THE MODERN SHORT STORY
English 362 Course Description: Spring, 2014
Professor:
Email:
Class meetings:
Office hours:
Sharon Hannigan, M.A.T./Ph.D.
shannigan@nes.ru
Tuesdays (HSE 4322) & Thursdays (HSE 5406), 9am-10:20
Wednesdays, by appointment, in NES Room 720
Text:
The Story and Its Writer, 8th Edition, by Ann Charters;
2011, Bedford-St. Martin’s publishers; ISBN-10: 0312596243
my.nes:
Please check site regularly for course description, syllabus, class
materials, and assignments.
Overview:
In this course, we will read and discuss critically acclaimed short stories from around the
world with the ultimate aim of writing one ourselves. Aside from gaining novel insights
into human circumstances and interactions, we will engage in close, or analytic, reading an exercise enabling us to unearth the story’s structure, and, in the process, deepen our
own personal reading comprehension. More specifically, we will identify, discuss, and
practice the so-called elements of fiction that comprise all “good” stories - chief among
them setting, character, plot, point of view, style, and theme – ingredients that will prove
essential to the successful writing of your own short story. The course will culminate in
an “End-of-Semester-Reading”, where the final version of your short story will be shared
with classmates and then submitted for inclusion in the “English 362 Anthology of Short
Fiction”, a collection of our class’ creative works.
Class format:
The first three weeks of the course consist in an introduction to the short story, with the
focus of Week One on unpacking the form’s working definition and literary aspects of
“art” and “science”. Here you will also be provided with a general overview of the chief
elements of fiction. Weeks Two and Three reinforce and expand upon the key concepts
presented in Week One through exercises aimed at identifying them in so-called “model”
short stories, the first teacher-led (Samuel) and the second team driven (Paul’s Case). We
will also have an in-depth look at three fictional elements at this time, namely, character,
setting, and plot – elements critical to the successful fulfillment of both the Close
Reading Project (CRP) and the Short Story Project (SSP) (see “Evaluation”, below). The
remainder of the semester (Weeks 4-18) will see pairs of students, in turn, performing
close analyses (according to a “close reading guide” provided by the professor) of short
stories listed in the syllabus, which will then be co-presented to the class. Following their
presentation, pairs will also co-lead a class discussion based on short story discussion
questions formulated and handed out to classmates in advance of the presentation date.
To facilitate class discussion, audience members must respond to the questions in writing
and bring them to class on the day of the presentation (submitted to the professor for a
grade, see “Evaluation/CRP”).
In Week Four you will embark upon the SSP, a semester-long endeavor where you
imagine and craft your very own “short story”. Upon completion of a “fictional elements
outline and plot map”, you will draft and redraft your story toward a final version which
will be shared with classmates during the “End-of-Semester-Reading” (Week 20) and
then submitted for inclusion in the “English 362 Anthology of Short Fiction” (see
“Evaluation/SSP” for project expectations, stages and due dates).
Short story reading assignments:
There are two kinds of short story reading assignments in this course, those selected by
your professor for instructional purposes and those adopted by pairs of students for close,
or analytic, reading (see “Evaluation”, below). It is strongly recommended that all
assigned short stories be read at least twice, the first time in a more intuitive or artistic
way and the second in a more analytic or scientific way. With regard to the former, the
emphasis is on reading for enjoyment with the focus on “getting to the end”, on how the
writer eventually resolved the plot. Concerning the latter, the emphasis is on reading for
special insight with the focus on how the writer “got there”, on how s/he invented and
shaped the narrative through use of the “elements of fiction” (e.g., plot, characterization,
setting, point of view, style, theme, etc.). Careful, analytic reading of this kind will no
doubt assist you when it comes time to deliberately plan and construct your own short
story, the success of which will depend in large measure on how well you execute the
elements of fiction.
Evaluation:
I. Close Reading Project (CRP):
The goal of the CRP is to heighten your awareness of the critical elements that comprise
“good” fiction, enabling you to identify and appreciate them in the writing of others and
implement them in your own. The project, which has written, presentation, discussion
leading, and audience discussion question response components, will be carried out with
a partner as follows.
(1) Written component:
After adopting a single short story listed in the weekly syllabus (a sign-up sheet will be
circulated), you and a partner will systematically analyze it for the chief elements of
fiction according to a “close reading guide” provided by your professor. All responses to
guide questions must be written in prose; that is, complete, well-crafted sentences that
form unified and coherent paragraphs. The written component (responses to close
reading guide questions) will be due on the day you are scheduled to present your close
reading (see “2”, below).
(2) Presentation component:
Using the “close reading guide” as an outline, you and your partner will co-present your
short story analysis to the rest of the class. PowerPoint and other media devices are
encouraged, here, so long as they enhance – and not detract from – the analysis.
