ENG 204 - Introduction to Writing Fiction

Student work-short fiction, and excerpts from novels-will be the primary focus of this course. We will study structure, point of view, plot and pacing, syntax, diction, and other elements of craft, as well as analyze a wide range of literary texts in order to explore the aesthetics of creative writing. However, our approach to evaluating successful fiction will not be prescriptive. That is, we will not learn the “rules” of “good” writing, but instead our goal will be to recognize the different possibilities available when constructing a narrative, so that all students may then be able to make informed choices when producing their own work. 

Additionally, note that since the main teaching method in this course will be discussion, students should expect to actively and continuously participate in class.