Spring 2025
ENGLISH 143A 002 - LEC 002
Short Fiction
Melanie Abrams
Class #:33143
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
English
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
0
Enrolled: 15
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 15
Waitlist Max: 0
No Reserved Seats
Hours & Workload
3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, and 9 hours of outside work hours per week.
Other classes by Melanie Abrams
Course Catalog Description
A seminar in writing short stories.
Class Description
The aim of this course is to explore the genre of short fiction—to discuss the elements that make up the short story, to talk critically about short stories, and to become comfortable and confident with the writing of them. Students will write two short stories, a number of shorter exercises, weekly critiques of their peers’ work, and a final writer's reflection. The course will be organized as a workshop and attendance is mandatory. All student stories will be edited and critiqued by the instructor and by other students in the class.
Writing samples should be 6-12 pages of fiction (a complete short story, a few short shorts, a section of a novel, etc.). Since this is a class that focuses on psychological realism, please avoid genre fiction for your sample (no sci fi, fantasy, fan fic, etc.). No need to strive for perfection here (this class focuses on learning the craft of fiction, so I expect you have much to learn!), but strong sentences, an understanding that fiction revolves around conflict, and three-dimensional characters are encouraged.
Class Notes
To apply for this Creative Writing course, please submit your application through the following URL by the deadline of Friday November 1 2024.
Application URL: https://forms.gle/DLgNuZJtFaqE7CvdA
Applications Open Wednesday, October 9
Application URL: https://forms.gle/DLgNuZJtFaqE7CvdA
Applications Open Wednesday, October 9
Rules & Requirements
Repeat Rules
Requirements class fulfills
Meets Arts & Literature, L&S Breadth
Reserved Seats
Current Enrollment
No Reserved Seats
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials
Associated Sections
None