Chabot College
Fall 2002
Course Outline for English 12
THE CRAFT OF WRITING - FICTION
Catalog Description:
12 - The Craft of Writing - Fiction
(May be repeated 3 times)
3 units
Practice in writing fiction. Developing internal and external sources for stories and novels; biographical
sources, characterization, plotting, points of view, narrative techniques; analysis and criticism of published
writing and individual's own work. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1A or 52A. 3 hours.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate the basic skills of fiction writing: description, dialogue, characterization, point of view
control, plotting and theme;
2. demonstrate critical analysis of fiction from a writer's point of view;
3. identify and manipulate fictional source material;
4. recognize and identify trends inherent in current fiction markets and publishing;
5. complete at least two short stories and revise them based on criticism of the instructor and the class.
Course Content:
1. Analysis of the works of professional writers, including the range of works used. Development of the
necessary vocabulary of criticism the writer must have to self-evaluate work
2. Methods of mastering specific elements and techniques
3. Study of markets for fiction writers and a consideration of editorial requirements, problems of
copyright, and the manner and manners of submitting manuscripts
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture and discussion
2. Analysis and discussion of the student's work by the class and the teacher
Typical Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Write a short story for peer/workshop review
b. Present an oral analysis of an assigned story discussing the author's choices regarding point of
view, characterization and dialogue
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Written exercises and stories
b. Participation in the evaluation of the work of others
c. Compilation of a portfolio of original work, including a final project
d. Final exam
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Writing Fiction, Janet Burroway, Harper Collins Pub., Fifth edition, 2000
Creating Fiction, Julie Checkoway, Story Press, 1999
Special Student Materials:
None
dk 10/31/01
D:\CURRIC\FALL01\ENG12REV.DOC