413
ENG 413 Form and Theory of Fiction (3): Narrative techniques for students interested in writing fiction.
*This is not a writing workshop.* This course is designed as a preparation for Eng 414 Fiction Workshop, and as such is “form and theory for writers.”
This course prepares fiction writers to analyze the
elements of narrative craft (characterization, narrative structure, setting,
pace, etc) in the work of others, and to develop them in their own writing.
How do our ideas/theories about fiction and its purpose inform the material manifestation (form) of our fiction? What role does our historical context play in the fiction of our time and place? How can we manipulate fictional form to realize our own intentions in apparent and subtle ways?
As a class we will read and discuss important works of short fiction, and essays on style and the philosophy of fiction.
Assignments:
keeping a reading and writing journal
presentation on a work from your reading list
short writing exercises and projects
one or two short fiction pieces
Requirements:
full attendance
involvement in class discussion
completion of all assignments
This course aims to help you to:
analyze the formal choices writers make
consider why these choices are made
develop of a habit of writing
try out a range of prose techniques
follow a process of drafting fiction
expand your practice of the methods and vocabularies of the writing workshop
Readings: TBA