Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of ENGL C1000 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Description: This course provides technique and experience in producing the annual college literature and arts magazine, Sierra Journal. Students will select and edit manuscripts of various genres (poetry, drama, creative non-fiction, fiction), communicate with authors, submit final proofs for publication, and market the magazine. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Collaborate with students, faculty, authors, and the Sierra College Press to publish and market the Sierra Journal literary magazine.
  • CSLO #2: Identify, define, and apply clear criteria--including cultural, social, political, and critical contexts--to evaluate and select literary works from multiple genres (fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and drama).
  • CSLO #3: Learn and employ industry standard practices regarding organizing, tracking, and editing submissions; communicating with authors; and submitting final proofs for publication.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

72

Outside of Class Hours

90

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives: 

1. Identify and analyze differences and similarities between genres of creative writing; 

2. Identify, interpret, and analyze the literary elements; 

3. Identify, interpret, and analyze creative works in cultural, social, political, and critical contexts; 

4. Communicate analyses, interpretations, and critiques of single works or several works by the same author; 

5. Identify, interpret, and analyze thematic links between text and visual media; 

6. Troubleshoot problems or issues related to editing and production.

Activity Objectives: 

1. Generate criteria to analyze and evaluate literature; 

2. Compare creative expressions in writing, art, and photography; 

3. Employ reading, writing, and communication skills during journal production; 

4. Establish editorial roles/teams in the production process;

5. Create and implement a distribution plan; 

6. Plan a formal literary reading.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: After the instructor provides criteria and definitions of literary terms, the students will discuss and evaluate the virtues and limitations of individual submissions for publication.
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: The instructor will give an exam assessing students' understanding of literary terminology while analyzing passages from formal fiction and poetry.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will present information in a report regarding the current publication status to the instructor and Sierra Journal team.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: The instructor will evaluate students' scoring and analysis of works published in previous issues of Sierra Journal as they analyze complexity, imagery, message, etc.
          • Other
            • Example: The instructor, peers, and students evaluate each other and themselves regarding their roles within the team in written or verbal communication.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. Through lecture, assigned readings, and discussion, the instructor guides students in generating criteria for evaluating works of literature for publication. For example, students apply culturally informed practices to evaluate works that include specific vernacular and dialects.

          Lecture:

          1. The instructor will provide reading on the elements of literature and samples from work in a particular genre. Students will analyze the samples to identify which elements are present and discuss how the writer employs the elements to convey meaning.

          Distance Learning

          1. The instructor models an analysis of a work of short fiction in a video lecture, highlighting the virtues and limitations of the work for students. Students then use class evaluation criteria to critique a separate work of short fiction by the same author, write their critique in the discussion board, and then comment on one another’s evaluation.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          Read pages 1-25 of Sierra Journal and compare submissions based on criteria established in lecture and class activities. Read #11-20 of short fiction submissions and evaluate according to criteria established in lecture and class activities. Read poetry submissions #50-65 and evaluate according to criteria established in lecture and class activities. Read the handout on editorial practices and evaluating literature and apply principles from the reading to generate criteria for ranking submissions to the Sierra Journal.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          Prepare written marketing solicitation for submissions. Evaluate poems #20-30 during selection process. Prepare questions for guest speaker.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Prepare submissions for final review. Communicate with submitting authors. Provide input regarding the magazine design.

          Required Materials

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

            The materials for this course are the submissions provided during the editing process and supplementary instructional materials provided at no cost to students.