Creative Writing

Ms. Lacey, Lab 204

tlacey@ycsd.york.va.us
http://mstlacey.weebly.com
2016-2017 Course Syllabus

Course Description:
This course extends
students prose writing
techniques. Emphasis is
placed on a variety of prose
models that include short stories, essays, and dramatic scripts. This course
also develops poetic writing techniques. Emphasis is placed on lyric and
narrative style, traditional poetic form, tone, and allusion. This course
provides students with the opportunity to work on the production/publication
of a school literary magazine.
This syllabus will be adjusted by the teacher as needed to best meet the class
learning goals.
st
1
Prose
Focus: Elements of a story,
Quar
creative nonfiction
ter
2nd
Poetry
Focus: Genre, form
Quar
ter
3rd
Editing and
Focus: Independent projects,
Quar publishing
Literary Magazine, Developing a
ter
critical eye, publication design
and organization
th
4
Editing and
Focus: Cumulative independent
Quar publishing
projects, publication design and
ter
organization, publish and sell
literary magazine.
Materials Needed:
1- Composition notebook (this is your journal; it is important that you
have it by the second class meeting or you will lose participation points)
1- folder with pockets (this will be used to turn in assignments)
1- thumb drive
Pens (blue or black ink)
Donations of tissue boxes and/or hand sanitizer would be greatly
appreciated.
Grading
YCSD Grading Scale
A 90D 64F 0-

Weighted Breakdown for Creative Writing

Fulfillment of Job/Magazine Production

Process Writings/Journals/Ad Sales
Writing Portfolios

45
20
35

100
B 80-89
C 70-79
69
63

Academic Dishonesty
In accordance with all YCSD policies, instances of academic dishonesty will be
taken very seriously. Any situation involving copied work or answers,
discussing test or quiz questions, or otherwise misrepresenting someone
elses work as your own will result in a referral to an administrator and/or a
zero on the assignment in question.
Plagiarism is not acceptable at any time or in any class, but it is especially
important to remember in Creative Writing. Not only are we producing a print
publication that will be distributed, but our magazine is also submitted to
VHSL for evaluation. Instances of plagiarism would disqualify our entry. We
must ALWAYS produce original work.
Late Work and Absences
Turn in your assignments on time or your grade will be reduced. Assignments
more than five days late will not be accepted. Discretion will be used for
extenuating circumstances. It is the responsibility of each student to make up
any work he or she misses whether an absence is excused or unexcused. To
help students keep up with make-up work, assignments will be posted on the
class website. Students should not display avoidance of any major due dates.
In the second semester, we will be working with a tight schedule. The class
relies on each other to create a successful publication, and it takes the effort
of each person. Please be responsible for the duties assigned to you and do
not miss deadlines.
Course Outline
1. Students returning for Lit. Mag. II will serve as editors (and other
leadership roles).
2. New students will be assigned to various teams (business, editing,
evaluation, etc.)
3. New students will focus on developing creative writing skills through
lecture and writing. Returning students will focus on independent
pieces.
4. In the second semester, all students will work together for the
production of the magazine. After production, students will focus on
sales and distribution of the magazine and comprising a manual for the
magazine.
5. This is a unique course. We manage a budget and produce a magazine
for the school and community. It is important to understand that in
taking this class you are agreeing to sell ads and magazines, meet
deadlines, and produce a publication.
Procedures

1. We will open most classes with a writing warm up, which is to be

completed in the composition notebook. Students will be expected to
share their writing regularly.
2. This class meets every day for 55 minutes. The class will rotate
between teacher-led lessons and activities and independent writing
workshops. During workshops, students may write independently,
share and respond with classmates, or participate in student/teacher
conferences. The nature of workshop time will vary depending on the
content of the course.
3. All creative writing students are required to sell ads. Without this
component, we are unable to cover the cost of production (paper
quality, design, color, printing, etc.). Each student is required to sell
$150 in ads (see business and patron ad forms).
4. We will also be collaborate with the art department and sometimes
borrow student work and/or equipment. Please be careful and
responsible in these instances and make sure materials are returned.

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Thank you for taking time from your busy evening to review this information
so that together we can help your student be successful this year. Please
sign below to acknowledge that you have read and understand the policies
and procedures outlined on the syllabus for Advanced English 9. In addition,
please fill out the following form and return it with your student, and feel free
to contact me if you have any questions.
Students Name:
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2.

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Relationship to Student:
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Technology Survey: Does your student have:

a. Computer/Internet access at home? ____________________________
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4.

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