This course is meant to feel like a book club. This is an in-person class where each week we will discuss a new short story going over its themes, characters, and plot. Because of their lengths, short stories must pack in as much information as they can in order to get their story and point across. The conflict is introduced almost immediately and an author must resolve it in the limited space of a short story. An entire story must be compacted into a few pages and most importantly, a reader must believe the story.

After taking this course, students will know how to be active participants in discussions and learn how to closely read texts. This will not only be useful for those who wish to have a future in English but will teach everyone how to engage with smaller texts and see the big picture. After discussing the texts, students will gain a deeper knowledge of important topics and know how to discuss texts with others.

As we only meet once a week, attendance and participation in this class is crucial. Each week students must contribute to the discussion boards and class conversation. Attendance and in-class participation are a major chunk of a student’s grade so it is imperative they attend classes.

Every week students must read one short story and post onto a discussion board writing a paragraph (6 sentences minimum) about that week’s reading. In addition to a post, students must respond to a peer’s post, adding something to the conversation (2 sentences minimum). Students will create and present a virtual mood board for the final project and on the last day of class, students will have to present their mood boards in five-minute presentations. If students are uncomfortable presenting they must let me know in advance. Students may then create a mood board along with a 750-1000 word paper explaining the board and turn it in this way. I do ask that everyone who is able to present does so that we may have an exciting last day of class!

First come, first served. The application will close January 23 at 11:59pm or when 30 responses have been recorded, which ever comes first.