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Copyright (c) 2002-2007 David B. Axelrod |
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Helpful Links
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Pitfalls and Pointers Here's a page you definitely should not skip. Over the semesters I have taught the course I have seen a pattern of problems that have meant lower grades &/or withdrawals for my students. 1. Take the poetry writing seriously. Don't skip the "formal" poetry. Haiku is meant to teach description which is now the heart of American poetry. The sonnet is intended to teach you not just rhyme but meter. I want you to sweat with the form. I want you to experience what was required in poetry for hundreds of years. Personally, I am very puzzled at how students don't understand that haiku, more than just 17 syllables divided 5, 7, 5, is picture, picture, picture. That is what I expect--three lines of details that are so visual that I can close my eyes and picture. If you don't write images/pictures, you will be required to revise. I do understand that people have trouble with the meter in a sonnet. But that is part of the challenge. Don't skip the sonnet. It is required, which means you will need to understand and at least come close to proper iambic pentameter. You will be required to revise until you have done the meter correctly! Take the poetry writing seriously. 2. Do the workshops. Why some students think workshop comments aren't required I don't know. I have taken or taught creative writing classes for forty years. They are always taught as workshops where students make comments on each other's work. I could have set this course up with laborious, pesky "threaded" chat room exchanges. Instead I am simply asking you to pick two fellow students' poems and send thoughtful and detailed comments. It is not an excuse to say "I don't feel qualified. I have nothing to say." The idea is to learn by making yourself think about what makes writing better. Do the workshops, on time! Don't leave them to the end of the term. 3. Include all the steps for the web reviews. There are 10 items in a list of what should be in your review. Look at the sample reviews and use the list to be sure you cover all the items. By the way, PROOF READ your reviews. These are intended to be published on the internet as a resource guide. Don't embarrass us. Include all the steps. 4. Keep the deadlines. That bald boss on the "deadlines" page may not look like me but he expresses my resolve that I will not accept folks sending a batch of work all at once at the end of the term. Every semester brings two or three students who have sent nothing to speak of--as often simply going out of touch after the first few weeks. I have to tell them it is too little, too late. Keep the deadlines and if you can't, just email me and I will offer you a "W" anytime during the course. 5. Be your own boss! An on-line class is self-directing. I am available via email to answer your questions. If you read the links, they are your lectures. It's not my job to hold your hand. You have to figure out what to do. That is "learning!" If you see an error, or have a question about the conduct of the course, of course I want to hear from you. About 75% of my students do finish the on-line class successfully--at least the same or an even higher percentage than my regular classroom results. Be your own boss and don't quit. Spend the time needed not just to do the assignments but do your best!
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