Fiction is nothing less than the subtlest instrument for self-examination and self-display that mankind has invented yet. Psychology and x-rays bring up the portentous shadows, and demographics and stroboscopic photography do some fine breakdowns, but for the full parfum and effluvia of being human, for feathery ambiguity and rank facticity, for the air and iron, fire and spit of our daily mortal adventure there is nothing like fiction: it makes sociology look priggish, history problematical, the film media two-dimensional, and the National Enquirer as silly as last week’s cereal box.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are

• to expose you to some major and minor writers of fiction,
• to lay the groundwork for you to study fiction in other courses,
• to hone your critical reading of literature, and
• to enable you to appreciate more deeply the works of fiction that you read on your own.

To reach these objectives, I have prepared a syllabus that is challenging and (I hope) exciting. I will strive to provide productive and intellectually engaging class sessions. (This does not necessarily mean that I will lecture all the time, either.) I will provide you with feedback on your work for the course. I will meet with you outside of class as needed to help you. HOWEVER, you must do your part to meet these objectives. I expect you to keep up with the syllabus; read assignments carefully and thoughtfully; prepare thoroughly for class discussions, quizzes, and exams; bring enthusiasm and energy to class each day; and participate willingly in classroom activities.

Required Texts

Introduction to the Short Novel, ed. Beaty, 2^nd edition (ISN)
The Story and Its Writer, ed. Charters, 5^th ed.