Instr:                  Prof. Thomas Bontly
Office:                CRT 483,   229-5959
e-mail:                bontly@uwm.edu
Office hours:    by appointment

Course Information:                     Wednesdays 4:30-7:10   MER G32
 

Course Description

English 615 is a writing workshop for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students.  It assumes that you have been writing fiction for several years, have had at least a couple of introductory courses, and are capable of discussing fiction (yours and other people’s) at a fairly sophisticated level of understanding.  It also assumes you have things you want to write, that you know how to start a story and stay with it to the end without a good deal of coaching, and, most important of all, that you want criticism of your work.  If any of these descriptors do not apply to you, you’re advised to check with the instructor before registering for the course.  I will be available Tuesday, Sept. 3, in my office from 2 to 3, or you can make an appointment by emailing me at the above address.

Text:
Martone and Williford, The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Fction (Scribner paperback, $17).  This anthology offers 50 short stories, all published since 1970, by a variety of younger American writers, in a readable and durable package.  I will assign several of the stories early in the semester for our preliminary discussions and ask you to choose a story for a report to be scheduled during the remaining class periods.  Reports should be about ten minutes in length and should analyze the story with a writer’s eye, focusing on matters of style and technique that strike you as significant.  They should also include at least three discussion questions.
 
Minimum Required Writing.  12,000 words (approximately 40 typed pages) of fiction--at least your second draft--to be submitted by certain deadlines through the semester.  I will make one initial assignment as an in-class exercise; otherwise it’s up to you to find a subject.  I ask only that you take your work seriously and give it your best effort.  Do not turn in material you have used in any other class unless it has been substantially revised.  Keep the copies I return because I’ll ask to see them again at the end of the semester.

Format.  Manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced, with margins wide enough for comment.  Pages should be numbered and stapled together. You will be expected to edit your own work for mechanics, clarity, and coherence.  Chronic problems of grammar and usage, or careless errors of any sort, will adversely affect my opinion of your work and thus your final grade.

Deadlines.
In order to insure that your work gets scheduled for class discussion, you will need to make at least two of the first four deadlines; the last one applies to everyone.
Sept. 11:   Optional, for first round of manuscripts (you can submit up to 20 pages).
Oct. 2:       Required for all those who passed on the first round (at least 10 pages).
Oct. 30:    Optional if you submitted work for round 2.
Nov. 20:  Required for those who passed on third round (at least 10 pp).
Dec. 16:  Required for those still short of their minimum requirement.  All work written for the course should also be returned to me on this date.

Preparing work for class discussion.  When your manuscript is scheduled for class discussion, you will need to make copies and distribute them to the class  at least one class period in advance. Your name, the date of the class, and "Bontly's 615 Workshop" should appear on the first page.  Additional copies (for students who are absent) should be placed in the designated mail slot on the fifth floor.  I will try to make sure that everyone gets to present at least two manuscripts of eight or more pages.

Policy on Attendance. 
Successful workshops require the good-faith participation of all members of the class.  Everyone is expected to provide both oral and signed written comments on all the manuscripts we discuss.  If you miss a class, you are still required to obtain the manuscripts that were scheduled for  that class, read them and return them to the author with your comments.  You’re also expected to obtain the manuscripts for the next class and come prepared for discussion.  Excessive absences (more than one is considered excessive when a class meets only once a week) or a chronic lack of preparation will hurt your final grade.

Class Procedures and Etiquette. 
Though I conduct a fairly informal class, I do expect you to arrive on time and to stay for the full 3 hours (we’ll have a ten-minute break halfway through).  I also insist that you treat each other, and your instructor, with consideration and respect.  Except for emergencies, you should not disrupt the class by leaving the room while discussions are in progress.  If you’re bored, get involved in the discussion.  If you don’t speak up, you will be called upon.  Your criticism should be honest and exacting, but expressed with due regard for the author’s feelings.