Interdisciplinary Arts 0295 - Structure and the Story

This is an intermediate creative writing course that explores narrative structure. The focus will be on works (mostly fiction, but also non-fiction) that have pushed the boundaries of conventional "girders" by using as building materials visuals, verse, and radical space/time-shifts, all while maintaining a clear cohesive whole. Course requirements will include reading international and national books (which may include novellas and comics); in-class presentations; critical response papers on the readings; original works of creative writing in which you will be expected to explore some of the narrative shapes covered in this course. Students may find the course particularly suited for those with an interest in the long form, as their narratives grow interconnected in some way (perhaps with the creation of one overall piece comprised of individual elements, or chapters). However, our focus will be on generating new work that explores the techniques in this course, both in a historical and contemporary setting. NOTE: While the course is not by instructor permission, all students, including those on the waitlist, MUST attend the first day of class in order to keep their seat.

Culture, Humanities, and Languages Independent Work In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research.