ENGLISH 2392 – Introduction to Fiction Writing

C.W. SMITH

 

Requirements and Policies:

 

I. Writing:

A. Approximately eight writing assignments ranging from one to fifteen pages in length. Semester average of 75 - 100 pages for students expecting a "C" or above. Assignments will include directed exercises, two short stories on subjects of the writer's choice in rough draft, and revisions of same.

 

B. All written work done outside of class must be typed, with a 1.5 or double spacing, on white paper. 

 

C. Late papers: any paper submitted between the due date and the due date of a subsequent paper will be penalized one letter grade. Late papers submitted beyond that deadline will receive an "F." (It's better, though, to earn an "F" or 55 points than to receive a "0" for no paper.) The only way I can accept responsibility for papers is if they are handed to me personally. If you put them in my mailbox, it's not my fault if I don't get them.

 

D. Grammar, spelling and mechanics: unless there's an unarguably compelling reason to do otherwise, students will be expected to adhere to the normal rules in their prose.

 

II. Attendance And Participation:

A. Attendance at all class meetings is compulsory; a workshop class is successful only if all are present to give and to receive criticism. Documented illnesses excuse absences, but after three excused absences, the student will be called in and counseled to drop the course or suffer a drop in the grade. Do not make appointments with doctors or dentists during class hours.

 

B. Classroom participation: each student will be required to read aloud from his or her work regularly and to participate freely by offering oral and written criticism or his or her fellow writer's work. By necessity a workshop offers the greatest rewards for hams and show-offs and, likewise, punishes wallflowers.

 

C. Tardiness/leaving classroom. Because we sit in around a table and much of our time will be spend listening to one another's prose, it is important to be prompt in arriving to class so you won't disrupt proceedings already underway. Also, please do not leave the class room for frivolous reasons: need a smoke, need to make or to answer a cell phone call, etc.

 

 

III. Grading:

A. Students will receive grades on most written work done outside of class. Grades on creative efforts will be by necessity subjective and prey to the instructor's moods, whims, and tastes.

 

B. Classroom participation (as opposed to mere presence) will be included in the calculation of a grade. Lack of participation will have a negative effect.

 

C. Calculating final grade: reading quizzes & participation (30%); written work handed in (70%)

 

IV. Reading:

Texts: website materials. Anthology: The Contemporary American Short Story.

 

V.   Conferences:

Each student is encouraged to make conferences to discuss his or her work. Such conferences are an important part of my job and I consider them not only a duty but a pleasure. Office -- 231 Dallas Hall. Hours are 2 –3:30 on TTh and by appointment.  Phone: #82957; e-mail – cwsmith@mail.smu.edu. Website http://faculty.smu.edu/cwsmith and follow links for course information.

 

VI. Fees:

Each student will be assessed a fee for the semester to cover the cost of duplicating student work for class readings. Fee will not exceed $10 and will be paid to the English Department.

 

VII. Plagiarism:

I will presume that all work turned in for consideration was done by the student whose name appears on it and that it was done expressly for this class. Students suspected of plagiarism will receive an F for the course and the case will be turned over to the Honors Council.

 

Disability Accommodations: If you need academic accommodations for a disability, you must first contact Ms. Rebecca Marin, Services for Students with Disabilities (214-768-4563) to verify and establish eligibility for accommodations. Then you should schedule an appointment with the professor to make appropriate arrangements.