Creative Writing Courses
The Department of English offers several creative writing courses for qualified students. This information can also be found in the department's CREATIVE WRITING INFORMATION SHEET (530 KB PDF).
Instructor
The Department's creative writing courses are taught by the accomplished writer Carolyn Smart. For a list of Ms Smart's publications, information about her approach to teaching, and a sample of her recent work, see her WEBSITE.
Carolyn Smart offers the following comments about her teaching:
- As a professional writer with twenty-five years experience, my approach to teaching is both simple and evolving: to provide an encouraging and challenging environment within which a student's creative talents may be fostered. I tend not to dominate a class; rather, my approach is one of (mostly) quiet enthusiasm whilst keeping a close eye on possible negative or destructive influences.
- I encourage and expect students to read broadly and write as often as possible both from a directed standpoint in terms of genre and form, as well as freely chosen creative explorations. I discourage self-censorship and promote individuality and originality. My aim is for a group that relishes intense and productive discussion which leads to fine individual writing. I do whatever is necessary to support an emerging talent. Yet I do not shirk from pointing out weakness in terms of derivative, mannered or insubstantial work: only the truth can help a young writer advance, both technically and emotionally.
Enrolling in CWRI Courses
These are limited-enrolment courses for which students may not pre-register. Admission is by permission of the instructor, based on her assessment of writing samples. Submission materials should include either a recently-completed short story or non-rhyming poem, a cover letter describing your reasons for wanting to take the course, and your student number, and may be submitted in two ways: to the Department of English in hard copy, or as an MS Word attachment to the instructor. The deadline for submission is 1 June 2010, though early submission is encouraged. Successful applicants will find the course listed on QCARD during the pre-registration period.
Courses Offered
CWRI 293* Creative Writing in Prose
A workshop course focusing on the writing and editing of short fiction, novels, and memoir. Students attempt several approaches to the writing of creative prose and complete the course with a formal submission for publication in a magazine. There are lectures on editing and publishing.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, based on writing samples.
CWRI 294* Creative Writing in Poetry
A workshop course focusing on the writing and editing of poetry. Students attempt several forms of poetry and complete the course with a formal submission for publication in a magazine. There are lectures on editing, publishing, and public performance.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, based on writing samples.
CWRI 295* Creative Writing I
A practical creative writing workshop, concentrating on short fiction and poetry.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, based on writing samples.
CWRI 295*U Creative Writing I (Online)
An online introduction to the art of composing fiction and poetry. Students submit independent creative work to the instructor and to their classmates for feedback and read and respond to their classmates' writing. All writings and course materials are shared electronically via website and email. The course is designed to help students write regularly and to enjoy writing. By sharing work in progress, students learn from and support one another and develop critical judgment. They also practice computer and internet skills and become comfortable working online.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, based on writing samples.
CWRI 296* Creative Writing II
A practical creative writing workshop concentrating on short fiction and poetry. There is intensive focus on publication in a class-produced anthology.
Prerequisites: One of CWRI 293*, 294*, 295*, or equivalent, and permission of the instructor.