Creative Writing for the Rhetoric Stage II

One-semester course. A semester-long workshop for high school students dedicated to the development of theme. The course will provide the first opportunity for students to consider the intricacies, pitfalls, delicacies, and excitements of developing macro-content. Which is to say: students will be asked to 1) identify their primary creative concerns and inquiries; 2) determine which forms and methods maximize the development of those concerns and inquiries; and, 3) openly evaluate other bodies of work to analyze the development of theme therein.  

In order to accomplish those three objectives (particularly the last) the student will choose a particular artist’s body of work and will engage in a semester-long dialogue with a subsection of that body of work both in class and on their own.

As always, a primary goal of the course will be to demystify the creative process and expand student awareness of the written arts; as such, please leave any and all preconceived notions about creative writing at the proverbial door.

Please note: This course is designed for high-school students. Several of these readings contain images, scenarios, subjects, and themes that younger and/or more sensitive readers may find upsetting or unsettling. While these texts are appropriate for mature high school students, students and parents should be aware of the complexities and intensities of these readings in advance.

Prerequisite: Creative Writing for the Rhetoric Stage I.