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October 31, 2008: Updates to syllabus

Please see syllabus for changes to the schedule for the rest of the semester.  These changes FULLY REPLACE the previous version of the syllabus.

October 27, 2008: Updates

All assignments (including: sonnet/flash fiction and current revision assignment) are listed on the assignments page.

October 3, 2008: Updates to syllabus for week six:

Please note that the Conference schedule for the week of Columbus Day can be found under "Resources". 

Monday: No changes to the syllabus.  When reading the assigned stories, consider how dialogue frames these stories, what we know about each character based on what they say and how they say it.  Condsider all the other elements we've discussed: image, voice, concrete detail, setting, character.  How is each author uses these craft elements? 

Wednesday: Writing Assignment due - 3-8 pages of whatever you have toward your story.   At this point, you should know who your main character is, an idea of what it is they want (and what might be in their way), and be on your way to a story about that.

Friday: Read Sherman Alexie's "What You Pawn, I Will Redeem," and Alice Munro's "How I Met My Husband."  Think about how these stories are told.  How does the structure of the Alexie story work?  How does he complicate his protagonist's desire?  In the Munro story, consider who's telling this story and what you expect as you start to read vs. where the story ends.  How is place important to the story?

October 1, 2008: Updates to syllabus for week five:

For Friday, October 3rd: NO writing assignment due.  INSTEAD, please read "The School" (in Burroway book), and "The Cheating Kind" by Nancy Welch on e-reserve.  Pay special attention to the ways both stories utilize specific details/images to get at who the narrators and other characters are, the voice of the pieces, and how the setting is used to enhance the story.  Come ready to discuss.