LITPA 200 courses introduce students to the study of literature or the performing arts, emphasizing analysis of both particular works and of the range of genres, periods and traditions. Frequent reading and writing assignments will be made.In this class we will read and examine closely the short story form – examining the work of writers like Edward P. Jones, Miranda July, George Saunders, Lorrie Moore, ZZ Packer, Raymond Carver, Kelly Link, Andres Dubus and Annie Proulx. We will also view several films - like "In the Bedroom," "Brokeback Mountain" and "Walking Out," based on short stories and we will talk about the way films and stories are structured. Students will be required to write their own stories, to diagram both stories and films, and to be able to talk fluently about craft. Mostly we will be exploring why stories captivate us and what artists, whether they are screenwriters, fiction writers, or non-fiction writer, do to carry us through their narratives. We will discuss how to bring characters alive, how to create tension and how to craft a satisfying ending. We’ll explore too why some stories ultimately disappoint us, what those writers did or didn’t do that let us down. There will be both creative and analytical assignments, including a completed short story and two longer analytical papers. I’m looking forward to an exciting class.

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