Special Topics: Generative Novel Workshop
ENGL 390
Spring 2026
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01
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In this course, students will study contemporary novels, including the work of Toni Morrison, Julie Otsuka, Namwali Serpell and Kazuo Ishiguro with an eye for what differentiates the craft of writing a novel from that of writing a short story. Students then will conceptualize, explore, and write a substantial portion of a new novel project in class. They will submit outlines and excerpts for peer critique and participate in workshopping their peers' writing. The focus of this course will be generative rather than critical; that is, we aim to formulate questions, spark inspiration, and create momentum for a new novel project, rather than seek answers or completeness. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ENGL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: ENGL296 OR ENGL339 OR ENGL342 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (English) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Annihilation, Jeff Vandermeer
Buddha in the Attic, Julie Otsuka
Sula, Toni Morrison
Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro
The Good Soldier, Ford Madox Ford
Flesh and Blood, Michael Cunningham
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Examinations and Assignments:
Weekly writing exercises aimed at developing your novel idea, craft presentation, final portfolio consisting of two workshop submissions and a final excerpt submission |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Application Process: Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. In addition, please email qheng@wesleyan.edu the following in one document: a) 5 double-spaced pages of fiction b) a cover page that includes the following: your name, email address, class year, major (if any); the number of this course; a short biographical statement (a paragraph) describing your creative writing background and why you want to take this course. c) list the creative writing course(s) you have taken previous to this one. Please use either Microsoft Word or rich text format for your attachment, with the file name: "Last Name-First Initial" (e.g. Smith-J.docx). You will be notified electronically of the status of your application by November 15. Students who have missed this deadline may submit materials in mid-January up to the week before classes begin, in case there are any last-minute openings.
The English department highly recommends that students be enrolled in only one Creative Writing course in a semester. If you are admitted to more than one Creative Writing course, we request you choose one and let the instructors know during Adjustment Period. By doing so you will be considerate of instructors and other students. This course contributes to fulfillment of ENGL major requirements: Creative Writing requirement, CW 300-level course, CW upper-level CW workshop, elective. |
| Instructor(s): Heng,Rachel Times: ....R.. 08:50AM-11:40AM; Location: TBA |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 12 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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