M. Allen Cunningham
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
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Portland State University Student Evaluations, 2024:
“This class blew up everything I thought I knew about writing and let me experiment and play with the art. I loved the lectures. They were the best part of the course. Cunningham is excellent.” “I received more writing feedback in this class than in any others.” “Professor Cunningham provides excellent feedback that is encouraging and thought-provoking. I’ve implemented his notes into my work.” “I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes—I think the instructor was good like that: he was very thoughtful and immaculate with his intention and spoken words. Humble, yet confident. Well-read and well-versed, but always open to learn with the class, and would comment when he spotted something new to him or profoundly unique.” “The writing experiments were really great. All of the prompts were generative and helped me think outside the box of what I usually write.” “Mark Cunningham has a passion for writing, evident in his interdisciplinary pedagogy, which includes films, books, short stories, and even field trips. It is a well-structured course with new concepts and terminology essential for any writing student.” “This course has challenged me to think differently about the way I write and the forms I use.” Portland State University Student Evaluations, Vienna Program in Creative Writing, 2023: “The Vienna trip was an experience I will carry with me always. It made me a better writer, a better reader, and opened my eyes to different cultures and art that I never knew existed. All of the assignments we did (in conjunction with our seminar lectures) left a deep impression on me and I have seen my writing change drastically as a result. Not only is my writing better, but this trip really helped build my confidence.” “Studying abroad in Vienna is unlike any other academic experience I have ever had. Although our time there was brief, each day was rich with opportunities to explore, experiment, and create. I am a more confident writer after being part of the program.” Portland State University Student Evaluations, Vienna Program in Creative Writing, 2022: “Traveling to Vienna as a participant in this course is one of the best decisions I've made at PSU. Every component of our trip was intentionally and expertly curated by Professor Cunningham to awaken within us a sense of authentic inspiration.” “In Vienna each day started with a writing workshop, then continued with a guest lecture and outings to museums, concerts, and wine gardens. All writing assignments in Vienna required us to go out into the city and observe. The readings we discussed in the mornings gave us new tools of seeing, listening, and interpreting what we saw later in the day. Each student received thoughtful and thorough feedback on their writing from the professor and two other students. Three weeks back in Portland, I am still integrating and pondering everything I learned. It was a life-changing experience!” “I particularly liked how the framing of assignments gave clear instruction but were open to creative liberties and sources of inspiration. Assignments like the ekphrasis piece, the reflection on the café and composer's house allowed for flexibility as a writer while giving me an understanding of what the assignment's goals were. This made the work enjoyable, because I felt that I could make a considerable contribution in customizing my learning experience.” “Professor Cunningham gave me great feedback, both as a traveler and as a writing instructor. His suggestions on my pieces have helped me to see them from a different angle, and helped me to see how these pieces don't have to be restricted to my time in this course, but could become things I continue to work on and possibly try to publish.” Portland State University Student Evaluations, fall 2021: “This class really showed me new ways to explore my writing! I love learning when it comes to writing, and this class was no exception. I absolutely loved the writing exercises every week.” “The way this term was structured, looking at the root of writing through the powers of perception, made me remember why I love writing. Rather than strictly writing short stories each week, we were given the freedom to create and practice however we chose.” “The way class was structured showed a great deal of thought and was very easy to follow. Powerpoints were linear and easily comprehensible. Group tasks or close readings during class kept me engaged, and the assignments were fun to do. Having a choice between prompts and a freedom of structure was also an appreciated change.” “I was dedicated to this class and loved every minute of it. I applied myself to every class because it was more than an education – it was a richness for my soul (I don’t care how cheesy that sounds!)” “A concept Professor Cunningham discusses frequently is the Particularity of Perception. Practicing this has led me to appreciate work sentence to sentence, phrase to phrase, and word to word. I now have an easier time putting my ideas on the page as I see them. After this class, it feels like I have been given the prescription I needed to see the world through a new lens – clearly for the first time. My writing has deeply benefited in numerous ways.” “I would gladly take this course again, and will look for any other classes Professor Cunningham teaches in the future. Finally, a fiction writing class different from the others!” UC Berkeley Academic Talent Development Program, 2021: “[Mark Cunningham] is an amazing teacher and has encouraged my peers and me to find a creative and imaginative part of ourselves. His passion has rubbed off on me and I have found a new passion in creative writing.” “I feel my teacher [Mark Cunningham] is extremely committed to helping his students learn and benefit as much as possible from his class. He will go above and beyond. Not only this, I feel he lets his students be creative and have the freedom to write in their own way.” “This course was extremely unique and exposed me to lots of creative writing works I had never seen before. I learned a lot and was greatly inspired by the content I was introduced to. The different writing forms were eye-opening and incredibly fascinating.” “The in-class discussions and warm/welcoming environment (as well as the kind interactions and support that were encouraged) really helped create a sense of community.” Portland State University Student Evaluations, winter 2021: “Mark is such an incredible teacher, so unabashedly enthusiastic about writing in all its forms. He really challenges students to write outside of their comfort zone, to great effect. 