance is taken sharp at the start of class.)
(In-class contribution and interaction with other students and the instructor exhibited through asking questions, offering answers, sharing opinions and ideas are all ways of demonstrating participation.)
*Papers turned in late will receive one letter grade lower per day.
**Independent reading and reflective writing assignments are a vital component of the course and to be completed outside of class.
***Drinks are permitted in the classroom. Students are expected to pick up after themselves.
****Plagiarism, cell phone use, text messaging during class…hmmm.
Calendar
Week Topics Key Dates
1 Course Introduction
Practical Steps on the Path of Transformational Writing: Purification
2 Practical Steps, Part 2: Refinement
Practical Steps, Part 3: Surrender
3 A Search for Wholeness
Writing Workshop Reflection on Identity
4 Suffering and Its Connection to Failure in Writing: Ignorance
Suffering+Failure, Part 2: Egoism
5 Suffering+Failure, Part 3: Attachment
Suffering+Failure, Part 4: Aversion
6 Suffering+Failure, Part 5: Fear of Death
Writing Workshop Reflection on Intent
7 The Laws of Life Applied in Writing: Nonviolence
Laws of Life, Part 2: Truthfulness
8 Laws of Life, Part 3: Integrity
Laws of Life, Part 4: Chastity
9 Laws of Life, Part 5: Non-Attachment
Writing Workshop Patanjali Reflection
10 Midterm Consultations
Midterm Consultations
11 Four Cornerstones: Passion, Purpose, Principles, Preparation
Means to Manifestation: Confidence, Clarity, Care, Contemplation
12 The Importance of Discipline, Environment, and Appreciation
Writing Workshop Eleven Reflection
13 Content and Consciousness
There is a Muse
14 The Intersection of Reading and Writing
Narration, Description, Dialog, and Characterization
15 Fundamentals of the Craft
Meaningful Storytelling
16 Building Your Writing Toolbox
Course Review Reflection on Writing
