Peter Hühn and Roy Sommer define narration as a “communicative act in
which a chain of happenings is meaningfully structured and transmitted in a
particular medium and from a particular point of view.” This definition applies
not only to fiction but also to certain modes of poetry, song lyrics, and
dramatic works. This ENG 313 course will
examine the art of storytelling via different media. We all tell stories. The
challenge is to find the best or most appropriate vehicle by which to tell
them. We will experiment with different genres, and explore different narrative
strategies, whether it be telling a story via poetry or song lyric, or by the
more conventional short story, or by having characters engage in dialogue in
dramatic form. Specific exercises will include recalling, transcribing and/or
inventing dialogue; crafting scenes; transforming a short narrative from prose
to verse and vice versa; and more.
Requirements
A short story, roughly 6 to
10 pages long, and/or a dramatic scene (in screenplay
format), again 6 to 10 pages long
Approximately
5 pages of poetry and/or lyrics
Revisions
of all work
Attendance, with
participation in discussions and workshops
Texts
Born to Run, Christopher McDougall
The Brief Wondrous
Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz
There will also be a course reader, which will be available
at Professional Image.