How Blanks, Gaps, and Negations in Text Stimulate Reader Response Creativity
In this 60 minute class, students will learn why Literary Theory is a science. Students will explore some literary techniques that inspire reader creativity. This is of interest to creative writers in different fields.
What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hoursGrading
This class is in a literary club-like style. There is no grading system. Students are encouraged to participate but they do not have to do so.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Intermediate - Advanced Level
Students will learn several writing techniques by authors that are used to stimulate creativity in the reader. The class will focus on blanks, gaps, and negations in text. Several passages from science fiction author J.G. Ballard's "The Drowned World" will be used as examples. This subject is basic literary theory, and the foundation is in Wolfgang Iser's "The Act of Reading: A Theory of Aesthetic Response" mainly on pages 180-231. Students are not required to read these books, there will be a two-page handout, and the complexity of the material simplified for the high school level students. This will be taught informally with a literary club-like discussion and encouraging class participation. This class also helps further develop critical thinking skills in students. This is of interest to those interested in creative writing in different fields.
Learning Goals
Students will learn some basic concepts in literary theory. They will learn how blanks, gaps, and negations in text stimulate creativity in the reader. They will be able to apply these techniques in their own creative writings if they choose to do so.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will be using paragraphs for analyses from science fiction author J.G. Ballard's "The Drowned World," and literary theorist author Wolfgang Iser's "The Act of Reading: A Theory of Aesthetic Response." The books are not required reading. There will be a two-page handout and the literary theory will be simplified for the high school students' level.
Joined July, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Botany/Plant Biology from Bircham International University, Spain
Master's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from New York University
I am dedicated to helping students happily learn complex material. I simplify difficult subject matter for easy, joyful learning in: critical thinking, reading comprehension, study skills including using generative ai, visualization skills, English literature, literary theory, cultural awareness, and ecology. I have a M.A., M.S., B.A., and I also studied the playing of musical wind instruments with private lessons for several years at a conservatory. During a summer break during my college years, I taught tennis to more than 300 youngsters in New York City for a nonprofit, I also taught more than 200 high school students English for the New York City Board of Education where I received my perm-per-diem teaching license. I worked as a professional in New York City for more than 30 years in communications, and I also had a small, successful communications business. I am semi-retired. I sometimes tutor public school groups for another tutoring firm since April, and work as a part-time online tasker for a generative AI firm.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-12 learners per class
