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.
For this course, students are expected to produce 20-30 pages of polished writing.
Grades will be determined mostly by the quality of the work produced by the student, but this is not the only way you will be evaluated. Because ENG 313 is a discussion-oriented class, and because we will spend a good deal of time critiquing each other’s work, attendance and participation, i.e., the quality of your presence, will also factor in determining your final grade.
Texts: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz and Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall. Also , a COURSE READER at Professional Image.