Teaching Philosophy
The writing workshop and college classroom are extraordinary spaces of transformation where we become the writers and community that we’ve hoped for. I design collaborative close readings of multicultural literature as well as group creative exercises. I facilitate the writing process as a group process modeling it on professional writers’ critique groups and the writer/editor relation. Students experience hands-on the many tools of writing and group work while creating polished pieces that are integral to their ideas and writing styles. Because workshops are student-centered, students have the chance to learn not only from the instructor but also from other students. I regularly teach a variety of creative writing classes at Berkeley City College—a community college with open enrollment—and occasionally community workshops. Below is a description of the classes. Email me for more information: scoleman [at] peralta [dot] edu
Poetry Writing
English 91A, 92A, 93A & 94
This 4-level sequence of classes offers a comprehensive immersion into writing poetry. 91A explores elements of poetic form, writing process, creative process. 92A focuses on meter, rhyme and other sounds, and traditional forms. 93A introduces experiments in poetics since the 1950s. 94 guides students in sequencing a manuscript. All sections meet together, and we explore a different theme each semester. Themes range from music in poetry, incorporating other languages and translation, surrealism, eco-poetica, gender and disability, etc. This course is offered Fall and Spring semester and is transferable to CSU/UC.
Creative Writing
English 10A & 10B
This introductory class focuses on writing process, creative process, workshopping and the elements of poetry, fiction, and drama. Student write in all three of these genres as well as do close readings of contemporary literature. This class is offered Fall, Spring, and Summer session and is transferable to CSU/UC.
Autobiography into Creative Writing
English 70A & 70B
This class focuses on memoir, personal essays, lyrical essays, and poetry. while exploring writing process, creative process, workshopping and the elements of storytelling and poetry. Student write in the genres of their choice as well as do close readings of contemporary literature. This class is offered Fall, Spring, and Summer session and is transferable to CSU.
Development & Publication
English 99
This is a unique class: it’s about how to create a publication as well as the culture and business of publishing. It takes student step-by-step from conceptualization and mission statement to a finished publication and distribution. Students choose their own project, and the weekly work is fashioned for them to complete it. Students learn about selection criteria, calls for work, editing strategies, sequencing, work flow, copyright, font, graphics, book form, web hosting, grant writing, funding, release events, etc. Students bring their own projects, whether it’s a collection of their own work, a zine, anthology, journal, chapbook, etc. This class is only offered in the Fall semester.