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Georgetown College Credit Creative Writing Course Syllabus
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College Credit Creative Writing: The Power of Storytelling

Course Information

Course: ENGL-2832 Creative Writing: The Power of Storytelling

Term: Fall 2025 (Need a different term? Visit the syllabus archive.)

Faculty: Tope Folarin

Course Location: https://app.georgetown.precollegeprograms.org/login/canvas

This course is taught asynchronously via video. There are no live meetings.

For academic help or questions: Contact your assigned Teaching Assistant through the course platform.

For other help, including tech support: Email the Pre-College Online Program team at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu.

Course Description:  

The aim of this course is to intensively study the craft of fiction by evaluating texts, completing writing exercises, and producing fiction. In this course, you will become familiar with many styles and forms of fiction; you will further define your voice as a writer and learn to critically regard your own work as well as the work of your peers. Specific focus will be given to literary voice, point of view, structure and plot, and character development. Stories will be discussed, critiqued, and revised; by the end of the course you will possess a broad awareness of the strategies and styles employed by successful contemporary writers of fiction.

Course Objectives:

Throughout this course you will learn to:

  1. Understand the foundational elements of literary craft (including structure, plot, character development, point of view).
  2. Recognize the importance of developing your literary voice.
  3. Develop storytelling strategies and deploy storytelling templates.
  4. Write prose that is compelling and enjoyable to read.
  5. Workshop and revise your work.
  6. Make connections between creative writing and other storytelling pursuits.

Final Project:

At the end of the course you will be expected to submit a portfolio of writing — this can be a portion of a novel or novella, or a story collection. The final project is a culmination of all the skills and techniques learned throughout the course.

This project allows you to apply what you have learned in a cohesive and polished work that reflects your unique voice as a writer. Each module builds on key storytelling elements such as voice, character development, plot structure, and descriptive techniques. These assignments teach you to craft engaging narratives, apply narrative strategies, and integrate detailed feedback into your writing. By completing the assignments in each module, you will gradually improve your writing, refine your voice, and prepare for the final project, which combines all of these skills into a cohesive creative work.

Course Readings & Required Materials:

This course is delivered online using the Canvas LMS by Instructure. You must have internet access and a connected device that meets Instructure’s technical requirements throughout the course. Though the Canvas LMS and course content may be compatible with other devices, using a laptop or desktop computer is strongly recommended.

Many course readings will be provided within the course. However, there are also two required books that you will need access to throughout the course:

Links are provided only for convenience. You may obtain the books from your preferred lender or seller.

Time Expectations & Late Policy:

For November 2025 cohorts and beyond, there are optional due dates throughout the course. If a due date listed is before the course end date, there are no penalties for submitting late work. However, all coursework must be completed by the course end date. There are no extensions or exceptions. Time expectations based on the length of the course are listed below.

Time Expectations:

Course Duration

Estimated Time Needed Per Week

6-Week

20-25 hours/week

8-Week

15-20 hours/week

9-Week

13-16 hours/week

12-Week

10-15 hours/week

Due Dates (For November 2025 Cohorts and Beyond):

Due dates are based on the course duration, and the specific dates can be found on each graded assignment. All graded assignments, projects, discussion posts, and quizzes in each module are due based on the following table:

Module #

6-Week Duration

8-Week Duration

9-Week Duration

12-Week Duration

Module 1

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 15

Module 2

Day 15

Day 19

Day 21

Day 29

Module 3

Day 22

Day 29

Day 31

Day 43

Module 4

Day 29

Day 39

Day 42

Day 57

Module 5

Day 36

Day 48

Day 53

Day 71

Module 6

Day 43

Day 57

Day 64

Day 85

Please remember, graded work may be submitted after the due date without penalty as long as all work is submitted by the course end date. There are no course extensions or exceptions to this policy.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Creative Writing


Learning Objectives:

  1. Define the essential elements of creative writing.
  2. Recognize the elements that contribute to a unique literary voice.
  3. Explain the difference between voice and tone.
  4. Analyze how syntax, diction, and pacing establish different authorial voices.
  5. Experiment with your literary voice through a series of writing exercises.

Module Description:

In this introductory module, you will explore the concept of literary voice and how it shapes a writer's work. Through the examination of readings by prominent authors, you will identify the key elements of a distinctive voice and learn how to cultivate your own. The module will include both theoretical discussions and practical exercises aimed at helping you find and refine your voice.

Topics:

Readings:

  1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger - chapters 1-10
  2. Selection from Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
  3. Excerpts from On Writing by Stephen King
  4. Short stories by Raymond Carver, Edward P. Jones, Stephen King, Jhumpa Lahiri, Grace Paley

Module Assignments:

Module 2: Point of View


Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify and compare different narrative points of view.
  2. Differentiate between narrator and point of view.
  3. Explain how different narrative perspectives affect the reader's understanding of the story.
  4. Analyze the ways authors use point of view to reveal information, create suspense, and/or build empathy.
  5. Experiment with different points of view through a series of writing exercises.

Module Description:

This module explores the concept of point of view and its critical role in storytelling. You will study the various narrative perspectives, such as first-person, second-person, third-person limited, and omniscient. Through readings and writing exercises, you will gain a deeper understanding of how point of view influences a story’s impact and how to choose the most effective perspective for your own writing.

Topics:

Readings:

  1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger - chapters 11-20
  2. Excerpts from Neuromancer by William Gibson
  3. Short stories by Pemi Aguda, Louise Erdich, Toni Morrison, Rion Amilcar Scott

Module Assignments

Module 3: Plot and Structure

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the elements of plot and structure.
  2. Identify various plot structures and their effects on storytelling.
  3. Experiment with different plotting techniques.
  4. Analyze the structure of different narrative forms.

