Course code:

HS4013

Level:

MA - Intermediate/Advanced

Class size limit:

10

Meets the following requirements:

  • HS - Human Studies

Typically offered:

Every other year

This is an intermediate to advanced creative writing class for those interested in an intensive approach to writing longer fiction. It would also be useful to the novel reader as a insider’s approach to the structure and purpose of fiction, the relation of author to character, and issues of intentionality.

We will be reading first chapters from current novels and studying their opening strategies, then each student will develop plot, character, style and setting ideas for a first novel, followed by writing and revising fifty or sixty pages of their projected work.

Other concerns will be narrative viewpoint, handling of time, levels of realism, dialogue techniques, writing habits, motivation and self-discipline, and the relation of fiction to personal experience. Background in creative writing or narrative theory would be helpful but not essential.

Evaluation will be based on class participation, strength of the concept, and the quality of the student’s written work.

 

Prerequisites:

None

Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.