In this course we read short stories and novels in order to learn lessons about the storytelling craft. We learn structure from James Joyce and characterization from George Saunders, dialogue from Iris Murdoch and description from Nicholson Baker. Point of view is a particular area of focus; what perspectives have Jeffrey Eugenides, Lorrie Moore, William Faulkner, and Toni Morrison chosen for particular projects, and why? After examining a range of voices on the page, we conclude with Kafka and a leap into the surreal - noting that even work of this kind depends for its success on the fundamental elements of the writing craft. In-class and take-home exercises allow students to try out what they have learned, a full-length story of ten pages will be due at course's end.Materials Fee: $20.00

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