Writers' Workshop: Read and Critique

­­­Literary criticism is not a form of negatively critiquing a writing piece, but rather conscientiously and carefully analyzing written works through various lenses. Reading and critiquing are possibly the only ways for writers to know how their writing sounds to readers and critics alike. This class will create a safe, collaborative space where students will learn to give and receive thoughtful, objective, and constructive feedback so they may effectively convey their desired messages and reach their intended audiences.
 
In this course, whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, we will review common creative writing pitfalls, how to evaluate others' work, how to make your writing more engaging through literary devices such as plot, character development, dialogue, and point of view. In addition, we'll discuss how to hook your reader with a strong opening, how to write concisely, and how to use tools like grammar, punctuation and sentence variety to enhance your writing. We also talk about becoming a culturally inclusive writer and how to avoid perpetuating stereotypes and misrepresentation of marginalized groups.
 
Through lectures, writing exercises, readings from diverse writers across genres, and small group critiques, you will cultivate the necessary skills for a mindful approach towards writing and reading critically in your everyday practice.