This course is intended as an introduction to the process of reading, understanding, and finally, writing, the short story. By studying short stories (including published stories as well as the stories you yourself will produce and share with each other over the course of the semester), we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the short story and its mechanics, capabilities, and limitations, and how it fits into the wider project of “fiction.” The class will follow the workshop format, whereby intensive reading is married with intensive writing. Every member of the class will write two full stories to be shared with your peers; every member of the class will read everyone else’s work closely and carefully, and will prepare written responses for every story and be prepared to engage in constructive discussion.

By the end of the course, you will ideally have a much deeper understanding of how the short story works and the tools at your disposal in its creation, but you will also be beginning to consider the purpose of fiction and its unparalleled ability to explain ourselves to each other. This course is only the first step in what I hope will be your continuing exploration of the possibilities of fiction. The written word never ceases to inspire me and amaze me and stagger me dumb with its power. I hope you find something here that gives you the same experience.