Sheridan Course Outlines

Land Acknowledgement

Sheridan College resides on land that has been, and still is, the traditional territory of several Indigenous nations, including the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize this territory is covered by the Dish with One Spoon treaty and the Two Row Wampum treaty, which emphasize the importance of joint stewardship, peace, and respectful relationships.

As an institution of higher learning Sheridan embraces the critical role that education must play in facilitating real transformational change. We continue our collective efforts to recognize Canada's colonial history and to take steps to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.

Section I: Administrative Information

Total hours: 42.0
Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Fall 2016
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Program(s): Creative Writing
Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Course Leader or Contact: Jo-Ann Brodey
Version: 20160906_02
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: N/A

Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Examine a practical, step-by-step approach to developing and building a novel. Topics include: developing characterization; establishing goal, motivation and conflict; understanding and using viewpoint; moving the story forward with dialogue; structuring scenes; sustaining tension; understanding the concept of "show, don't tell" and weaving plot strands. In-class seminars also include: manuscript preparation, synopsis and query letter writing; researching the markets; copyrights, contracts and agents. Ample time will be allowed each week for you to read your work in class and receive feedback. Individual assistance will also be available.

Program Context

Creative Writing	Program Coordinator(s): N/A
N/A

Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

	Critical Performance:
	N/A

Learning Outcomes:

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

Students will have a solid start on their novel and the skills necessary to see it through to completion
Understand what a novel is and what it takes to properly craft a book that will appeal to an editor
Develop characters that come to life on the page
Use dialogue effectively to move the story forward
Use viewpoint to their advantage
Understand the importance of goal, motivation and conflict
Plot a story from beginning to end
Understand that writing is rewriting
Know proper manuscript preparation
Write a synopsis and query letter that will hold an editor's attention
Research the market they are interested in reaching
Students will complete a new assignment each week in order to build the foundation necessary to finish their novel after the classes end. In-class reading of assignments is a large part of the program and vital to developing the critiquing skills necessary to edit and polish their own work.
Students will understand the demands of writing and develop the skills and discipline necessary to see the work through to the end.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Evaluation Plan: IN-CLASS

	Attendance	10.0%
	Character sketch	5.0%
	Elevator pitch	5.0%
	Query Letter	15.0%
	Synopsis	15.0%
	Partial Manuscript (including Readabout in class)	50.0%
	Total	100.0%

Evaluation Notes and Academic Missed Work Procedure:

N/A

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities requirements:

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) - Office of the Registrar

Not Eligible for PLAR

Section III: Topical Outline

Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Instruction Mode: In-Class
Professor: Multiple Professors
Resource(s):

	Type	Description
Optional	Other	None Recommended reading, examples, exercises and handouts will accompany each lecture.

Applicable student group(s): Continuing Education Students
Course Details:

Week 1 Plot!

What is plot? What exactly is a novel?
Goal, motivation and conflict. The concept of risk
Introduction to the genres of fiction.
Assignment: in class writing assignment

Week 2 Characterization and Viewpoint

Creating memorable characters
Character Arc
Importance of the character sketch
The rules of viewpoint
Choosing the right viewpoint
Mystery/crime genres
Assignment: Character sketch for your protagonist.

Week 3 Novel Structure and Openings

Three Act Structure for novels and outlining
The importance of a strong opening
How to Open - what should be there
Manuscript Prep – ALL assignments will be submitted in proper manuscript format
Literary genre
Assignment due: Character Sketch

Week 4 Dialogue that Rocks!

Conversation vs Dialogue
Dialogue Punctuation made easy
Elevator Pitch
Fantasy genre
Assignment: Elevator pitch

Week 5 Endings and Chapter Breaks

Chapter Breaks
Scene transitions
Endings – You must satisfy the reader! Ending expectations for each genre
Romance genre
Readabout

Week 6 Query Letter

Your Query letter is your calling card
How to say what’s important in one page
Setting – Setting as Character
Children’s Lit
Readabout
Assignment due: Elevator pitch

Week 7 Show Not Tell

Show Not Tell – how to turn good writing into great writing
Weaving in backstory – how to bring in backstory without slowing the pace
Horror genre
Readabout

Week 8 Research

Research – bringing reality to fiction
Saggy Middle Syndrome – what to do when your story slows down
Assignment due: Query letter
Western genre
Readabout

Week 9 Synopsis

Why is a synopsis necessary and why is it so hard to write?
Preparing a synopsis that will keep an editor reading
Suspense/Thriller genre – the 9 stages of Suspense
Readabout

Week 10 The Business of Writing

All about publishers, agents, royalties, advances, contracts, submitting your manuscript
Science Fiction genre
Readabout

Week 11 Amazon and Self-publishing

Should you self-publish? Pros and Cons
How Amazon works
Revision and Editing
Readabout
Synopsis due

Week 12 Marketing

Marketing your novel once it’s published
Copyright
Access Copyright and PLR
Readabout

Week 13 Screenplay

What is a screenplay? How is it different from a novel?
Screenplay manuscript format and lingo
Readabout

Week 14 Where to Go from Here

Keeping the muse with you
Handling rejection
Associations to join
Readabout
Assignment due: The first 25 pages of your manuscript, in standard manuscript format

Sheridan Policies

It is recommended that students read the following policies in relation to course outlines:

Academic Integrity
Copyright
Intellectual Property
Respectful Behaviour
Accessible Learning

All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools: In alignment with Sheridan's Academic Integrity Policy, students should consult with their professors and/or refer to evaluation instructions regarding the appropriate use, or prohibition, of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for coursework. Turnitin AI detection software may be used by faculty members to screen assignment submissions or exams for unauthorized use of artificial intelligence.

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.

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