<p>I'm currently enrolled to take Writing 39C, but I'm number 1 on the wait list for Writing 30. I might drop the wait list for Writing 30 because I think I would learn more in Writing 39C, but I heard that Writing 30 (Poetry) is easier. Also, I'm going to be taking 20 units this quarter, so I'm not sure if I could handle it if I did have Writing 39C. Has anyone taken these classes and could offer me advice in which writing class to take? Thanks! :D</p>
<p>Also, could you guys tell me your experiences in these classes? I know it varies by proof, but I want to know what to expect by taking these. Thanks again!(:</p>
<p>something i’ve noticed from some of my friends who i thought couldn’t write worth a lick. YMMV…</p>
<p>you don’t know how to write. essays, stories, whatever. this is the class where the hammer will fall (and honestly, its not even that heavy a hammer… other schools have notoriously difficult/good freshmen writing requirements). if you keep turning in the same crap that got you through high school, you’ll get a C. </p>
<p>i remember reading some papers my friend’s wrote for those classes and thinking “man, where do i start correcting?” cause they had so many problems. its not hard work, you just need to follow directions and be willing to accept criticism.</p>
<p>EDIT: i was referring to 39c. i have also heard that writing 30 is easier. personally, i think writing is one of those important things that you really need to know how to do.</p>
<p>COPIED FROM ANOTHER FORUM</p>
<p>"I’ve taken Writing 39C AND Writing 31 (beginning fiction). I worked my ass off in 39C for my A, I worked my ass off again in 31 for a B+. 39C is more objective, which is good news for most students, right?</p>
<p>Creative writing classes are NOT easy. For every class you will: read 2 stories, write a 1 page review for each story, write 1+ page(s) of your own creative work, and you have to be there and actively participate or it will hurt your grade. You also have to do 2 of your own stories (10+ pages in length), attend a reading, and revise a story. For poetry, replace “story” with “collection of poems” and you get the idea.</p>
<p>It’s much easier to get a good grade for your work in 39C because that is an academic class and is much more objective.</p>
<p>It takes a LOT of effort to do well in creative writing here. Think about it this way: almost all of the instructors are students or graduates from the UCI MFA program. Every year, this program gets 600+ applicants and admits 12.</p>
<p>It might be more fun, but it is certainly not be any less work! It’s just a different kind of work, creative vs. academic.</p>
<p>Both classes require you do be there EVERY DAY, both classes require you to submit your own work, to peer review others work, to meet LOTS of deadlines, and do LOTS of reading! They fill the same writing requirement, so the expectations are the same. There is no such thing as an “easier” class unless you get lucky with your instructor (which is rare in writing classes).</p>
<p>If you want to do well in your other classes (because it helps you with your academic writing, it helped me tremendously in my other classes) I highly recommend taking 39C. It also serves for lots of intellectual stimulation.</p>
<p>If you want to have more fun and to work your creative juices, take a creative writing. But don’t expect it to be any less work if you want a good grade.</p>
<p>OK I typed too much… but I seem to be the only one here who has experience in both classes."</p>
<p>if i were you i would take writing 30. But that would also depend on how good you are at poetry i guess. Pretty much with writing 39C you are turning in something every week whether its the rough draft or the final paper. This might be difficult if you take the class during the school year. But if you really dont like poetry then take the writing class. Just check to see which topic you get for your class because ive heard some of the topics are really hard to write on. But either way im sure you could handle whichever one you take :)</p>
<p>I think its a misconception that Creative Writing or Poetry is gonna be easier. Those classes are for those who actually LIKE to do these types of things, otherwise, you will be struggling. </p>
<p>I took 39C, and got an A. You write a 5, 6-7, and then a 8-9 pager essay. 3 Essays total**. The first is a Proposal, the next is (don’t remember the name, lol) but you state the problem you wanna address. The final essay is the Advocacy essay where you propose a solution for the problem that was first presented. It requires a lot of work, but is manageable if you spread out your work–don’t procrastinate. </p>
<p>Basically, you will read a book in class, I read Freakconomics, other’s have read Outliers, they will prob. have new changes for the fall! You then address a problem with a specific topic in the book. You do this by supporting your thesis through the use of examples from texts/internet/etc. I lucked out and got a really enthusiastic teacher who found my topic interesting! That’s the gist of the class! Good Luck! </p>
<p>Grading is based on how well you can support/back-up your arguments! </p>
<p>*<em>Someone correct me if the essay’s are incorrect/out of order/etc. *</em></p>
<p>Wow, thanks for all the information guys! 
I think I’m leaning towards Writing39C more since it seems it would be more helpful for the rest of my years at UCI. My theme for 39C is going to be “How America Eats.” It sounds interesting, did anyone ever have this theme?</p>
<p>I took Writ 31, and it is definitely not “easier”. The grading is very subjective, there is not much feedback unless you schedule an office hour, and even though I worked my ass off, I ended up with a B+.</p>
<p>If you’re an active participant in discussions, a kiss-up, and love reading & writing stories, then maybe 31 is right for you.</p>
<p>EDIT: Can’t say for writ 30, but pretty similar I guess</p>
<p>never taken writing 30, but i enjoyed my writing 39c class my theme was “free culture.” you’re essentially working towards the final paper the entire quarter, so when you choose the topic you want to do within your theme (how america eats), make sure you won’t mind it for 10 weeks! :P</p>
<p>31 was more fun than 39C. It wasn’t easier, though. The TA’s expect you to take creative writing seriously. I think it depends on your writing style. Do you have a clear, creative voice?</p>
<p>It also depends on what kind of writing you’ll need for your major. 39C is better for research-based writing.</p>