Objectives and competences
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the historical genres within fiction and to their contemporary variations, to provide appropriate vocabulary for the discussion of genre, to introduce narrative concepts, and to encourage students to read types of fiction that they might not have chosen themselves.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Origins of fiction: parable, fable, anecdote, sketch.
• Plot and Characterization.
• Realistic Novel.
• Short story.
• Novella.
• Popular forms: Detective fiction, Romance/ Family saga, Science Fiction/ Fantasy.
• Graphic fiction.
Learning and teaching methods
• lectures,
• seminars,
• short writing assignments.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course the student will be able to:
• recognize and understand the generic variety of English fiction,
• choose and evaluate fiction in specific genres, both popular and serious,
• write and present critical opinions about fiction in all genres.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
• Ability to collect and organize data and report on findings.
• Ability to conduct web-based research and present findings in electronic forum.
• Ability to formulate and publically express a critical opinion in English.
Readings
• Galdwin, D. (Ed.). Riverside Anthology of Short Fiction: Convention and Innovation, Houghton-Mifflin, 1998.
• Dolley, C. The Penguin Book of English Short Stories, Penguin, 2011.
• Beaty, J. The Norton Introduction to the Short Novel 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2009.
Prerequisits
Attendance of 80% and regular completion of coursework are required for taking the exam.
Additional information on implementation and assessment • Written final examination
• Short essays
