SELECTED TOPICS IN ENGLISH

SELECTED TOPICS IN ENGLISH: SHORT NONFICTION WRITING

ENGL 4800-01 (CRN 52117)

Summer 2006— MTWR 1:30-3:50pm —G133 (A&S Bldg)

Dr. Brigitte Byrd Office: A&S 210M
brigittebyrd@clayton.edu Office Phone: (678) 466-4556

http://a-s.clayton.edu/langlit/faculty/Byrd.htm Office hours: TBA

(and by appointment)

Texts:

Tell It Slant: Writing and Shaping Creative Nonfiction, ed. Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola

Additional Required Materials:

1 manila folder in which you will turn your final portfolio

$20 for copying expenses

$25 for participation to happenings

Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will be used regularly in the classroom. They are required to access course materials and to communicate with me. Access to the internet is also a requirement.

Catalog Description:

Selected topics in English language-based literary study. May be repeated when topics vary.
Pre-Requisite:

ENGL 3800 or with permission of instructor.

Course Objectives:

This course focuses on writing the happenings in Atlanta . We will study the craft of creative nonfiction writing through reading, discussion, and workshops, and we will attend performances in the visual arts, music, and film before writing short pieces of nonfiction stemming from these experiences. We will also “travel” to Little Five Point and write, well, a travel piece.

You will write four short creative nonfiction pieces (also called short literary essays) which will be workshopped in class so that you may revise each piece. These essays will be centered respectively on the visual arts, music, film, and travel.

You will select one revised piece that you will resubmit to the workshop then revise it again before turning it in your final portfolio.

Late work Policy:

I do not accept late work. Late work will receive a 0 unless arrangements are made between us before a planned absence or immediately after class, in the case of a personal emergency. Once we have made arrangements, you will turn the paper in question directly to me.

University Policies:

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

Attendance:

Attendance is expected for all class periods. Attendance is mandatory for workshops and participation in events/happenings. By “mandatory” I mean that failing to comply with the previous requirements will result in dropping one letter grade from your overall grade. An excused absence is an absence for which you provide me with a note from your doctor or other competent authority. Any absence after one excused absence will affect your participation grade: your overall grade for the course will drop one letter grade then one additional letter grade for each additional absence.

Plagiarism:

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. Plagiarism is one of the most common forms of academic misconduct. It will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is a counterproductive, non-writing behavior that is unacceptable in a course intended to aid the growth of individual writers. Plagiarism is representing another’s work or part thereof, be it published or unpublished, as one’s own. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentlife/judicial_affairs.htm.

Disability Services:

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 678-466-5445. disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Evaluation:

In order to receive a C in this course, you must turn in all the written work below on time and attend all events/happenings. Remember that attendance is required and that after 1 absence, your overall grade starts dropping. Similarly attendance is mandatory for workshops and all events/happenings. By “mandatory” I mean that failing to comply with the previous requirements will result in dropping one letter grade from your overall grade.

Midterm Portfolio (20%):

Short essay 1 (visual arts) 15%

Participation 5%

Final Portfolio (80%):

Short essay 1 (visual arts) must be in the portfolio

Short essay 2 (music) 15%

Short essay 3 (film) 15%

Short essay 4 (travel) 15%

Revised “revised” short essay (1,2,3,or 4) 25%

Participation 5%

Peers comments sheet 5%

Grading:

A 90-100 (excellent)

B 80-89 (above average)

C 70-79 (average)

D 60-69

F 60 and below

Mid-term Progress Report

The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued on June 12, reflects approximately 20% of the entire course grade. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W." Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar.

Important dates:

6/06 Revised short essay 1 due

6/12 Midterm grade issued

6/14 Revised short essay 2 due

6/20 Revised short essay 3 due

6/27 Revised short essay 4 due

6/28 Final Portfolio due in class

Course Schedule:

NOTE: I will refer to Tell It Slant as TIS

As most writers do, you will keep a small notebook with you at all time during this term so that you can record thoughts, dreams, observations, and start a list of words. Your notebook then becomes a pool of words and ideas for you to use in your creative work.

Week 1

5/30 Introduction to the course, “basics of good writing in any form,” TIS 8-21

5/31 TIS (102-04), “Still Life” (314-24), film Girl with a Pearl Earring

6/01 Visit to the High Museum of Art “American Drawings and Watercolors from the Princeton University Art Museum ” (plan to bring $12 with student ID), begin short essay 1

Directions:

I-75 NORTHBOUND: Take the 17th/14th/10th St. exit number 250. Turn RIGHT on 14th Street past Spring Street. Turn LEFT on West Peachtree Street . Continue on West Peachtree Street to 17th Street . Turn RIGHT on 17th Street . Turn RIGHT on Peachtree Street . The High Museum of Art is on your RIGHT between 15th and 16th Streets.

Public Transportation (MARTA)
The High Museum of Art is located at the Arts Center Station of MARTA, Atlanta 's rapid transit system. The round-trip cost is $3.50. Exit the station at the top level and follow signs to the Museum.

Week 2

6/05 Workshop short essay 1, distribute handouts

6/06 Revised short essay 1 due, TIS 106-07, “Making Nice,” “Ghost’s World,” “All Over the Map”

6/07 class canceled for attending rehearsal of local band (7:00-10:00pm)

Directions:

We will meet on campus at 6:30pm and drive together. The rehearsal place is in Morrow

6/08 Group work on data for short essay 2 and in-class writing

Week 3

6/12 class canceled for attending open mic event this week

6/13 Workshop short essay 2

6/14 Revised short essay 2 due, TIS 104-06 and “The Night My Mother Met Bruce Lee” (378-81)

6/14 Callanwolde Coffee House open mic (if you read, you need to be there at 6:30pm. The open mic event itself starts at 7:30pm. Cost: $3 for readers; otherwise, $5 )

6/15 film (to be announced)

Week 4

6/19 Workshop short essay 3, distribute handouts

6/20 Revised short essay 3 due, TIS 85-87, “The Despair of Art Deco,” New York Scenes.”

6/21 Visit to Little Five Point (meeting point to be determined)

6/22 Group work to share data on short essay 4 and in-class writing

Week 5

6/26 Workshop short essay 4

6/27 Revised short essay 4 due, workshop one revised short essay (1,2,3, or 4)

6/28 Final portfolio due in class