Course Catalog

ENG427E Advanced Fiction Writing (3 credits) 9637

No online component. Cost is $1,125.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this course is to provide academic instruction in reviewing classic and current prominent fiction written from a Christian perspective, analyzing current fiction and novels, and learning the basics of writing effective fiction. The ultimate goal is to clearly and accurately communicate themes that reflect a Christian worldview in an excellent and effective manner.

Pre-requisite: Prerequisite: ENG313E Article Writing I, ENG314E Article Writing II, ENG323E Non-Fiction and Scriptwriting and ENG327E Introduction to Fiction Writing or permission of instructor.

LEARNING RESULTS
The learner will be able to:

1. Gain a working knowledge of the skills necessary for review, subject research, and market analysis for fiction.
2. Increase understanding of current needs and guidelines of fiction publishers.
3. Recognize book ideas, conduct adequate research and apply the skills learned in the course to write effective fiction.
4. Engage in the study of literature, be alert for and analyze the value of ideas for powerful fiction, and be able to effectively reflect a compassionate Christian world view.
5. Analyze the information learned in the class, and be able to integrate it with excellent writing skills, resulting in clear and effective communication.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS - additional $250 fee
What’s Your Story? Journeyman Level: Fiction Emphasis. Les Stobbe, Editor-in-Chief and Vicki Hesterman. 2004. Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild: Colorado Springs, CO.

Other readings are from the following:
• Elements of Style by Strunk and White
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser
• The Best of Christian Writing 2004
• Write on Target: A Five-Phase Program for Nonfiction Writers by Dennis E.
Hensley and Holly G. Miller
• The Writer and Writers Digest magazines
• Topical assignments of works of fiction

All required material obtained through Christian Writers Guild and bookstores.

INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING
The CWG writing courses are designed to integrate the core presuppositions of the Christian worldview with excellent writing abilities, and to learn to apply critical thinking skills to the process of writing from this perspective for both secular and Christian audiences.

The purpose of the program is to provide academic instruction in the principles of excellent research and writing, and require relevant reading assignments, so that students will be motivated and equipped to clearly, accurately, fairly and powerfully communicate with their audiences. The program emphasizes
professionalism in writing, high ethical standards, and the importance of a genuine spiritual commitment to Christianity.

This is designed as an email and online correspondence course with professors working individually with each student. Regular assignments include textbook and outside readings, graded writing assignments, papers measuring student comprehension, and topical assignments.

LEARNING DOCUMENTATION
From the CWG Journeyman Fiction course.
Note: Chapter titles below are not the same as in the Journeyman year-long course. To fit into a semester, some have been combined and others are read-only. Professor will provide specific due dates for readings and assignments.

1. Ethical Considerations as a Writer
2. Advanced Characterization & Character
Change
3. Advanced Dialogue
4. Advanced Topics in Point of View
5. The Three-act Structure & Designing the
Novel: The Snowflake Method
6. Advanced Plotting
7. Researching the Novel
8. Exposition
9. The World of Your Story: Time and Place &
Handling Flashbacks
10. Finding Your Voice – and Your Story’s
11. Style in Fiction
12. Message Fiction
13. Elective Lesson from text
14. Elective Lesson from text

LEARNING EVALUATION
The student works through the Journeyman Level: Fiction Emphasis of the “What’s Your Story?” course by reading assigned materials, submitting written assignments given at the conclusion of each lesson, and competing revisions as assigned. These assignments are graded by CWG mentor-professors, all experienced writers and teachers. At the conclusion of the course, your work will be forwarded to Taylor University by CWG for final confirmation and any necessary work evaluation. A final grade will be entered on an official Taylor University transcript.

*Note: Student is encouraged to read all lessons in the CWG Journeyman textbook, even those that are not specifically assigned in this course. To allow for more time between assignment and revision due dates, guest students may be granted one six-month extension if needed.

Registration is handled by TUFWO. Once you register, TUFWO will contact Christian Writers Guild and your course materials and instructor/mentor information will be sent to you by CWG.