This course explores the imaginative possibilities of short fictional narratives by examining a range of texts from various historical periods and cultural contexts. Students can expect to read widely from different genres and forms including fairy tales, fables, gothic tales, modernist short stories, postcolonial short fiction, novellas, contemporary micro-fiction, flash fiction or other new media forms. Through class discussions, responses, a presentation, and an essay, students will explore, examine, and debate the limitations, affordances, and rewards of ‘shorter’ forms of literary expression. At the same time, students will develop an appreciation for how literary genres and forms evolve historically and are affected by relevant changes in media and publishing environments.

Continuous Assessment: 100%