Contemporary literary stories and those written in genre draw on historical antecedents and/or current literary and theoretical movements. Fables and fairy tales, experiments with realism or magical realism are all present in various forms of the contemporary short story, and stem from writers being influenced by past narratives and/or by reacting to their peers. This course will encourage students to read a variety of classical and contemporary short stories and to experiment with different styles and genres which have developed over the past two centuries, and which are still being questioned or utilised by contemporary authors.

Students will be expected to write two short stories and/or a few chapters of a novel in this course. Draft stories will be revised. The final versions of students’ stories will be arrived at through discussion in seminars and workshops, and through the reading of published fiction. The course will include some consideration of the practical processes involved in publishing stories and longer works.

The course aims to encourage students to explore fiction writing in depth, with reference to a variety of styles and genres; to further enhance editing skills; and to develop and understanding of journal and book publishing.

Portfolio (60%), essay (25%) and oral and written critiques of other students work (15%).

Normally offered in alternate years. 3 contact hours per week during semester; approximately 4 hours preparation/writing time per week.

Completion of ENGL2076 or by permission of the Convenor.

Creative Writing: ENGL2076 or permission of the convenor

ENGL2076

Reading Brick