Course Description
This class will focus on the craft of the writing a story, which we will explore through reading great short stories, writers speaking about writing, writing exercises and conducting workshops on original stories.
A writer reads with a different eye. In this class we will be reading stories and analyzing them with a focus on narrative technique to understand ways in which different writers have addressed issues of plot, character, place and theme. We will use exercises and the workshop environment to put these principles into practice. Throughout, we shall analyze the writers' process so participants can begin to understand and develop their personal process and relationship to the material.
Short spontaneous exercises and longer assignments combine to motivate, and refine, students ́ writing, both about the chronicler’s main subjects (place, people, and things) and about the fiction writer’s concerns (character, plot or narrative economy, and closure). Whether fiction or non-fiction, students’ writing is discussed via criteria pertinent to literary work. Learning to analyze a piece of writing critically is a key component of the course. Guidelines/criteria will be provided. Students are encouraged to apply them as well as to improvise, as long as opinions are always grounded in evidence from the relevant text.
Course Objectives
What to expect for this class
Fun, frustration, perhaps the occasional frontal-lobe meltdown. The workload will be reasonably demanding: in addition to writing original work and editing the work of your classmates, we will read short stories where we will analyze the concepts we have learned about writing.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcome for the study of a modern language as part of a minor/major requirement is to bring the student to a level of advance/superior in the target language as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). For modern languages the learning outcomes for the four language skills and culture at the advance/superior level can be summarized as follows:
Texts and Materials
López Teijeiro, Iria. Saca al escritor que llevas dentro. Literautas, 2013.
Handouts and Reading- Download from Sakai (Resources)
A good dictionary
Syllabus
Course and College Policies
Saint Anselm Academic and Computing Links
General Policies:
Computer access: The general rule is, "never turn in a paper without running the spell check!" Please be aware that since computer use is required for many of our courses, the lab does become crowded, particularly before class. Students who stop in with minutes to spare many not find a vacant computer or printer, and thus may not be able to turn in an assignment. See the policy on Late Work.
Late Work: Late work will not be accepted. Please do not ask for extensions. There are no make-up quizzes or exams. Do not make travel arrangements until you have consulted your mid-term and final exam schedule. Exceptions to this policy will be made only in cases of serious illness, injury or other serious emergencies, of which verification must be provided.
Office hours: I enjoy the opportunity to speak with my students. Drop by whenever you wish.
Accessing and Communicating Course Information: This syllabus and other important information for this course can be found at Sakai. Paper assignments, web links and other information will be posted there regularly throughout the semester. Students are responsible for material posted there, so please be sure that you can access the site, and that you are signed up to receive course e-mail at your CAMPUS e-mail account. I know you get a ton of e-mails. However, you are required to check and keep open your campus e-mail account for crucial campus communications. Please see the Student Handbook for details. Students should keep their e-mail accounts active by checking regularly and clearing out deleted mail. Any emergency course cancellations will be communicated by e-mail.
Disclaimer
All topics, quizzes, exams and their dates are subject to change. Advance notification will be given in case of any changes.