Presentation length should be between 20-30 minutes.
(3) Discussion leading component:
After your presentation, you and your partner will co-lead a whole and/or small group
discussion (~30 minutes) based on two (no more, no less!) thought provoking questions
that you write yourselves. Your two discussion questions must be handed in to the
professor at least one week in advance of your presentation date. The professor will then
give your questions to the rest of the class so that they can reflect upon and respond to
them in writing before your presentation (see “4”, below).
(4) Audience discussion question response component:
Importantly, audience members must prepare for all CRP discussions by responding to
the two discussion questions in writing - a hardcopy of which must be brought to class on
the day of every CRP presentation. After the discussion period, the professor will collect
the audience members’ discussion question responses and grade them. Late submissions
will NOT be accepted, as the main objective of this assignment is to provide a basis for
the audience to meaningfully engage in class discussion.
II. Short Story Project (SSP):
The SSP is an opportunity to invent and craft your very own “short story”, the final
version of which will be shared with classmates during the “End-of-Semester-Reading”
and then submitted for inclusion in the “English 362 Anthology of Short Fiction”. The
project consists of four stages, outlined below.
Stage 1: Fictional elements outline & plot mapping, due Tues., February 25
Stage 2: Short story 1st installment, due Thurs., March 20
Stage 3: Short story final version, due Thurs., May 29
Stage 4: End-of-Semester Short Story Reading will take place during HSE Finals
Week (exact date, time, & place TBA)
Grading:
CRP written component:
CRP presentation/discussion leading components:
CRP audience discussion question responses:
SSP Fictional elements outline & plot mapping:
SSP 1st installment:
SSP final version:
20%
10%
20%
15%
15%
20%
100%
NOTE: If you receive a failing grade for the course, you will have an opportunity to make up the
final grade by redoing all of the course assignments you failed during the semester. All makeups will occur during make up period, and be evaluated by a committee of three or more faculty
members.
Grade conversion table:
100-Point Scale
(Exams & Assignments)
> 95%
90% – 95%
86% - 89%
80% - 85%
76% - 79%
70% – 75%
60% - 69%
< 60%
Performance
Descriptors
Brilliant
Excellent
Almost Excellent
Very Good
Good
Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Fail
10-Point Scale
(Final Grade)
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
1-3
Meeting deadlines for assignments:
It is expected that course assignments will be completed in full and submitted to me by
the due dates specified, no exceptions.
Attendance and active participation:
You are expected to attend all classes. If for some very good reason (i.e., sickness or
emergency) you are unable to attend a class, please make an attempt to notify me via
email. Students are responsible for making up missed information and assignments for
unexcused absences. While in class you are encouraged to actively participate. This
means showing up to class in a timely fashion prepared to discuss assigned reading,
present close reading, and engage in peer editing processes. Remember, the smooth
functioning of our class depends to a great extent on the amount of care and effort you put
into the assignments. It also depends on your willingness to share your understanding of
and ask questions about issues related to course content.
Academic dishonesty, cheating & plagiarism
Academic dishonesty, cheating, and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Please refer to the
joint NES/HSE BAE guidelines for policies and procedures.
Open door policy
Your instructor is happy to meet with you at any point during the semester - whether
individually or in groups (e.g., CRP). Please come and see me during my office hours or
by appointment if you have questions regarding any aspect of the course. If you are not
clear on an assignment or have a question about something presented in class, by all
means feel free to contact me.
I am looking forward to a happy and productive semester together!
THE MODERN SHORT STORY
(English 362 Course Syllabus: Spring Semester, 2014)
Abbreviations: TU = Tuesday; TH = Thursday; HW = Homework; CRP = Close Reading
Project; SSP = Short Story Project; TBA = to be announced
Week 1: Jan.21/23
START-UP WEEK
TU. Introductions, course overview & expectations, text
contents & organization
TH. What is a short story? The “art” & “science” of the
short story, general overview: Six “fictional elements”.
 HW: Read Samuel, by Grace Paley, text pp. 10771081
 HW: Read Character/Setting, text, pp. 1086-1089
Week 2: Jan.28/30
SHORT STORY MODEL I (Teacher-led): Samuel
TU. “Science”: Introduction to fictional elements of
character & setting. “Art”: Narrative impressions,
meaning, purpose, insights (group discussion).
TH. “Science”: Teacher-led introduction to the fictional
element of plot; Plot-mapping of Samuel.
*Circulate Close Reading Project (CRP) sign-up sheet!
 HW: Read Paul’s Case, by Willa Cather, text pp.
160-174.
