ENGL 203-100
Introduction to Creative Writing
MWF 9:30 to 10:20 Dawkins
This class is an intensive introduction to the fundamental skills necessary for writing poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and even drama / screenwriting. It is also an opportunity to develop the habits that will support a life-long, daily practice in creative writing. Over the semester, you will write and revise three poems and two brief nonfiction and/or flash fiction pieces. This work will be supported by regular craft exercises, including practice writing short prose sketches and lines of (gasp!) iambic pentameter. Good writing (of any kind) always starts with good reading, so we will also be reading poems, essays, and short fiction throughout the semester, looking for techniques to “steal” whenever possible. And, since the best of poetry and writing is that which sticks in our memory, stays in our body, and lives with us until the moment when we most need it, we will each memorize and recite one poem.A course exploring basic issues and techniques of writing narrative prose and verse through exercises, analysis, and experiment. For students who wish to try their abilities across a spectrum of genres.
ENGL 203-101
Introduction to Creative Writing
MWF 10:35 to 11:25 Hoeynck
A course exploring basic issues and techniques of writing narrative prose and verse through exercises, analysis, and experiment. For students who wish to try their abilities across a spectrum of genres.
ENGL 204
Introduction to Journalism
TTh 12:45 to 2:00 Sheeler
Students will learn the basics of reporting and writing news stories, but also the traditions behind the craft and the evolving role of journalism in society. Instruction will include interviewing skills, fact-checking, word choice and story structure—all framed by guidance on making ethically sound decisions. Students will also periodically interact via Skype with journalists from newsrooms throughout the country including the New York Times and the Washington Post. No prerequisites.
ENGL 213
Introduction to Fiction Writing
M 2:15 to 4:45 Umrigar
This is an introductory class which teaches students the craft of writing short stories. You will learn the elements of writing that go into making a good story, such as character and plot development, voice, dialogue, sense of place etc. To this end, you will be reading and writing a great deal in this class. Apart from reading several short stories every week, you will also be required to do in-class and out-of-class writing exercises. In addition, you will write two longer stories, which will be workshopped by the entire class. Each week, you will be responsible for reading and critiquing stories written by your classmates.
ENGL 214
Introduction to Poetry Writing
TTh 1:00 to 2:15 Lucas
A beginning workshop, focusing on such elements of poetry as verse-form, syntax, figures, sound, tone. May include discussion of literary examples as well as student work.
ENGL 257B
Poetry
MW 12:45 to 2:00 Jewell
This course is an introduction to – and a highly-creative “reading workshop” in – poetry. In other words, this course encourages an active exploration of how we read poetry and the strategies that poets use to intensify our experiences with it. What are the specific qualities of a poem, for example, that allow for deep personal expression as well as dynamic social engagement? In our “reading workshop” we will identify writers’ uses of specific poetic elements and pay close attention to our own reading processes. We will focus closely on the works of more recent poets who use innovative forms that prompt us to think about relationships between language and the world in which we live. We will aim to have classroom visits from two or three local poets who will read and discuss their works with us. Students will compose weekly or bi-weekly critical responses, write a midterm paper, and complete a final critical/creative project.
ENGL 307/307C
Feature/Magazine Writing
Reporters at War
MW 3:20 to 4:35 Sheeler
The best war reporters relate the stories of troops on the front lines as well as civilians in war zones and families of the dead who are affected long after the shooting stops. Though they know the danger of reporting from combat zones — hundreds of reporters have been killed, kidnapped or injured in the past decade — these journalists also know the importance of bearing witness. This course will introduce students to the work of reporters and photographers around the world from a variety of different news outlets, and students will then have the opportunity to speak to the journalists via video chat. Part of the course will include a deep dive into Professor Jim Sheeler’s Final Salute, the book that evolved from his Pulitzer Prize-winning story where Sheeler spent nearly a year with a Marine whose job was to notify the families of relatives killed in action. Students will have a chance to meet that Marine, as well as some of the families shattered by his knock at their door.
Students enrolled in this course as their capstone (307C) will be required to write a longer paper and participate in the English Department’s oral presentation capstone event at the end of the semester.
*Note: There are no prerequisites for this course. If SIS does not allow you into the class, please request permission from Professor Sheeler on SIS or email jes240@case.edu.
ENGL 367/467
Introduction to Film
TTh 1:00—2:15 Spadoni
An introduction to the art of film. Each week we’ll take an element of film form (editing, cinematography, sound, and so on) and examine how filmmakers work with this element to produce effects. Also most weeks, students will, on their own, view a film that the class will discuss in light of the week’s focus. Films will include masterworks of the silent era, foreign films, Hollywood studio-era classics, and more recent cinema.
Undergrads (ENGL 367) take a scheduled quiz, midterm, and final exam, and write two essays (5-6 and 8-10 pages). Grad students (ENGL 467) satisfy the same requirements as the undergrads, except their final essay will be an extended research project, in connection with which they will submit a proposal, outline, partial draft, and other related assignments.
This course has no prerequisites. First year students are welcome in this class.
ENGL 368/WLIT 368/ENGL 468/WLIT468
Topics in Film
American Cinema and Culture
TTh 10:00—11:15 Spadoni
How do films reflect, absorb, and influence the culture that produces them? We’ll ask this question as we focus on films produced in the United States, exploring ways they have mediated moviegoers and their world at different times in history. Most weeks, students will screen a feature film that the class will discuss in light of the week’s reading. Topics discussed will include race, class, disability, gender, and sexuality.
Undergrads (ENGL 368) write two essays (5-6 and 8-10 pages), take part in a group presentation, occasionally hand in study guides for their reading, and do occasional in-class writing exercises (lowest study guide/writing exercise is dropped). Grad students (ENGL 468) satisfy the same requirements as the undergrads, except their final essay will be an extended research project, in connection with which they will submit a proposal, outline, partial draft, and other related assignments.
The undergraduate section of this course has no prerequisites and welcomes first year students. Grad students are advised to contact the instructor before registering.