Course Description

A pair of hands on the keyboard, a blank screen, and a single wish: You want to write the Great American Short Story! You've read many of them -- Poe's "Black Cat," Cheever's "Enormous Radio," Welty's "The Worn Path" -- but have you come close to writing a tale that lingers with readers after the last page is turned?

 

In this class, you will gain the inspiration and the discipline to write a short story of 1000 to 8000 words. We will use examples from all genres, exploring the techniques of plot, style, flow, voice and tone that will make your fiction sing. This close reading of master works is accompanied by tried and true methods for putting words on the page, revising, and handling criticism from others. One thing's for sure: Your stories are ready to tell themselves to you. And, if all goes well enough, they'll tell themselves to the world as well. So, are you ready to start writing?

 

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the short story landscape in America.
  • Describe developing a main character.
  • Summarize telling the story.
  • Describe styling the words you write.
  • Summarize ending your story like a master.
  • Revise and edit the story.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 
 

Assessment Guide

Assessment Points
Assignment 1A: Class Forum Postings 1 points
The Short Story Landscape 10 points
Assignment 2: Write the First Page of Your Story 10 points
Answering to the Muse 10 points
Assignment 3: Character Profile Worksheet 5 points
Developing a Main Character 10 points
Telling the Story: Structure & Plot 9 points
Styling the Words You Write 10 points
Assignment 4: Finish Your Short Story 30 points
End Your Story Like a Master 10 points
Revising Your Writing 10 points
The Role of Cause and Effect in Novel Writing
The Role of Cause and Effect in Novel Writing
How to Teach Present Continuous to ESL Learners
How to Teach Present Continuous to ESL Learners
Teaching the Past Simple: Regular and Irregular Verbs
Teaching the Past Simple: Regular and Irregular Verbs
Freelance Writing 101
Freelance Writing 101
Writing Help Course Bundle
Writing Help Course Bundle
ESL Grammar Skills: Level 1-5 Course Bundle
ESL Grammar Skills: Level 1-5 Course Bundle
Creative Writing Courses
Creative Writing Courses
Vocabulary Courses
Vocabulary Courses
How to Write Case Studies
How to Write Case Studies
Nonfiction Writing 101
Nonfiction Writing 101
How to Effectively Edit and Proofread Your Own Work
How to Effectively Edit and Proofread Your Own Work
The History of the Novel
The History of the Novel
Business Writing Courses
Business Writing Courses
ESL Basic Grammar and Writing
ESL Basic Grammar and Writing
Basic Punctuation Usage Everyone Should Know
Basic Punctuation Usage Everyone Should Know