Course overview
This course is designed as an introduction to the craft and culture of short fiction and creative non-fiction. Students will be introduced to a range of short texts written in English and some significant short stories translated into English. The course aims to broaden students' understanding and appreciation of the range of writing in short forms and of the contexts of short story production. The short story is particularly appropriate for encouraging comparative analysis between literary cultures and phases of literary development. Students will be expected to apply their understanding of short story forms, contexts and techniques through a series of creative exercises and the production of a short story for assessment.
Course learning outcomes
- Confidently read, understand and appreciate a range of contemporary literary texts.
- Begin to demonstrate an awareness of how to frame a research problem and devise ways of addressing it in the context of creative writing.
- Think rigorously about selected contemporary texts and the contexts of their production
- Prepare and deliver polished and carefully edited samples of creative writing (through a series of exercises and drafts)
- Critically evaluate their own and others' written materials
- Engage productively and respectfully with their peers