Selected Topics in Short Fiction I

Course Code:

ELIT 281

Semester:

Fall

Course Type:

Area Elective

P:

3

Lab:

0

Laboratuvar Saati:

0

Credits:

3

ECTS:

5

Course Language:

English

Course Objectives:

The course aims at an understanding of the development of the modern short story in the nineteenth century. The course also aims to develop a taste for fiction through the reading, examination and discussion of several popular works. By the end of this course, students should gain both an understanding of the craft and an appreciation of the art and skill of the masters of the form.

Course Content:

Commences with an overview of the short story; origins, early forms, historical background; the modern short story; its place in the world of fiction; differences and similarities with other forms of the genre; guidelines on how to read a short story; analysis terminology, interpretation and evaluation.

The focus is on “sting-in-the-tail” type of short story which does not fit the conventional plot structure in that it has almost no falling action following the climax. The resolution and/or the dénouement may very often be the final sentence of the story. Selections include works of some of the masters of the form.

Course Methodology:

1: Lecture, 2: Question-Answer, 3: Discussion, 9: Simulation, 12: Case Study

Course Evaluation Methods:

A: Testing B: Presentation C: Homework

Vertical Tabs

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes	Programme Learning Outcomes	Teaching Methods	Assessment Methods
1) To introduce the background, origin, earlier forms and development of the short story and to highlight various defining features of the modern short story.	1-2 5-10	1,2,3	A,C
2) To equip the students with the knowledge necessary to enjoy, understand and discuss fiction in general and the short story in particular.	1-2 5-10	1,2,3	A,C
3) To develop an understanding of reader responses on different levels, for enjoyment, for interpretation and for evaluation.	1-2 5-10	1,2,3	A,C
4) To equip the students with the terminology necessary to analyse and discuss fiction in general and the short story in particular.	1-2 5-10	1,2,3	A,C
5) To equip the students with the necessary critical faculties, analytical approach, and analytical, interpretative and inference skills for a successful understanding of literature in general, fiction and the the short story in particular.	1-2 5-10	1,2,3	A,C

Course Flow

Week	Topics	Study Materials
1	Introduction to the course, explanation of course objectives and materials, course requirements and assessment, pacing schedule and obtaining materials	Materials for the course provided by instructor
2	The Short Story—Overview and Introduction: background & early forms: parable, fable and tale (“The Prodigal Son” & “The Widow of Ephesus”, etc.) The Modern Short Story; Designs in Short Fiction
3	The Act of Reading Fiction: Understanding literature; EXPERIENCE, INTERPRETATION, EVALUATION “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin (2 pp.)
4	The Elements of Fiction: Setting, plot, character, point of view, theme, etc. “Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat” by Roald Dahl (5+ pp.)
5	“Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat” cont.
6	“Salesmanship” by Mary Ellen Chase (3 pp.)
7	“Charles” by Shirley Jackson (2 pp.)
8	MIDTERM EXAM (TENTATIVE) Term Paper assignment and discussion
9	“Parson’s Pleasure” by Roald Dahl (7+ pp.)
10	“Parson’s Pleasure” cont.
11	“Parson’s Pleasure” cont.
12	“The End of the Party” by Graham Greene (3 pp.)
13	“Sredni Vashtar” by Saki (2 pp.)
14	“Be This Her Memorial” by Caradoc Evans (2 pp.)
15	“On Guard” by Evelyn Waugh (4 pp.)

Recommended Sources

Textbook
Additional Resources

Material Sharing

Documents
Assignments
Exams

Assessment

IN-TERM STUDIES	NUMBER	PERCENTAGE
Mid-Term	1	30
Class Performance	1	30
Term Paper	1	10
Final Exam	1	30
Total		100
CONTRIBUTION OF FINAL EXAM TO OVERALL GRADE		30
CONTRIBUTION OF IN-TERM STUDIES TO OVERALL GRADE		70
Total		100

COURSE CATEGORY

Expertise/Field Courses

Course’s Contribution to Program

No	Programme Learning Outcomes	Contribution
No	Programme Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
1	The ability to apply knowledge of English and world literature and social sciences to topics including culture, society, ethics, politics etc.			X
2	The ability to review, analyse and apply the relevant literature				X
3	The ability to carry out interdisciplinary reading and analysis.		X
4	The ability to utilise the basic concepts and issues of literary theories in developing life strategies		X
5	Awareness of professional ethics and responsibility				X
6	Effective communication skills.			X
7	A sufficiently broad education to understand the global and social impact of literary movements.		X
8	An awareness of the importance of lifelong learning and the ability to put it into practice.			X
9	A knowledge of issues in contemporary literature and of the cultural issues of the period.			X
10	The ability to use sources and modern tools in order to carry out research in the areas of literature and aesthetics.		X

ECTS

Activities	Quantity	Duration (Hour)	Total Workload (Hour)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 15x Total course hours/week)	15	3	45
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice, review/week)	15	3	45
Homework	10	1.5	15
Term Paper	1	10	10
Total Work Load			115
Total Work Load / 25 (h)			4.60
ECTS Credit of the Course			5

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