Course Syllabus

ENGL 2260 Fiction Writing

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the writing of fiction. Students read and discuss exemplary models and compose a variety of projects of their own. Emphasis is placed on plot, character, dialogue, and description, and other techniques associated with fiction writing. It is recommended that students take ENGL 2250, Introduction to Creative Writing, before taking ENGL 2260.

Justification

Creative writing is a popular course for both majors and non-majors. ENGL 2250 will offer students an introduction to the craft of creative writing in multiple genres and will offer GE credit. ENGL 2260 complements that class by offering students a chance to delve deeper into the fiction writing process. This course is most like SUU's ENGL 2320 (Creative Writing in the Genres) and Weber's ENGL 2260 (Introduction to Writing Short Fiction). Students who succeed in ENGL 2250 commonly submit work to Weeds and/or join the editorial staff of Weeds. This experience can lead to similar work at senior institutions and be a gateway to graduate work, internships, and employment.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will understand fiction writing techniques such as dramaturgy, plot, character, dialogue, description, and setting in the context of the fiction of others.
2. Students will understand fiction writing techniques such as dramaturgy, plot, character, dialogue, description, and setting in the context of their own fiction writing.
3. Students will understand the value of revision in fiction writing and know how to revise their own writing.
4. Students will participate successfully in a classroom discussion of student writing, commonly known as a "workshop."

Course Content

The typical section of ENGL 2260 focuses on fiction and addresses plot, genre, character, dialogue, description, point of view, theme, style, and various mechanical issues. Students read a variety of published fiction (long or short) and compose 3000-5000 words of original material per semester. The course is conducted as a series of lecture-discussions mixed with "workshops"--i.e. group analyses of student work. Exemplary texts should provide a broad set of perspectives by including fiction by authors of different genders, cultures, ideologies, and time periods. The expression of varied perspectives should also be encouraged by allowing for creative freedom in students' choice of topics and subgenres.