10/10, would take another course with Mark!” “Mark is professional and communicates a seriousness about the craft of writing that I really respect. He is so organized at every stage. His preparedness got students engaged and on-track before class even started. I really appreciate the clear and simple syllabus, his slides, the flow of every single class meeting. He was up-front about expectations in a remote environment, requiring us to be visible if possible, keeping our focus on the shared discussion (not the chat comments). I wish all instructors followed his lead – he helped us stay aware of and respectfully engaged with one another. Honestly, this course has been amazing. I’ve looked forward to the meetings each week because they are interesting and smart and enjoyable. The other day I was describing what we’re learning to a friend. I remembered so many of the lecture topics and themes and even concept details. I hadn’t studied them. I just remembered them because the delivery and presentation (and application during small group workshops) had been so effective. The weekly writing experiments have felt purposeful and challenging in a positive way. I feel good about my writing this term, like I stretched into a different unfamiliar space each week. I also feel good about my classmates – about their writing and the closeness we developed over the term. I wish this course lasted two more months!” “It is clear that Professor Cunningham is passionate about the subject. This makes it more engaging to be in his class. I enjoyed the way he approached certain topics, and how he provided students with examples to dissect themselves to better reach the outcome of his lessons. Though it was an earlier class, for me at least, I can say that I was awake and interested due to his style of teaching.” UC Berkeley Academic Talent Development Program, summer 2020: “I loved this class so much! So many fun writing challenges, and I learned linear time doesn’t exist. Absolutely the best.” “[Mark Cunningham] was one of the best teachers that has ever taught me, both in actual school and in ATDP!” “[Mark Cunningham is] extremely kind and understanding. Wonderful teacher on virtually all fronts!” “This course was extremely engaging and it made my summer!” Portland State University Student Evaluations, winter term 2020: “Wonderful instructor. I've loved working with Prof. Cunningham, who is incredibly knowledgeable, warm, supportive, but tough in the right ways - and passionate about reading and writing.” Portland State University Student Evaluations, 2019: “I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in a writing class before. I felt pushed in new ways as a writer and never discouraged.” “This has been one of the best writing classes I have taken at PSU. It has helped me think of my writing practice in ways I have never imagined.” “Mark’s choice of texts was spot-on in that they all built upon one another in a cohesive way. I will be thinking about this course for the rest of my writing life. Mark has put so much planning and thought into the curriculum, and it really comes through.” “This wonderful course made quite an impact on me, maybe more than any other writing course or workshop I’ve been a part of.” “I REALLY enjoyed this class. Mark is an excellent instructor, and I think you should hold onto him. We studied a myriad of art, music, film, and literature in our quest to examine form and how it can be used to create and communicate our work as artists. The experience I received here is something I will continue to study and use in my own work as long as I’m breathing. Great class!” Workshop Evaluations, 2016-2019: "I walk away from each session feeling inspired. Our classes are one of the best parts of my week." -Alisha, Workshop Participant "[Cunningham's] talk on developing characters was the kind of workshop session that you stumble into in your dreams -- it was simply amazing. Let me tell you it takes quite a bit to amaze me." -Workshop Participant, Write to Publish Conference, Portland State University "Mark always gave me a great deal to think about. His prompts, notes, and lectures are balanced and engaging. Thank you!"-Workshop Participant, Literary Arts "Time spent with Mark has been golden!"-Workshop Participant, Literary Arts "I really enjoyed the workshop. The class addressed exactly the kinds of things I've struggled to put my finger on. So thank you!"-Workshop Participant, Literary Arts "That was the fastest three hours ever!"-Workshop Participant, Portland Book Festival "Excellent! Inspired and inspiring! You did a brilliant job. Thank you."-Guest Lecture attendee, Pan-European MFA "The class has been truly stimulating and powerful, and these specifics on shaping and improving my manuscript are EXACTLY what I was seeking." -Course Participant, Literary Arts "Very thought-provoking. I think of my writing in a new way."