Course Syllabus

Creative Writing

Semester & Location:	Spring 2020 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Creative Writing
Prerequisite(s):	One course in creative writing or journalism at university level
Faculty Member:	Rhea Leman
Program Coordinator:	Sanne Rasmussen - sra@dis.dk
Time & Place:	Thursdays, 11:40-14:35 in N7-A20

Course Description

Develop your writing skills in a series of inspiring exercises, workshops and one-to-one tutorials. With emphasis on the playful generation of new ideas and material, this class will explore the technical challenges of different literary forms and genres, and address the practical issues of drafting and fine-tuning fiction.

In weekly double sessions, we will focus on the nuts and bolts of committing imaginative ideas to the page. You will learn some of the essentials of the writer’s toolkit and experiment with different forms of writing to expand your range. Themed sessions will include genre, setting and plot, structure, characterization, dialogue and adaptation.

In this hands-on, practical class, you will discover new ways to craft your observations and ideas into compelling stories and narratives. Through reading the work of acclaimed authors, playwrights, screenwriters and essayists you will learn to analyze what challenges and inspires you. By the end of the course, you will be self-editing effectively and applying what you have learned to your own creative output.

Learning Objectives of the Course

• To develop and put to use a toolkit of basic craft techniques with a view to improving your creative writing skills
• To discover new writers, playwrights and screenwriters and to learn techniques from them
• To sharpen your own desires and writing goals
• To develop a portfolio of work that draws on both your imaginative journeys and real-life experiences
• To learn to critique your own work and that of others effectively and constructively

Course Instructor: Rhea Leman

M.F.A. in creative writing, Lesley University, Cambridge U.S.A., Teaching Diploma from EU’s writing program North by Northwest, Copenhagen, B.F.A. major in dance and performance, Boston Conservatory of Music, Boston U.S.A. Chairwoman of The Danish Theater Council and member of The Danish Arts Council (2003-2007).

Since moving to Denmark in 1981, Leman has been working as writer, playwright, and screenwriter as well as theater, radio and TV director. Her plays have been performed throughout Europe and the U.S.A. and she has received several awards for her work. With DIS since 2018.

Email: rl5@mac.com 

Expectations

I expect you to read widely and to come to class prepared with questions, ideas, and examples of inspiring writings you have discovered. You must be ready to share your own work with the class and tackle short, on-the-spot writing assignments, and to actively engage in discussion: this class participation will contribute to your final grade. Regardless of whether the work under consideration is by an established writer or a fellow student, I expect you to read it closely and to share your thoughts intelligently. I will also expect you to contribute and help create a positive, creative and supportive environment.

Readings

Essential Tips for Aspiring Novelist by Colm McCann

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.

This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

David Sedaris breaks down his writing process, an interview with Collin Marshall

On Writing by Stephen King

Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris

Cat Person by Kristen Roupenian

Short Cuts by Raymond Carver

Creating Unforgettable Characters by Linda Seger

A Character’s Fatal Flaw: the Vital Element in Bringing Characters to Life by Dana Marks

When Harry Met Sally by Nora Ephron

The Sopranos (tv episode) by David Chase

The novel, The Hours, by Michael Cunningham, the screenplay The Hours, by David Hare

Not That Kind of a Girl by Lena Dunham

Participation, Opportunities and Evaluation

You will write two complete pieces of fiction, and/or one complete pieces of fiction and one stage or screenplay  -  over the course of the semester, all of which will be revised, work-shopped and turned in for a final grade.

Please submit Work One and Work Two in a Word document on the date required. Take notice of the word count for each assignment. The title must include your name, the nature of the assignment (i.e. Draft or Final Version), and a title. Email directly to rl5@mac.com. Please include the assignment reflections for both writings.

Please bring your laptops to every class.

Grading Elements

Assignment	Percent
Work One: A) a 1,500- 2,000 memory story	25%
Work Two: A) a 3,000-4,000-word piece of fiction or B) a 15-page short play or a short screenplay	40%
Participation	35%

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

• Course Enrollment and Grading  
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code 

 

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