This course introduces students to critical reading of contemporary literary works in various genres (with a specialty in Asian writing) from a ‘writerly’ (as opposed to a literary critical) perspective.  Students will discuss and analyze the readings from a writing craft standpoint and submit short critical essays or writing exercises focusing on specific elements of craft.  As well, students will be exposed to contemporary writing outside their own genre. Before the commencement of the residency, students must complete a list of readings determined by the instructor (approx. 500 pp. of prose or 20 poems as well as critical essays as assigned) and write a reflective essay on how what they have read relates to their own work. After the residency, students must submit a critical essay on one of the works they have read.