Introduction to the short story ADED11368E

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course aims to introduce students to the art of the short story. We will study a number of stories by various writers spanning the 19th century to the 21st, which illustrate the development of the form. Students will be encouraged to analyse, debate and enjoy the techniques which make a great short story, and to consider the virtues and limitations of the genre, compared to other literary forms. Extracts will be provided but students will be expected to read ten widely available short stories for in-depth discussion. The stories under consideration will vary each year.

Timetable

Block 2

10 weeks

Monday, 14.00-16.00

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

One essay of 1750 words. Students will be asked to compare the ways in which two of the three main course collections engage with important aspects of short story writing.

Course Aims

This course aims to introduce students to major elements of the short story form in English.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Write about important aspects of selected short story texts.

■ Identify and illustrate the ways in which selected short stories make use of, or play against, expected elements of writing in the short story form.

■ Write lucidly and with confidence on some of the issues raised and techniques used in short story writing.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.