Here's a sample syllabus for a 12-week "Novel Writing" course based on Christopher Vogler's "The Writer's Journey":
Week 1: Introduction to the Hero's Journey
- Introduction to the course and syllabus
- Overview of the hero's journey and its significance in storytelling
- Examination of the stages of the hero's journey
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
Week 2: The Ordinary World and Call to Adventure
- Review of the Ordinary World and Call to Adventure stages
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop a protagonist and their ordinary world
Week 3: Refusal of the Call and Meeting the Mentor
- Review of the Refusal of the Call and Meeting the Mentor stages
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop a mentor character and their relationship with the protagonist
Week 4: Crossing the Threshold and Tests, Allies, and Enemies
- Review of the Crossing the Threshold and Tests, Allies, and Enemies stages
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop a key test or challenge for the protagonist to overcome
Week 5: Approach to the Inmost Cave and Ordeal
- Review of the Approach to the Inmost Cave and Ordeal stages
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop the protagonist's darkest moment
Week 6: Reward and The Road Back
- Review of the Reward and The Road Back stages
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop a motivation for the protagonist's return journey
Week 7: Resurrection and Return with the Elixir
- Review of the Resurrection and Return with the Elixir stages
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop the resolution and outcome of the protagonist's journey
Week 8: Archetypes and Character Development
- Overview of archetypes in storytelling
- Examination of common archetypes and their roles in the hero's journey
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop an archetype for a character in your story
Week 9: Plot and Structure
- Overview of plot and structure in storytelling
- Examination of different plot structures
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop a plot structure for your story
Week 10: Dialogue and Scene Writing
- Overview of dialogue and scene writing
- Examination of effective dialogue and scene writing techniques
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Write a dialogue-heavy scene
Week 11: Setting and Worldbuilding
- Overview of setting and worldbuilding
- Examination of effective setting and worldbuilding techniques
- Analysis of examples from popular novels
- Writing exercise: Develop a detailed setting or world for your story
Week 12: Revisions and Critique
- Overview of the revision process
- Examination of effective critique and feedback techniques
- Writing exercise: Workshop and critique each other's work
- Course conclusion and next steps
Of course, this is just a sample syllabus, and you can adjust it to suit your needs and preferences. Additionally, you may want to consider incorporating guest speakers or field trips to give your students additional insight and inspiration. Good luck with your class!
