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Compressed Fiction: The Art Of The Short Story - CED00002M

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Module co-ordinator: Information currently unavailable
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Term 2021-22

Module aims

This module aims to:

  • Develop knowledge on the history of the short story
  • Explore and critically analyse a diverse selection of short stories
  • Investigate essential literary techniques used in short story writing
  • Offer research pathways to strengthen an understanding of theoretical notions behind the short story
  • Lead students to develop short story writing abilities through writing exercises, critiquing workshops and assessment
  • Offer opportunities to evaluate and comment critically on the work of other students
  • Develop communication, comprehension and co-operation alongside analytical, critical thinking
  • Develop an ability to critically examine their own work and edit and redraft accordingly
  • Install a rigorous reflective practice (through the keeping of a Learning Log)
  • Develop confidence in the generation of new writing

Module learning outcomes

On completion of the module the student should be able to:

Subject content

  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the short story and its historical and theoretical development
  • Demonstrate an understanding of techniques, key elements and methodologies used within the short story
  • Close read short stories with an understanding of how to critically analyse them
  • be bold in their approach to a wider range of short story types (literary, genre, flash fiction)
  • Evidence an ability to write creatively within the form
  • Have honed critiquing skills in application to their own writing and the writing of other group members
  • Generate and develop ideas for writing short stories using techniques learned

Academic and graduate skills

  • Critically analyse complex texts and convey findings in academically appropriate language
  • Evidence rigorous reflective practice through the keeping of a Learning Log

Other learning outcomes (if applicable)

  • Act as a supportive, sensitive and active group member who is valued and values others
  • Demonstrate greater confidence and expertise in the presentation of work to the group
  • Exercise initiative, personal autonomy, the ability to work to a deadline, a word limit and within a specified genre.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Short Fiction/Critical Component		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Short Fiction/Critical Component		 N/A 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

Required Reading

Model texts to be closely read and analysed will be decided by the tutor.

  • Cox, A. Writing Short Stories (2005). London: Routledge
  • Earnshaw, S. The Handbook of Creative Writing. (2007) Edinburgh: Edinburg University Press
  • May.C.E. The Short Story: The Reality of Artifice. (1995) London:Routledge.
  • Morley, D.The Cambridge Introduction to Creative Writing. (2007) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Recommended Reading (indicative)

  • Bradbury, M. The Penguin Book of Modern Short Stories . (1988) London: Penguin
  • Carver, R. Where Im Calling From (1995) London: Harvill
  • Dahl, Roald. Collected Short Stories (1992) London: Pengiun
  • Munro, A. Runaway. ( 2006) London: Vintage
  • Simpson, H. Inflight Entertainment. (2011) London: Vintage

Web Links

  • The Society of Authors http;//www.societyofauthors.org/
  • Bridport Short Story Competition http://www.bridport.org.uk/index.htm
  • BBC National Short Story Award http:// theshortstory.org.uk/nssp/


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.