 HW: Read Plot, text, pp. 1082-1086
Week 3: Feb.4/6
SHORT STORY MODEL II (Teamwork): Paul’s Case
TU. “Science”: In teams, students specify characters setting
& plot according to a close reading guide.
TH. “Art”: Narrative impressions, meaning, purpose,
insights (group discussion).
*CRP team #1 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read The Necklace, by Guy de Maupassant,
text pp. 553-559.
Week 4: Feb.11/13
CRP SHORT STORY: The Necklace
TU. Team #1 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #1 audience question responses due!
TH. Start SSP fictional elements outline & plot map
*CRP team #2 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read The Darling, by Anton Chekhov, text
pp. 188-197
Week 5: Feb.18/20
CRP SHORT STORY: The Darling
TU. Team #2 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #2 audience question responses due!
TH. Continue SSP fictional elements outline & plot map
*CRP team #3 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read Two Kinds, by Amy Tan, text pp. 783792.
 HW: Complete SSP fictional elements outline &
plot map
Week 6: Feb.25/27
CRP SHORT STORY: Two Kinds
TU. Team #3 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #3 audience question responses due!
*SSP fictional elements outline & plot map due!
TH. In-class writing, SSP
*CRP team #4 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read Civil Peace, by Chinua Achebe, text pp.
9-13.
 HW: Read Point of View, text, pp. 1090-1094
Week 7: Mar.4/6
CRP SHORT STORY: Civil Peace
TU. Team #4 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #4 audience question responses due!
TH. In-depth look: Point of view
*CRP team #5 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, text pp. 333-338.
Week 8: Mar.11/13
CRP SHORT STORY: A Very Old Man with Enormous
Wings
TU. Team #5 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #5 audience question responses due!
TH. In-depth look: Point of View, cont.
*CRP team #6 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read An Occurrence at Owl Creek, by
Ambrose Bierce, text pp. 103-110.
 HW: Read Style, text, pp. 1094-1096
Week 9: Mar.18/20
CRP SHORT STORY: An Occurrence at Owl Creek
Bridge
TU. Team #6 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #6 audience question responses due!
TH. In-depth look: Style
*CRP team #7 discussion questions due!
 SSP 1st installment due!
Week 10 Mar.24-28
~ Consultation Week (no classes) ~
Week 11: Apr.1/3
SSP 1st DRAFT WRITING WORKSHOP
TU & TH: Peer Review and Professor Consultation
 HW: Read The Moths, by Helena Maria
Viramontes, text pp. 840-844.
Week 12: Apr.8/10
CRP SHORT STORY: The Moths
TU. Team #7 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #7 audience question responses due!
TH. In-depth look: Style, cont.
*CRP team #8 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa
Lahiri, text pp. 509-524.
 HW: Read Theme, text, pp. 1096-1097
Week 13: Apr.15/17
CRP SHORT STORY: Interpreter of Maladies
TU. Team #8 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #8 audience question responses due!
TH. In-depth look: Theme
*CRP team #9 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read Where Are You Going, Where Have You
Been?, by Joyce Carol Oates, text pp. 622-635.
Week 14: Apr.22/24
CRP SHORT STORY: Where Are You Going, Where
Have You Been?
TU. Team #9 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #9 audience question responses due!
TH. In-depth look: Theme, cont.
*CRP team #10 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read Nawabdin Electrician, by Daniyal
Mueenuddin, text pp. 9-13.
Week 15: Apr.29
CRP SHORT STORY: Nawabdin Electrician
TU. Team #10 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #10 audience question responses due!
*CRP team #11 discussion questions due!
TH. Spring Holiday begins: No class!

HW: Read The Rocking-Horse Winner, by D.H.
Lawrence, text pp. 525-536.
Week 16 (May 1-9)
~ Spring Holiday (no classes) ~
Week 17: May 13/15
CRP SHORT STORY: The Rocking-Horse Winner
TU. Team #11 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #11 audience question responses due!
*CRP team #12 discussion questions due!
 HW: Read Desiree’s Baby, by Kate Chopin, text pp.
198-204.
TH. In-class writing time/teacher & peer assistance: SSP
Week 18: May 20/22
CRP SHORT STORY: Desiree’s Baby
TU. Team #12 CRP presentation and discussion leading
*CRP team #12 audience question responses due!
TH. In-class writing time/teacher & peer assistance: SSP
Week 19: May 27/29
TOWARD COMPLETION OF THE SSP
TU. In-class writing time/teacher & peer assistance: SSP
TH. *Final version of short stories due (create English
362 course anthology)
Week 20: June 2-6
HSE FINALS WEEK
End-of-Semester Short Story Reading from course
anthology (exact date, time, & place TBA)
~ NOTE: The professor reserves the right to alter the syllabus when necessary. ~