English

This course develops critical thinking skills through reading, brainstorming, research, rhetorical analysis, and writing. It includes a consideration of Generative Artificial Intelligence'92s influence on the writing process and addresses the basics of style and grammar.

This course surveys key elements of storytelling and examines how they work individually and in tandem to craft successful stories. Through a multi-genre analysis of texts such as short stories, novels, films, and video games, along with creative writing exercises, it explores worldbuilding, character development, setting, plot, and more.

In this composition course, students practice advanced argumentative essay writing with a focus on research, critical analysis of the research, thesis presentation, and defense. During the semester, students write several research essays on various topics using both traditional and new information techniques.

This course studies myths from different world cultures. It provides an in-depth discussion of the Hero'92s Journey (a basic pattern that appears in many narratives) and its principal archetypes. It also studies mythology across the arts and examines how essential it is to the study of literature, drama, film and video games.

This course is a survey of speculative fiction (in literature, television, film, and graphic novels) that moves beyond pure realism to include fantastic or imaginative elements and to present worlds that differ significantly from our own. Each semester, the course will focus on one or more sub-genres which may include science fiction, fantasy, horror, magic realism, alternate history, steampunk, or cyberpunk.

This course explores what modernity and post-modernity have or have not meant to American writers whose histories and cultures are not European in origin but whose writings are steeped in European-American literary traditions. The course explores the cultural hybridism of this literature as well the unique visions of the world they have created. These funny, humorous, bitterly satirical, and downright serious (post)- modern fantasies are quintessential^ American, yet also unique and peculiar to these authors'92 ethnic experiences. The selected works also offer an opportunity to read or re-read well established and newer American works of literature.

This course provides an introduction to the epic as a genre, including poetry, drama, and novels. Particular attention is paid to the theme of heroism and its many cultural manifestations.

This course provides an introduction to the study and practice of fiction writing including characterization, plot, setting, and point of view. It presents selected works of short and long fiction. The course is an opportunity for students to practice their own creative writing skills. They are required to write at least two short stories.

This course covers prominent themes and techniques in American ethnic literatures such as Native, African, Asian, and Hispanic American literatures. Modern texts are emphasized but pre- or early 20th century classics may also be included.

This course provides an introduction to the study of graphic novels, a unique field of inquiry encompassing many world cultures and drawing on many disciplines. Students will read, discuss, and analyze many different types of graphic novels, such as stand-alone, serial, and adaptive books.

This course introduces the multifaceted genre of creative nonfiction'97true stories told creatively with the narrative tools of fiction. Various forms are covered, including autobiography, memoir literature, and the personal essay. Other subgenres such as nature, travel, or science writing may be considered.

This course covers the fundamentals of concept development, dramatic structure, and writing for film. It leads to the completion of at least one original pre-production script in screenplay format.

This course focuses on the generation of creative writing in multiple genres and media, including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and graphic novels. Students study and practice writing in a workshop atmosphere and engage in intensive reading of excellent writings, most of which employ interdisciplinary, cross-genre approaches that encompass painting, photography, and other visual art. Discussions of readings are followed by writing experiments designed to spark original thinking, to develop facility with writing, and to enhance understanding of the creative process. Students gain in-depth knowledge of the possibilities of creative writing and apply this experience by writing both short creative pieces and longer works.

This course introduces students to expressions and representations of gender/sexual identity in literary works, including poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, drama, and film. The course takes a historical and multicultural approach to the topic, covering key texts from the past and the present by authors from different cultures and backgrounds.

The content of this course may change each time it is offered. n It is for the purpose of offering a new or specialized course of interest to the faculty and students that is not covered by the courses in the current catalog.

This course focuses on the narrative elements of creative writing. Exercises generate thinking and hone students'92 basic storytelling talents, including characterization, exposition, plot, conflict, back-story, dialogue, and appropriate use of language. Students learn how to use symbols to design a story and how to manipulate the symbols to create character, plot, message, and interactivity. Students are encouraged to access their own genius, culture, and life experience in the development of their stories.

This course builds upon the concepts and skills taught in previous writing courses. This course offers students the opportunity to further develop their fiction-writing skills by engaging in intensive writing and regular critique of their peers'92 creative work. The emphasis is on refining narrative writing skills and developing individual style and voice. Students write three full-length short stories and read contemporary fiction by established authors not discussed in previous courses.