Ross A. Laird

Starting in January, I will be teaching in the Kwantlen University College creative writing program. My course, which will be offered mostly online (with some face-to-face interaction), will examine advanced topics in creative non-fiction.

From the program's website:

The Creative Writing Department at Kwantlen University College offers a full range of courses in first, second and third year, both face-to-face and online, in Surrey, Langley, and Richmond. In the first year, students study fiction, poetry and screenwriting; in second year, students may work on selected projects, such as a book of poetry, or a collection of short stories started earlier in their studies; and in third-year, students enroll in advanced, genre-specific courses offered on rotation.

My course is cross-listed; which means, essentially, that there will be two courses offered in the context of a single learning environment. The two courses are as follows:

CRWR 3230 (3 credits)
Creative Non-Fiction II
Students will continue to develop and practise writing, reading, and revision of creative non-fiction through the writing of their own work, and through the critique of their peers' work, in a combination lecture/workshop setting. Students will also analyze published creative non-fiction from a writer's perspective through close reading, informed discussion, and writing.
Prerequisites: CRWR 3130 with a B-

CRWR 4130 (3 credits)
Advanced Creative Non-Fiction I
Students will develop and practice writing, reading, and revision of creative non-fiction on a sustained project, or series of projects, of their choice. They will critique their peers’ work in a workshop setting. Students will also analyze published creative non-fiction from a writer’s perspective through close reading, informed discussion, and writing.
Prerequisites: CRWR 3230

These courses would be suitable for people who have participated in my creative process groups (especially the creative writing workshops, such as Wandering the Labyrinth), and for counselling students interested in expressive arts therapies (especially creative writing therapy). My plan for these courses is to explore interesting texts, to create a collaborative learning community, and -- of course -- to have fun.