Instructor: McCracken, E Areas: IV / U
Unique #: 35770 Flags: Writing
Semester: Fall 2013 Restrictions: n/a
Cross-lists: n/a Computer Instruction: No
Prerequisites: English 325F.
Description: This is an intermediate course in fiction writing. We will discuss, criticize, and write short fiction. Students will read each other’s work with rigor and generosity, and give classmates (and the teacher) at least a page of criticism on each piece. Students will write either three original stories for class, or two original stories and one substantial revision.
Stories should be at least 8 pages and no longer 25 pages long. These are arbitrary limits, of course—there are fine short stories both longer and shorter—given with discussion in mind. No novel excerpts, please.
All work must be original—both your own work, and written for this class. Please do not recycle work written for other courses. Please do not write stories with characters invented by other authors (for instance, no fan fiction). And, of course, do not submit work written by other people, even substantially rewritten. For the purposes of this class, I also ask that you do not allow other people to edit your work.
Requirements & Grading: Your final grade will be based on both your written work in the class, and also your participation. You will receive letter grades on written assignments.
EXTRA CREDIT: You may earn extra credit by attending readings by authors on campus or at local bookstores and writing a one-page response. If you are unsure of whether a writer qualifies or not, please ask me.
The breakdown of grading follows: First story: 20%; second story: 20%; third story/revision: 20%; written comments on other students’ work: 20%; class participation: 20%.