Spring 2008 Courses

English 120-04: Intro to Creative Writing (Wang)

T/TH 1:00-2:30pm, Old Main 011

This writing workshop explores the artistic modes of expression in poetry, fiction and non-fiction, using environmental issues as themes and topics. We will look into the core of environmental issues--the interaction between culture and nature, and how humans have been affected by the natural environment in the past and also how we have affected that environment and with what results. We'll examine the Twin Cities and surrounding areas on issues such as nature and industry, land, water and forests, human population growth, agriculture, urban/suburb expansion, tour industry, biodiversity, energy use, climate change, and environmental health. We'll learn how writers and poets across cultures create their imagery, figurative language, sound, rhythmic structures, voice, plot, character, point of view, etc., and how they use these techniques as carriers to reach their artistic goals.

Many of the writing assignments (poetry, stories, and essays) will be somewhat related to and/or based on the environmental topics you have chosen and researched. And all the assignments will be read and workshopped in class as part of the writing/editing process. Such practice is crucial to train your ear for the sound, rhythm and the flow of a poem and prose. It also trains both the reader and listeners the art of criticism and editing.

Texts
1. Post Modern American Poetry, ed. Paul Hoover, Norton Anthology
2. Sudden Fiction, International, ed. Robert Shapard and James Thomas, Norton
3. The Art of Personal Essays, ed. by Philip Lopate
4. Handouts of essays and personal essays

Spring 2008 Course Listings