In every school where I have taught (with one notable exception) at both the college and high school levels, creative writing courses have been an integral part of the English Department.
We’ve had this conversation before, and here you have made your case eloquently, and my case too:) Truth be told, there is a fear in most academic institutions of blurring the lines between “serious “ quantifiable learning and creative exploration. Creativity usually gets the axe because it can’t be as clearly assessed and categorized. It’s a pity because the creative impulse is the most powerful force of mankind, even if its power sometimes terrifies and unsettles us.
I love your distinction of “serious quantifiable learning Vs. creative exploration”! That hits the nail on the head. I remember how much grief I got for not putting grades on individual poems and stories...and for my generous grades overall. The phrase “hold them accountable” was used often. The phrase “inspire them to love language” never. The irony there that the books we made them read and quizzed them on were written by people immersed in the creative power of words.
Requested this for years. Even moved my office to the visual arts department. The Arts division was all for it. English department, too. Never the administration. Jack Ridl
Wow! I experienced resistance from all three at various schools. Seems like such and easy, no-brainer reshuffling that would benefit everyone, but hey, what do we know....
We’ve had this conversation before, and here you have made your case eloquently, and my case too:) Truth be told, there is a fear in most academic institutions of blurring the lines between “serious “ quantifiable learning and creative exploration. Creativity usually gets the axe because it can’t be as clearly assessed and categorized. It’s a pity because the creative impulse is the most powerful force of mankind, even if its power sometimes terrifies and unsettles us.
A solid and persuasive argument for the benefit of the art of creative writing set in a constellation of fine arts. Well done.
Thanks, Laura. “Constellation of the arts”! So good. I’m likely to steal that phrase.
I love your distinction of “serious quantifiable learning Vs. creative exploration”! That hits the nail on the head. I remember how much grief I got for not putting grades on individual poems and stories...and for my generous grades overall. The phrase “hold them accountable” was used often. The phrase “inspire them to love language” never. The irony there that the books we made them read and quizzed them on were written by people immersed in the creative power of words.
Requested this for years. Even moved my office to the visual arts department. The Arts division was all for it. English department, too. Never the administration. Jack Ridl
Wow! I experienced resistance from all three at various schools. Seems like such and easy, no-brainer reshuffling that would benefit everyone, but hey, what do we know....