English 234-001
Writing Fiction: Structure and Technique
Instr: Stephen Powers
Office: CRT 527, 229-2971
e-mail: powers@uwm.edu
Office hours: by appointment.
Course Information: TR 11:00-12:15, EMS E206
Course Description
This course will be run in a workshop format, with students completing two short stories (combined total of 25-30 pages) during the semester. Students will also read and respond to the stories of their classmates by composing 1-page written critiques for all stories workshopped. Each student's story will be turned in twice--copies of an early version will be given to the class and the instructor for workshop, a revised version will be given to the instructor later in the semester for a grade. Early in the semester, students will also read and discuss selected short stories in order to gain a better understanding of how published writers use theme, plot, characterization, setting, etc., in their work. Occasional quizzes and in-class exercises will be assigned.
Books
-- The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them), by Jack M. Bickham.
-- Course packet of selected short stories, available from Clark Graphics.
Grading
-- 2 Stories: 30% each, for a total of 60%.
-- Participation: 30%. Includes responding thoughtfully to workshop stories, both orally and in writing, as well as contributing to discussions of course packet stories and completing in-class exercises.
-- Quizzes and in-class exercises: 10%.
Policies:
No late work; incompletes only in documented emergencies; final grade reduced for more than two absences.
