Brief Encounters: Writing Short Stories

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the key elements of fiction (including character, viewpoint, plot, dialogue, and imagery)
• the methods by which writers work
• the work of particular short story writers
• the way that writers draw upon archetypal narratives, myths and traditional tales.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• be able to think critically about your own work including your creative methods and influences
• be used to generating and developing ideas for stories.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• to be able to produce a finished short story
• be able to successfully plan, structure, rewrite and edit your work.
• have practised working with the key elements of fiction including character, viewpoint, plot, dialogue and imagery.
• be able to write critical commentaries of your own work.

You will look at how the elements of fiction (e.g. place, character, narrative, structure, and point of view work together to create a successful short story. You may begin by writing autobiographically and practise using memories as starting points for fiction, but you will also use your powers of observation to develop character and setting. You will look closely at how the elements of fiction work in both contemporary and classic works, also investigating the way that archetypal narratives, myths and traditional tales can be used as the basis for contemporary short stories. You will look at flash fictions, as you begin to write your first short story or stories for assessment Having gained skills in the key elements of writing short fiction, you will be expected to write another longer story for your final assignment.

Reflecting and writing critically about your own methods and finished work is a key element of this module, and you will be required to write a critical commentary as part of the second assignment.

You will have two two-hour seminars each week. Classes will be structured around writing exercises and opportunities to review your work in small groups and with the tutor. You will be expected to bring drafts of your work to seminars prior to each deadline, and to offer feedback to your fellow students on their work. You will be able to see your seminar tutor in regular consultation hours and to ask for feedback on work in progress as well as on marked assignments.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.