ENGL 265-01, Special Topics: Masters of the American Short Story, Spring 2014

Abstract

In this course, we will read, analyze, discuss, and write about classic American short fiction. We will trace the development of the American short story beginning with its roots in the 19th century “tale” and proceeding through the modernist and postmodernist literary story. We will also focus in on key masters of the genre, and explore along the way the short story cycle and the novella. Possible authors include, but are not limited to, Henry James, Ernest Hemingway, Eudora Welty, Richard Wright, Flannery O’Connor, Alice Walker, John Updike, John Cheever, Raymond Carver, Junot Diaz, Jhumpa Lahiri, and so on. Students will write two short close readings and a final research paper focusing on a cluster of stories or a consistent pattern in the work of one of the assigned authors. Prerequisites: FYWS 151 or permission from instructor.