WRT 126 - Basics of Short Story Writing

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Short fiction writing for beginners. Includes beginning fiction writing techniques, beginning critical responses to fiction, and beginning original writing.

Information: May be taken three times for a maximum of nine credit hours. If this course is repeated, see a financial aid or Veteran’s Affairs advisor to determine funding eligibility as appropriate.

Course Learning Outcomes

Describe the purpose, function, and effects of fiction writing techniques.
Respond critically to fiction.
Apply fiction writing techniques to original writing.
Demonstrate digital literacy through reading fiction texts online, creating web/blog posts, or analyzing material in an online literary magazine/journal.

Outline:

Beginning Fiction Writing Techniques
1. Character development
2. Dialogue
3. Plot and structure
4. Point of view
Beginning Critical Responses to Fiction
1. Applying fictional terms to analysis
2. Critiquing others’ writing
3. Analyzing style
4. Describing the total effect of a fictional work
Beginning Original Writing
1. Following a writing process
2. Revising
3. Completing writing exercises totaling 6000 words or more
4. Composing a short story of at least 2000 words