College of Creative Studies

Current Course Offerings
Spring 2008

This is a writing workshop class--centered on poetry and short prose--which will include a critical and historical focus on (mostly) 20th and 21st Century artists working in multiple genres and media. More specifically, we'll look at the intersections between oral traditions, literature and music, and how these traditions employ improvisation in theory and in practice to make art. While not strictly limited to writing/verbal and musical practice, since the instructor's expertise lies in these areas the course will focus on writing and music. However, students are encouraged to bring in their own interests in other areas/media which intersect with improvisation: drama, film, dance, visual art, etc. Students are encouraged to use the readings and course activities as a stimulus for their own creative writing projects. The course will involve workshopping of individual student work (at least 2 pieces by each student over the entire quarter) in addition to close consideration and discussion of assigned readings, screenings, and listening assignments. Each class will be divided into an hour and a half of lecture/discussion on assigned readings, and an hour and a half of workshop.

Students will be expected to attend every class; do all required readings; participate in class discussion and workshop; attend events outside of class which correspond to given readings and topics--concerts, etc.; and to meet on a regular basis with the instructor outside of class to discuss their own work.

Course writing requirements include a 1-2 page project proposal discussing what each student wants to accomplish by the end of the quarter, and a portfolio of student work due at the end of the quarter (depending on the genre each student is working in I expect 5-7 poems or short prose pieces-exact length is to determined by student in collaboration with the instructor). These pieces will have been significantly revised throughout the quarter, and each student's work will be workshopped by the class at least twice during the quarter. In addition to individual work, the class as a whole will produce a performance at the end of the quarter featuring every student in a format to be determined by the class in collaboration with the instructor (for example; a class poetry reading, etc.).