This course will attempt to replicate a course given by George Saunders at Syracuse University as described in his book A Swim in a Pond in The Rain. As he describes it, it is a course “in which four Russians give a master class on writing, reading, and life.” This involves a close reading of each of seven stories followed by discussion on the various aspects of what makes a good short story. Class members should purchase the book, but NOT read it until the course gets underway. If time remains, we will read a contemporary short story (TBD) and apply to it what we have learned.  We will read the short story together, if short; at home before class if long. There will be some lecture on an aspect of short story writing, intermingled with discussion from the class.  For longer short stories, prep time will be perhaps an hour.

Please note that the sixth class takes place on April 2 during the break week.