EGL 202

ENGLISH 202 GENERIC COURSE SYLLABUS


I.	Course Prefix	Course No.	Course Name	Credit	Lecture	Lab
	EGL	202	Writing Fiction	3	3	0

II.

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of EGL 101 or Consent of instructor

III.

Course (Catalog) Description:

Course offers students the opportunity to develop an individual style as fiction writers. Content includes basic elements of fiction writing: structure, character, point of view, setting, and dialog.

IV.

Learning Objectives:

The student will be able to:

A. Writing in the conventional literary mode of fiction

1. Developing a unifying theme appropriate to the story.
2. Using figurative language effectively.

B. Recognizing basic literary conventions in fiction.

1. Recognizing themes and basic elements of style in selected models.
2. Recognizing strengths and weaknesses in peer writing samples.

C. Discussing basic elements of theme and style in professional and student samples.

D. Receiving and giving criticism on material presented in class.

Academic Integrity:

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

VI.

Sequence of Topics:

Week 1: Introduction to Course, Keeping a Journal

Week 2: The Writing Process

Week 3: Story Form and Structure

Week 4: Use of Significant Detail

Week 5: Characterization

Week 6: Characterization: Part II

Week 7: Setting and Atmosphere

Week 8: Point of View

Week 9: Point of View: Part II

Week 10: Narrative Tension

Week 11: Theme

Week 12: Metaphor and Symbol

Week 13: Style and Tone

Week 14: Dialogue and Problems

Week 15: Revision

VII.

Methods of Instruction:

Lecture, discussion, writing exercises, use of film and other media, with emphasis on workshop format; activities presented to introduce and clarify principles of fiction writing.

VIII.

Course Practices Required:

Students produce 1 to 3 finished short stories or other forms of fiction, weekly or daily writing exercises involving literary exploration or written critique of student or professional writing, and critical essays. Forty-five pages of original work will be assigned.

IX.

Required Materials:

To be determined by the instructor in consultation with the department chair.

Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

Evaluation methods include grading of student writings, exercises and otherclass activities.

Examinations are optional.

XI.

Other Course Information:

Attendance policy

For whatever information/procedures the instructor holds the student accountable.

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

June 2006