Fall 2005

E 348 • Twentieth-Century Short Story

Course Description

We will make sustained forays into representative works by some of the most accomplished short story writers at work. Emphasis will be on regional inflections, structure and theme of individual works, and relationships between work done by a single author. We range from 19th century Russia to contemporary Canada, South Africa, India and Scotland.

Grading Policy

One short research paper on culture or author's biography 10%
Three short (2-3 page) papers on individual stories 30%
Participation in class discussion analyzing the stories 15%
Short, in-class writing assignments and quizzes 10%
Prospectus for sustained analytical paper (2-3 pages) 10%
Final paper (6-8 pages) 25%

This is a discussion-based format (which includes listening). Absence from class severely limits your ability to discuss or listen. Excessive absences (more than 4) will detract from your grade (10 points for each class day missed after 4).

Texts

Anton Chekhov, Stories
Alice Munro, (One of her Collections)
Nadine Gordimer, (One of her collections)
Anita Desai, Pigeons at Daybreak and Other Stories
James Kelman, Busted Scotch
A Course Packet.

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