Writers' Workshop: Read and Critique
WCWP-40252
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.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story 1st
by Ursula K. Le Guin
ISBN / ASIN: 9780544611610
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/11/2025
- 1st no meeting date: 9/1/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Emily Vizzo, MFA
Emily Vizzo teaches Writers Workshop: Read and Critique and Memoir Writing for UC San Diego Extension's Creative Writing Certificate Program.
Emily is a writer and educator. She previously covered Congress for the Scripps Howard News Service in Washington, D.C., and has written about topics including the biotech industry, corporate social justice, surf, the arts, education, business, and health. Her essay, "A Personal History of Dirt," was honored as a notable essay in Best American Essays 2013, and she was selected for inclusion within Best New Poets 2015. Her first book of poetry, Giantess, is available for preorder from YesYes Books, and a debut novel is represented by Frances Goldin Literary Agency in New York. She translates poetry from both Spanish and Italian.
Emily actively volunteers to support environmental protections for California’s Central Coast, and serves as Artist in Residence for the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, an independent research affiliate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. A 2018 Coastal Fund grant recipient, her workshops link scientists, artists, and community members through writing. She was recently voted to the Executive Committee for the Surfrider Santa Barbara Chapter.
Why She Loves Teaching
“I love seeing each writer move toward their original voice, arriving at the stories they feel they need to share with the world. It’s powerful and inspiring to see. When the class comes together to uplift, challenge, and support one another, I know that I’m in the right place. Class becomes a place to be deeply vulnerable, and to share what might otherwise be a lonely journey. We’re not only learning and writing together, but feeling connected.”
Professional Summary
Emily has been teaching since 2005, including K12 schools, community writing workshops, guest lectures, and college and university-level instruction. She has expertise in both in-person and online education, including curriculum development and professional development.
Credentials
- MFA in Writing, Vermont College
- Teaching Credentials, San Diego State University
- B.A. in Political Science, University of California, San Diego
- Ongoing: National Geographic Educator Certification