Fall 2008

E 325 • Creative Writing: Fiction

Course Description

This is a course in primarily "literary" (as distinguished from primarily "commercial") fiction for the beginning fiction writer. Class consists of about half workshop (group discussion of student work), about half discussion and lecture on basic fictional technique. There are some readings from two books. At the beginning of the course there will be short writing exercises; later writing assignments will include three short stories.

Grading Policy

Grades are weighted toward the end of the semester.

First major writing assignment, a scene, 2-3 pp. 10%
Short pieces, reading quizzes, and class participation 20%
3 stories, 5-15 pp. each 15%, 25%, 30% respectively

Note: This course is not a good choice for freshman even though they may have met the requirements, or for students who have never taken a college literature course or may have difficulties with basic writing competence.

Texts

John Gardner, The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers
R. V. Cassill, ed., The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction (6th ed., Longer)

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