This online writing class supports two groups of students: 1) those wanting to enroll in Evergreen's Prior Learning from Experience program and document their professional skills, 2) those who want to build creative and effective writing skills. Make sure to register for the Course Number (CRN) for the section in which you are interested.
Section One--Writing from Life: Prior Learning from Experience: 30274
This course is the prerequisite for Evergreen’s “Prior Learning from Experience Program.” Adult students can complete a degree by demonstrating their learning and experience in the workplace, community, and the vital learning that occurs outside of the classroom. They learn to research and write essays that document their background and experience, and to demonstrate the "college equivalent learning" that they have gained through professional and/or community-based work. In other words, how has what you have done in the workplace or community given you the same knowledge that others gained through academic college classes? Students will attend Zoom classes and receive support from meetings with faculty, peers, and research librarians.The Prior Learning from Experience path is a way to accelerate your degree and document your professional work and other college equivalent experience.
To learn more about P.L.E.: http://www.evergreen.edu/ple
Section Two: Writing from Life--Creative and Effective Writing: 30275
Students in this section will build their skills in Creative and Effective Writing. They will concentrate on autobiography, essays, creative writing, poetry, or other genres and forms of writing. Students should have some college-level writing experience and be highly motivated and capable of working independently, as well as committed to working regularly in collaborative peer-groups. Students will choose their own topics and writing genres, such as essays, academic writing, fiction, poetry, etc. and will craft, draft, and revise two or three substantial writing projects. They will analyze readings and texts, participate in seminars, writing workshops, and peer-editing groups.
Work Both Groups Will do Together
We will read a variety of essays, a novel, and a text on writing style and usage. These common readings will develop the skills to “read like writers” as we consider what makes effective writing, and develop critical and creative writing, reading, and thinking skills. We will have rich discussions and seminars on the readings. We will respond to regular writing prompts and exercises, and students will have the opportunity to give a short reading from their work. Students must be motivated and capable of working independently, as well as being committed to working in peer-editing groups as we develop a learning community and do collaborative work that is designed to benefit all. By mid-quarter, we will spend half our class in our two sections, as students refine their skills and abilities to work in groups and give and receive feedback.
Online Learning: “Writing From Life” will be taught online using Zoom and Canvas as students work virtually to develop an engaged, interactive learning community, and to post and reflect on readings and writings. To successfully participate in this program, students must have reliable and regular internet access. Students must plan to attend 4 hours of synchronous (scheduled) class per week on Zoom, and will also meet with the faculty, and program librarian and will organize peer groups outside of class. Check with the faculty if you have special conditions.
Schedule: Tuesdays, 6-8:50 PM on Zoom
ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS: As you think about the course, reflect on your goals and learning trajectory.
Section One--Prior Learning from Experience
The Prior Learning from Experience section of the program will begin the “how to” learning of building a portfolio of essays that reflect what the student has accomplished in a college equivalent manner through professional or community work. Our work and products will include a rough autobiography and resume, which are working documents that you can draw from later. Each student will begin one of the “learning essays” that will make up the eventual PLE (Prior Learning) Portfolio.
To paraphrase the author E.L. Doctorow, you can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way. You will spend three to four academic quarters, including this one, researching and writing a portfolio of your selected professional and community endeavors. Your research and writing will be supported by the faculty, a faculty librarian, and the learning community.
Section Two: Creative and Effective Writers
In addition to in-class writing, this group will develop and share in-class writing prompts and workshops, and several short, experiential pieces of writing. Each student will complete two or three writing projects (6 pages), developed and shared in peer groups as drafts, and then turned in for faculty feedback. We will learn and practice methods of giving and receiving critiques on writing. Begin to think about the topic, genre. or audience for which you want to write. Is there an anthology or publication to which you want to contribute? Work with the Writing Center, your critique group, and the faculty as you brainstorm your ideas and revise your drafts. In addition to class time, expect your reading and writing to take another six-eight hours of work each week.
Please contact the faculty, Rebecca Chamberlain, if you have questions: chambreb@evergreen.edu.