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Step 1
If the class is one that already exists, you'll want to talk to the previous instructor(s). How much work did they put into it? How did they structure the class? What pitfalls should you watch out for? If you're designing a class from scratch, you may want to think about what the students will want out of the class. You may find a book or books that you want to use with the class--in such case, you could structure the class along the same lines as the book.
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Step 2
Figure out how you want the class workshop, where the students discuss each other's stories, to be structured. How early will they need to get their stories to people to read ahead of time? You may choose to have them read their stories aloud, in which case you will not think about the amount of lead time. You may want to prepare a handout on critiquing ahead of time.
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Step 3
Prepare your syllabus, the handout that tells students what to expect from each class and when each assignment is due. If students will receive grades, explain your grading policy. Give students a way to reach you, either by email or phone, when they need to, and include this information on the syllabus.
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Step 4
Figure out what you want to cover in your first class. Try to come with several in-class writing exercises that can be read aloud and discussed. If your class is more than 50 minutes long, you will want to mix activities to keep people awake, such as alternating lecture and in-class free-write. Write out your notes and time yourself.
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Step 5
Plan out your semester, but be flexible. Your students may have things they want to focus on from time and time, and it's good to be open to taking time for their concerns and activities. In thinking about assignments, remember that you'll be reading them too--if you have a large number of students, you don't want to be reading a paper from all of them each week.
