Becoming Writers
Writing well is a fundamental skill that crosses all disciplines. My goal as a writing instructor is to help students achieve greater success in academic pursuits, no matter what the subject.
In an interactive workshop environment, students discover that writing can and should be fun; when they enjoy doing something, they improve at it fast. Better writers are better students in general.
Students also learn that writing is not a solitary act; good writing requires feedback and collaboration. Of course, at some point the writer has to sit down and write, but that is just part of the process. If a writer is inspired, the words will flow easily.
Inspiration is key; inspiration feeds the imagination. And inspiration is all around us; we just need to recognize it.
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Workshop Descriptions:
College Essay Workshop
The way to stand out among the crowd is to convey your uniqueness as only you can – authentically and with conviction. This workshop guides you through the process of writing your application essay from initial idea to final proofing. The class meets for six sessions over the summer.
Each session is two hours. The format includes writing exercises to generate ideas, group discussion, peer editing, formal evaluations and revisions. The final session will be a one-on-one meeting with each student to polish and proofread the final product.
10-week Blocks (minimum 6 students)
Composition and Essay Writing
The focus will be on the process of writing. Students will learn how to craft an essay on topics of their choice within a structured framework. The workshop format includes mini lectures on formal writing techniques, exercises to stimulate creativity and generate ideas, sessions on the process of writing and revision, and peer critiques of student work. I will give feedback using a rubric so students will know how they are progressing.
Research Report Writing
The focus will be on the process of producing a research report. Students will learn how to develop ideas on topics of their choice within a structured framework. The workshop format includes mini lectures on formal writing techniques, exercises to stimulate creativity and generate ideas, sessions on the process of writing and revision, and peer critiques of student work. I will give feedback using a rubric so students will know how they are progressing.
Creative Writing
This creative writing course will awaken the students’ powers of observation, imagination, and language; introduce them to valuable craft basics; and take them on a tour through the forms of fiction, personal stories, and poetry. The course is designed to help writers of all levels discover and develop their unique voices. Classes are designed to sharpen thinking and writing skills.
Poetry
What is a poem? Why do we read and write poetry? This course is part literary and part creative writing. It can be tailored to dovetail with the creative writing segment, or it can stand on its own.
Literary Analysis
Students will read a novel (appropriate to age level) and learn the elements of literary analysis. There will be weekly reading and writing assignments, in-class discussions and sharing of work. A final essay will be required including drafts and revisions.
Literary Analysis of Historical Documents
Students will read The Declaration of Independence and other speeches for their literary value. There will be weekly reading and writing assignments, in-class discussions and sharing of work.
Journalism
What is journalism? Why is it important in our lives? In this course, students will learn to recognize different types of news articles including breaking news, process news, feature stories, editorials, columns and sidebars; they will learn what it means to write for an audience, and how to be discriminating news readers.
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