Graduation Date
Spring 2011
Document Type
Project
Program
Other
Program
Master of Arts Degree with a major in English, emphasis in Teaching of Writing
Committee Chair Name
Barbara Curiel
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Corey Lewis
Keywords
x
Abstract
After examining several books and articles that explore the links between creative writing and composition, it is evident that many authors and theorists support bridging the two and encouraging teachers to introduce the construction of creative pieces into the composition classroom. However, most of the articles delve into this topic in a theoretical sense, and address issues such as finding one's voice through the personal narrative and other creative nonfiction pieces. This project addresses how specific elements of craft involved in fiction writing and creative nonfiction writing would likely enhance composition skills, especially in regards to rhetorical choices, considering aspects of argument including audience and purpose, research practices, and the ability to think critically and analytically throughout the writing process. I also discuss how creative writing, specifically creative nonfiction writing, can be used as a community-building tool that allows for empowerment in the classroom, and, as a result of this comfort in the classroom, allows for a more productive work space. I use the specific example of student military veterans in the composition classroom to explicate my argument. To do this, I draw upon the writings of Mikhail Bakhtin, Wendy Bishop, Patrick Bizarro, Gerald Graff, and other researchers to make a strong argument for using intensive creative writing exercises as a scaffolding tool. I will examine the theory to support my argument that important composition skills can be gained by writing pieces of fiction and creative nonfiction. In addition to the theoretical aspects, I will create and provide several lesson plans to illuminate how this can be done effectively in the composition classroom for the purpose of sparking the interest and creativity of all students, and particularly, reluctant or struggling students.
Recommended Citation
Ben-Zvi, Sarah Delaney, "Same Skills, Different Genres: The Importance of Encouraging More Creative Writing in the First-Year Composition Classroom as a Means of Fostering Student Learning and Understanding" (2011). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2627.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2627