Syllabus
Course Information
Course: ENG 205 - Introduction to Creative Writing
Section: 0004
Credits: 3
Meeting Time: Tuesday & Thursday, 12:30-1:45 PM
Location: Boudreau Hall 235
Instructor
Name: Morgan Talty
Email: morgan.talty@maine.edu
Office: Neville 313
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM
Course Description
This course introduces students to creative writing through fiction and creative nonfiction. Students will develop craft skills, participate in workshop discussions, and engage critically with generative AI tools through Dialectical Prompting (DP).
We focus on the craft elements that matter: voice, POV, character, pacing, image systems, and structure. Students will write, revise, and workshop two major pieces (one fiction, one CNF) while learning to use AI as a judgment tool, not a generation tool.
Learning Outcomes
- Write publishable-quality fiction and creative nonfiction
- Apply core craft concepts: voice, POV, pacing, image systems, reflection
- Provide and receive constructive workshop feedback
- Use Dialectical Prompting (DP) to critically evaluate AI-generated text
- Document craft decisions through Process Notes
Required Materials
- Course readings (provided via Brightspace)
- Access to AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, or similar)
- Notebook or digital writing tool
Grading Breakdown
| Component | Weight | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop Participation | 30% | Active engagement, peer feedback, craft discussion |
| In-Class Writing & Exercises | 30% | Weekly prompts, AI Unit assignments (A1-A4) |
| Final Portfolio | 40% | Fiction story (20%) + CNF essay (20%) |
Major Assignments
- Fiction Story: 1500-2500 words (20%)
- Creative Nonfiction Essay: 1500-2500 words (20%)
- AI Unit (A1-A4): Dialectical Prompting exercises (15% total, part of In-Class Writing)
- Workshop Letters: Written feedback for peers (counted in Workshop Participation)
→ View detailed assignment rubrics
AI Policy
All AI use in this course must follow Dialectical Prompting (DP).
DP is an A/B testing method where you:
- Design a BRIEF+QA prompt
- Run at least two variations (A vs. B)
- Log contradictions between outputs
- Make a deliberate craft decision (keep/reject/hybrid)
- Document your process in a Process Note
Unacceptable use: Copy-pasting AI output without A/B testing, failing to document, using AI for workshop letters or peer feedback.
Attendance & Late Work
- Attendance: You may miss 2 classes with no penalty. After that, each absence lowers your Workshop Participation grade.
- Late Work: Portfolio pieces accepted up to 48 hours late with 10% penalty. AI Unit assignments not accepted late (in-class exercises).
- Workshop Obligations: You must be present on your workshop day. Missing your own workshop = automatic 0 for that component.
Academic Integrity
All work must be your own. Plagiarism, fabrication, or unauthorized collaboration will result in failure for the assignment and possible course failure. Using AI without Dialectical Prompting and documentation is considered academic dishonesty.
See UMaine's Academic Integrity Policy for details.
Accessibility
If you have a documented disability and require accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services and provide me with your accommodation letter as soon as possible.
Classroom Culture
Workshop is a space for honest, supportive feedback. We discuss craft, not personal lives. We assume good intent. We take creative risks.
Content warnings: If your work contains graphic violence, sexual content, or trauma, provide a brief content note at the top of your submission.