-Course Participant, Literary Arts “[Mark Cunningham was] well prepared, offered great readings and excellent concepts to take to my practice. Really great, learned so much. Thank you!” -Course Participant, Literary Arts "The Atelier26 workshop was every bit as rewarding and instructive as I knew it would be. As a long-time writer, the feedback and support I got from the other members (but particularly from the instructor Mark Cunningham) was incredibly positive and productive in terms of learning new methods to streamline my writing, making it tighter and more polished. It was a wonderfully substantive learning process and one that I hope to continue in future workshops." -Workshop Participant "The Atelier26 workshop is excellent! Mark Cunningham clearly empathizes with and respects writers and led each critique session with focus, kindness, and a quiet determination to push each of us into a deeper understanding of our strengths and areas for improvement. The craft readings were inspiring and thought-provoking, and I came away from each session with my love of writing re-ignited. Highly recommended for serious writers in Portland." -Workshop Participant "I valued the academic nature of the workshop. Discussion of current theories and concepts was helpful to my writing practice. I enjoyed working in a small group of skilled writers, and I found the 'silent author' approach to be very effective. The readings were interesting and challenging. The workshop left me challenged and inspired. I gained meaningful connections, received constructive feedback, and learned new concepts that have pushed my skill and motivation forward." -Workshop Participant "The hour-long discussion of my submission, the extensive annotations, and additional reading material provided by the instructor proved to be invaluable and enjoyable. The workshop format was well-balanced, enlivening, and informative. The instructor is highly intelligent and he creates an atmosphere of generous discussion and literary exploration." -Erin, Workshop Participant "The discussions of literary technique and theory were extremely beneficial. The comments from the other writers and instructor were immensely beneficial. Look no further: Atelier26's writing workshop will fire your mind and move your pen across paper!" -Workshop Participant The following comments are copied directly from correspondence with Oregon Humanities Council staff, concerning participant evaluations on my seminar "From Print to Pixel": “Feedback was all very positive. The overwhelming majority of participants agreed that the conversation helped them to better understand the topic, and folks described the program as ‘thoughtful,’ ‘important,’ and ‘stimulating.’ [Program host said] ‘The program totally exceeded my expectations because it was fun and educational. I wanted it to go on longer!’ She also commented that you ‘politely cut off’ a few folks who were talking a lot. Nice!” --program at Cornelius Public Library “Mark was professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and took time to get to know each of the attendees. He made them feel welcome and encouraged their active participation.”--program host, Eugene Public Library “[Program host] rated the program highly and included this humorous comment: ‘One of our Friends officers, a retired executive who can be a bit difficult to please, emailed me the morning after the program and said, ‘I liked having the conversation and not just being talked to.’ Folks also rated the program highly and described the conversation as enlightening, lively, to the point, spirited, and made me more aware. A few highlights from the comments re: memorable/surprising moments: ‘It inspired me to read the books recommended by the presenter’; ‘The quotes from the past seemed very modern’; ‘The amount of participation’; ‘The success of the evening!’ ”--program at The Dalles Public Library “[Program host said] ‘Mark laid the groundwork and elicited ideas and responses from the group. He did an excellent job with visual aids to complement his ideas.’ All ratings were very high and here are a few highlights re: memorable/surprising moments: ‘How involved we have become in the transmission of information’; ‘Neurological research of impact on brain evolution’; ‘The thoughtfulness of others who participated.’ ”--program at Newport Public Library “One participant wrote that ‘the historical perspectives on changing technologies, how technologies shape us, and the interplay of the technologies and how/why we use them’ was the most memorable thing she took away.”--program at Canby Public Library “The majority of participants ‘agreed’ on all factors on which we evaluate - that the program helped them more fully understand the topic, that they're more likely to continue the conversation, etc. One comment said, ‘the program was interesting but not conclusive.’ In a way, I think that’s exactly the point… Folks described the program as enlightening, eye-opening, interesting, engaging, stimulating, and intriguing.”--program at Prineville Public Library “The program was well designed and thoughtful with a variety of means of participation and delivery. The arranged ‘surprises,’ humor, and solid historical foundation - as well as current research - were thought-provoking.”--program host, Forest Grove Library “Feedback from the three library hosts was all positive and glowing. Nice comments were submitted such as: ‘The discussion of ideology and technology helped me put together what had been disassociated ideas’ and ‘Enjoyed that the quotes that seemed so current were from many years ago. An interesting ‘a ha’ about change.’ The evaluations from Ashland really echoed your road report comments about it being an engaging conversation that really dug deep.”--feedback on three consecutive programs at Southern Oregon libraries “All of the rating-scale questions were very positive! The host did mention that she thought your use of the note cards was very helpful for participants to gather their thoughts and then share them as part of the conversation.”--program at Tigard Public Library “All positive feedback. One person wrote, ‘Today’s program reinforced my love of the printed word’ and another said, ‘Mark laid out this thought-provoking and timely conversation in a very interesting way.’ ”--program at Vernonia Public Library “Everyone rated the program very highly, host and participants alike. People described the conversation as excellent, informative, thought-provoking, stimulating, relevant, lively, and entertaining.”--program at Alpine Community Center, Benton County |
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