What's the Big Idea?: classic and contemporary short stories
Time: 10:15 - 12:15
Location: Keeley Street
writers’ intentions, and what it means for us as readers – which can be quite different. Join us in sharing feelings
about, and reactions to, a selection of classic and contemporary short stories and how they withstand the shifting context of readers, and time.
This course has now finished
Course Code: HLT205
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This literature course explores classic and contemporary short stories, from writers such as Herman Melville and Thomas Bernhard to Alice Monroe and Joy Williams. It is an opportunity for us to share our feelings about, and reactions to, a selection of classic and contemporary short stories by both major and emerging writers.
What will we cover?
A range of classic and contemporary short stories written in or translated into English. During the sessions we will discuss the short story in question by considering various aspects such as context, ideas, plot, character/s, etc. We will also discuss how successful we think the authors have been in the particular work. Relevant texts will be provided by the tutor ahead of each session.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- read short stories you might not have considered before
- focus on key points when discussing a literary short story
- express your opinions clearly.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous knowledge or experience of literature is necessary. However, learners will, ideally, need the following skills and attributes:
- An enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts in large and small groups.
- A willingness and ability to do some reading and preparation outside the class. You will be expected to read the selected short story for each session.
- An interest in, and ability to listen to, the responses of other students to the work discussed.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
In each session there will be a brief introduction by the tutor followed by an informal but focused discussion of the selected short stories for that session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The tutor will provide all materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Look up other literature courses on our website at www.citylit.ac.uk under History, Culture and Writing/Literature.
Richard Niland has published widely on Joseph Conrad and a range of other 19th and 20th century writers. He taught for many years at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and is interested in the various intersections of literature, culture, politics, music and film in different global contexts.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.