the syllabus

last posted: Monday, November 10, 2008


Objectives
At the end of this course, students are expected to understand and apply the craft of fiction, and master the development of fiction elements such as character, plot, point of view, description, dialogue, setting, pacing, voice, and theme.

Students will also learn how to provide productive criticism of and insightful feedback on other people’s works, as well as to respond accordingly to readers’ feedback and comment on their own works.

Course Outline, Timeframe

Part I
Introduction/Orientation Week 1 – 2; Nov. 10 - 21
Discussion of basic concepts and principles:
• The different types and forms of fiction.
• Where to find inspiration and ideas.
• The importance of craft.

Elements of Fiction
Discussion and short exercises on:
Character –
• Where to find characters.
• Making characters multi-dimensional through desire, lack, contradictions.
• Creating character profiles.
• Showing vs. Telling, methods for developing characters.
Plot –
• Finding a major dramatic question.
• Shaping a beginning, middle, and end.
• The different short story plots.
• Pros and cons of outlining.
Point of View –
• POV defined.
• Exploration of the many types of POV.
Description, imagery –
• Using the senses.
• Specificity, concreteness.
• Finding the right words.
• Merging description with point of view.
Dialogue –
• The importance of scene.
• Realistic dialogues.
• Quotation marks and tags.
• Characterization through dialogue.
• Subtexts and Dialects.
Setting/Pacing –
• Time. Place. Weather.
• Description of setting.
• Merging character and setting.
• Flashbacks.
Voice –
• Voice defined.
• Exploration of the various types of voice.
• Understanding style—syntax, diction, and paragraph length.
Theme –
• Theme defined.
• Types of theme.
• Weaving theme into a story.
Revision –
• Exploration of the various stages of revision.

Part II
Conceptualization Week 3; Nov 24 – 28
Proposal or pitch for 3 short stories
Sources, method, time-frame
Drafting of short fiction pieces Weeks 4 – 5; Dec. 1 – 12
Submission of first drafts Dec. 15
1st round of workshop sessions Weeks 6 – 10; Jan. 5 – Feb. 6
Presentation, critiquing
Revision
2nd round of workshop sessions Weeks 7 – 11; Feb. 9 – Mar. 13
Presentation, critiquing
Revision
Final submission of story collections Week 12

Course Requirements and Grading System
1. Two short stories of publishable quality: 60%
2. Active participation in workshop process,
class discussion, and other minor activities
such as exercises, short writing activities 40%