Fall 2017 Writing Studies Courses
Monday
ENG 641: Reading & Writing Silence/CRN 40656
Dr. Melissa Goldthwaite
In Writing and Reading Silence, we will examine—through reading, writing, discussion, listening, and contemplative practices—the complex rhetorical relationships among silence, speech, and writing. We’ll focus on the multiple ways people both deliver and receive silence in intentional (and sometimes unintentional) ways and consider the rhetorical, literary, and even bodily effects of these silences. We will consider a range of practices involving silence: the potentially destructive practices of silencing oneself or others, the potentially empowering effects of choosing to be silent for a particular purpose, and the calming and potentially healing effects of meditative and contemplative silences (including the ways in which contemplative silences can help individuals listen more carefully to themselves, to others, and even to texts). We’ll also explore the ways writers use and create opportunities for silence in their writing. Assignments include short pieces (both creative and analytical), journals, and a semester project of the student’s choice. (Area I or III)
Tuesday
ENG 550: Practice of Writing/CRN 40655
Professor Tom Coyne
This course is designed as an Introduction to the Writing Studies Program, and it allows students to explore a variety of genres while they explore career options within the writing/publishing world. Students will literally “walk in the shoes” of different writers, playing the role of columnist, reporter, editor, poet, and fiction writer. At the end of the course, students will reflect on these different roles and begin brainstorming a possible thesis project in one area. (Core Course)
Wednesday
ENG 676: Writing for Publication/CRN 40658
Professor Eleanor Stanford
In this class, we will explore various avenues for publication. The course will be specifically tailored to students’ interests in terms of genre; fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, etc. We will consider trends in publishing, the state of the industry, the process of submitting work, and more. Each student will work to polish at least one piece of writing to a publishable draft, and both individually and as a class, we will find appropriate venues where students can submit. (Area III)
Thursday
ENG 670: Fiction Workshop/CRN 40657
Professor Tenaya Darlington
This class is designed to make you a better fiction writer – to teach you about the craft, to give you a space in which to explore your voice, and to push you beyond the familiar. There is also a workshop component, which will give you the chance to receive feedback from the group about your work. You’ll write hard, read widely, and learn stylistic devices that can be used in many areas of your writing. This is a portfolio-based class; you’ll write two major short stories and revise them for final submission at the end of the term. (Area III)
Questions? Email Director Tenaya Darlington at tdarling@sju.edu or Heather Foster at hfoster@sju.edu.
For a historical list of course offerings, visit the Writing Studies website.