To See the World in a Grain of Sand: Reading and Writing the Short Story

Course Description

This course examines short stories with the goal of understanding an author’s microcosmic creation and the ways in which fictional texts relate to larger philosophical and ideological structures of thought.  We discuss the craft of writing in our effort to understand various approaches that an author might take when fictionalizing his/her ideas/beliefs.  We discuss the power of the written word as well as the importance of striking a balance between self-expression and communication.  Students write several short analytical papers (3-5 pgs) and one longer creative piece (7-10 pgs).