50002 Introduction to Short Fiction

Handbook description

This subject offers students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in writing short works of fiction. Generally, this work is in prose, as are the exemplary texts considered. However, other forms and mixed genre work may be considered and encouraged. Students gain practical skills in writing in the short fiction form as well as develop skills for workshopping and editing both their own work and that of their class peers.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to:

1. demonstrate creative, imaginative and fluent practices as writers;
2. develop their self-reflective critical and editing skills;
3. gain an insight into their own writing habits;
4. hone their skills in analysing the writing of others;
5. possess a greater appreciation of the short story;
6. have a clear understanding of the limits and possibilities of the short story, of where it differs from other prose forms, and of the range of structures it can accommodate

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject:

• enhances specific skills in writing fiction
• develops a knowledge of a specific genre of writing and other genres
• encourages a practical understanding of aesthetic debates
• enhances critical and creative thought in relation to contemporary writing

Teaching and learning strategies

• Discussion of set texts;
• Writing exercises;
• Workshopping;
• Written reflections on various aspects of the writing process;
• Submission of a critical essay and a final assignment which demonstrates revision and editing skills

Content

This subject combines practical writing exercises, workshopping, and the reading and discussion of a range of examples and critical material relating to the process of writing. Craft skills are developed through attention paid to the elements of narrative, subject and form.

Students will critically examine the international and Australian short stories from the earliest proponents of the form to contemporary writers. Authors studied include those of the 19th century European tradition including Poe, Balzac, Chekov, the innovators of the twentieth century including Joyce, Mansfield and Baldwin and contemporary voices including Tokarczuk, Ishiguro and Malouf.

As its main objective, the subject provides students with both a workshop environment for producing and revising new creative work and a space for reflection on the writing process. The aim of the subject is to develop and sharpen students' skills as creative and professional writers.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Critical essay

Assessment item 2: Final assignment

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Indicative references

Readings for the subject trace the development of the short story from the early nineteenth century and include:

Poe, The Purloined Letter

De Maupassant, An Old Man

Nabakov, Perfection

Chekhov, The Lady with the Dog

Balzac, An Episode During the Terror

Tocarzuk, The Hotel Capital

Forster, The Eternal Moment

Mansfield, Bliss

Ishiguro, A Village After Dark

Runyon, The Bloodhounds of Broadway

Kerouac, Haiku

Lori Moore, Willing

Baldwin, Going to Meet the Man

Rushdie, Good Advice is Rarer than Rubies

Joyce, Araby

Malouf, At Schindlers