English (ENGL) 381

Overview

This is a creative writing course designed to help students develop their language skills in the production of prose fiction, primarily short fiction. Students will study examples of short fiction by some of the best authors in the world and will be expected to produce a number of finished pieces of their own writing.

Before enrolling in ENGL 381, students are expected to have a sound background in literature and proven writing ability by fulfilling the prerequisites.

Outline

Unit 1: Introduction

Unit 2: Setting and Character

Unit 3: Plot and Structure

Unit 4: Point of View and Voice

Unit 5: Metaphor and Symbolism

Unit 6: Revising

Unit 7: Starting a Novel

Evaluation

To receive credit for ENGL 381, you must achieve a minimum grade of 50 percent on each assignment and a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent). The weighting of the course assignments is as follows:

*As part of its evaluation components, English 381: Creative Writing in Prose now has an optional peer-to-peer editing activity. If you choose this activity, it will be submitted as Assignment 4, as outlined in the online course site.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.