Module Description:

This module focuses on the architecture of storytelling — structure and plot. You will explore the traditional narrative arc, as well as non-linear and experimental structures. Through the study of different plotting techniques and structures, you will learn how to craft compelling and well-organized narratives.

Topics:

Readings:

  1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger - chapter 21 - end
  2. Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin -Part 1
  3. Short stories by Te-Ping Chen, Louise Erdich, Shirley Jackson, Ursula K. LeGuin

Module Assignments:

Module 4: Character Development

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify the key elements of character development.
  2. Apply off-page character development techniques to build well-rounded characters.
  3. Analyze the role of the character in driving the narrative forward.
  4. Experiment with a range of character-building techniques through a series of writing exercises.

Module Description:

In this module, you will delve into character development, learning how to create complex, multidimensional characters that drive the narrative. Through readings, discussions, and writing exercises, you will explore various techniques for developing characters that resonate with readers and contribute to a compelling story.

Topics:

Readings:

  1. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin - Part 2
  2. Excepts from On Writing by Stephen King
  3. Short story by Ann Beattie
  4. The Trials of Brother Jero  by Wole Soyinka

Module Assignments:

Module 5: The Art of Revision

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain the role of revision in the writing process.
  2. Identify and implement specific revision strategies to improve voice, point of view, structure, and character development.
  3. Give and respond to constructive feedback that supports purposeful revision and creative growth.
  4. Revise your own writing to improve clarity, emotional depth, and overall narrative impact.

Module Description:

This module emphasizes the critical role of revision in creative writing. You will explore how to refine and polish your work by revisiting the key elements of voice, point of view, structure, and character. The module will cover strategies for self-editing and peer feedback, allowing you to transform your drafts into more cohesive and compelling pieces. Through practical exercises, you will gain confidence in revising your own work and understand how revision can elevate your writing.

Topics:

Readings:

  1. Excepts from On Writing by Stephen King
  2. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin - Part 3

Module Assignments:

Module 6: Course Conclusion and Final Capstone Project

Topics:

Capstone Project Presentation:

At the end of the course you will be expected to submit a 5,000 portfolio — this can be a portion of a novel or novella, or a story collection.

Grades

Grading Throughout the Course:

You will be graded on assignments, discussion posts, quizzes, and your final project. These grades will contribute to your final quality (letter) grade, which will appear on your Georgetown University transcript. Important: Assignments, quizzes, discussion posts, and the final project can be submitted only once. You will not be able to resubmit assignments, discussion posts, or projects or reattempt quizzes, so please review your work carefully before submitting.

Each graded component in the course will be assigned a point value as follows:

Your assignments, discussion board posts, and final project will be scored according to rubrics, which you can view here. Your grade (%) on the assignment will be calculated as total points earned / total points possible.

Final Grades:

Your final grade will be calculated as follows:

Once calculated, your final grade (%) will be converted to a letter grade according to the university’s grading scheme for undergraduate courses, as shown below. Note that there is no rounding, e.g. 93.9% is <94% and an A- rather than rounded up to 94% and an A.

Letter Grade

Range

A

94 to 100%

Excellent

A-

90 to <94%

B+

87% to < 90%

B

 84% to < 87%

Good

B-

80% to < 84%

C+

77% to < 80%

C

74% to <77%

Adequate

C-

70% to <74%

D+

67% to <70%

D

61% to <67%

Minimum Passing

F

0% to <61%

Failure

Withdrawal (W Grades)

If you are unable to complete the course or are concerned about earning an unsatisfactory grade, please review the Withdrawal FAQ and refer to the academic calendar for deadlines.

Program and Course Policies

Academic Calendar:

Important dates and deadlines can be found here. Deadlines are firm in accordance with university policy. If you have or anticipate having an issue with these deadlines, please contact support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu as early as possible to see what options may be available to you within university policy.

Accessibility & Accommodations:  

We are committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and serving individuals with different abilities.  To help make the course experience accessible and inclusive, all videos feature closed-captioning and variable playback speed with unlimited viewing; the platform and content are screen-reader-friendly; and quizzes and assignments are untimed. If you require accommodations, please contact support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu so that the Pre-College Online Programs team may coordinate your accommodation request with the appropriate department(s).  Please contact early and prior to your start date to allow time for the accommodations review process and implementation of any required accommodations.

Code of Conduct:

All students are expected to treat others, including other students, instructors, staff, and individuals appearing in the course, with dignity and respect at all times while participating in Programs and to be honest in all their dealings with the Program staff and the university. We may remove from any Program students whom we deem, in our sole discretion, to:

If you are removed from a College Credit Program for violation of this Code of Conduct, you may be subject to mandatory withdrawal (W grade, no grade points or credits) and, if so, will not receive any refund or other compensation. Students who are removed for such violations may also be subject to further sanctions and/or reported to relevant authorities.

Intellectual Property:

Programs are for your personal and non-commercial use only.  Programs may not be shared, re-sold, reproduced, re-published, modified, transferred or distributed in any way without our prior written permission. All video, audio, text, animations, books, diagrams, images and other content that you receive or to which you have access during your Programs, regardless of medium or format, (collectively, “Program Content”), are protected by copyright law.  You may not download, record, screenshot, copy or reproduce Program Content in any way. You may not make any audio and/or video recording of a class or any part of your Program. You may not attempt to decompile, reverse engineer, scrape or datamine Programs.

 

Course designed by:

Tope Folarin

Lannan Visiting Lecturer in Creative Writing

The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.