The University of New Orleans
Writing Workshop in Cork, Ireland
Summer 2015
ENGL 2161: Introduction to Fiction Writing
Instructor: Maureen McVeigh, M.A., M.F.A.
Course Description
An introductory level workshop focusing on forms and techniques of fiction writing, taught in intensive (short term) format, in residence. Students will write two short stories and provide constructive feedback for the works of their classmates. Based on this feedback, students will revise their creative works. Readings of published works will introduce the formats and elements of fiction as well as provide common terminology and guidance for workshop critiques. Each student will choose a published short story to analyze as a representation of an element of fiction and present this analysis to the class.
Topics include:
- creating a complete narrative
- developing character and plot
- using figurative language
- understanding and creating symbolism
- choosing and maintaining point of view
Texts
Online versions of each short story will be provided by the instructor. Students may also use hard-copy versions.
“Araby” - James Joyce
“The Story of an Hour” - Kate Chopin
“A Good Man is Hard to Find” - Flannery O'Conner
“The Lesson” - Toni Cade Bambera
“Cat in the Rain” - Ernest Hemingway
“Orientation” - Daniel Orozco
“How to Become a Writer” - Lorrie Moore
“The Dead” - James Joyce
Additional stories may be assigned and will be provided by the instructor.
Students will also read all stories submitted for workshop by their classmates.
In addition, each student will analyze and present to the class a published story, element of an author’s work as inspiration, or collection of work that is not on the list above.
Assignments Percentage of Final Grade
Short Story 1 15
Short Story 1 Revision 15
Short Story 2 15
Short Story 2 Revision 15
Presentation 10
Workshop critiques for classmates 15
Responses to writing prompts and inspirations 10
Attendance and participation at student readings 5
First drafts of creative work will be graded based on effort to produce a complete narrative with developed characters; use of language; originality of ideas and style; and inclusion of the elements of literature. Revisions will be graded for the same and development based on workshop feedback and student's own ideas for improvement. Analysis and presentation will be evaluated for insight based on the story and suggestions provided to classmates for writing based on this insight. Workshop critiques will be graded based on quality of constructive feedback created by close reading and consideration.
Daily Schedule
Week 1
Lessons / Readings / Workshops / PresentationsMONDAY
Introduction to Course
Workshop practice / “Araby” - James Joyce / Students will choose or be assigned dates to workshop both stories and to present their published story analysis.
TUESDAY
Character / “The Story of an Hour” - Kate Chopin
WEDNESDAY
Plot and Conflict / “A Good Man is Hard to Find” - Flannery O'Conner / Short Story 1
1.
2.
THURSDAY
Setting / “The Lesson” - Toni Cade Bambera / Short Story 1
3.
4.
Week 2
Lessons / Readings / Workshops / PresentationsMONDAY
Figurative Language
Imagery and Symbolism / “Cat in the Rain” - Ernest Hemingway / Short Story 1
5.
6.
7.
TUESDAY
Point of View / “How to Become a Writer” - Lorrie Moore / Short Story 1
8.
9.
10.
Presentations
1.
2.
WEDNESDAY / “Orientation” - Daniel Orozco / Short Story 1
Presentations
1.
2.
THURSDAY / Presentations
1.
2.
Week 3
Lessons / Readings / Workshops / PresentationsMONDAY / ALL SHORT STORY 1 REVISIONS DUE
ALL SHORT STORY 2
FIRST DRAFTS DUE
TUESDAY / Short Story 2
1.
2.
3.
WEDNESDAY / Short Story 2
4.
5.
6.
THURSDAY / Short Story 2
7.
8.
9.
Week 4
Lessons / Readings / Workshops / PresentationsMONDAY / “The Dead” - James Joyce / Short Story 2
10.
Presentations
1.
2.
TUESDAY / Presentations
1
2.
WEDNESDAY / ALL SHORT STORY 2 REVISIONS DUE
Presentations
1.
2.
3.
THURSDAY / Complete all work not yet completed