WR 241 Fiction

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the basic elements of the short story, the process of creating short stories, and the workshop system used to share and discuss the work of peers. Includes the creation and revision of at least one new short story. (Note: Focuses on short stories rather than novels or portions of novels.)

Prerequisite: WR 121Z, WR 122Z, WR 227Z, or WR 240; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Repeatable: 2

Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify the use of fictional techniques within published works of fiction.
Apply the use of fictional techniques in an original short story (2,000 to 5,000 words long).
Identify the use of fictional techniques within peer writing.
Clearly communicate responses to peer work, both in written summaries and within small-group discussions.
Revise original work based on peer responses.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Read actively, think critically and write purposefully and capably for academic and, in some cases, professional audiences.
Locate, evaluate and ethically utilize information to communicate effectively.
Demonstrate appropriate reasoning in response to complex issues.

Content Outline

Introduction of the Short Story as a Literary Form
Introduction of Fictional Techniques
- Plot structure
- Methods of characterization
- Use of setting
- Narrative point of view
Application of Fictional Techniques in Writing Exercises
Introduction of the Workshop Process for Sharing and Responding to Student Work
- Submitting original work for review by other students
- Providing written summaries of peer work for other students
- Participating in discussion of the techniques observed in peer work and their general effects for readers (discussions should describe the reaction of readers rather than prescribe decisions for authors)
Introduction to the Process of Submitting Work for Publication
Revision of Student Work for Possible Submission for Publication