Techniques of Fiction
ENGL 296
Fall 2026
| Section:
01
02
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This introduction to the elements of fiction and a range of authors is for students who want to write and, through writing, increase their understanding and appreciation of a variety of short stories. In this course, we will learn how to write and revise short pieces of fiction. To achieve this goal, we will constantly be working on creating and editing our own fiction, and we will perform various writing exercises. Moreover, we will read our colleagues' short stories and offer them thoughtful, generous, and rigorous feedback. Finally, we will scrutinize stories by veteran authors in order to understand some integral elements of fiction writing. Upon completing this course, students will have a deeper understanding of the process-oriented nature of crafting successful prose. They should also have a more profound knowledge of concepts like plot, dialogue, character, and interiority. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ENGL |
| Course Format: Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (English) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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Examinations and Assignments:
There will be final portfolio due at the end of the semester consisting of work done over the course of the semester and a final revision of a story. You will be encouraged to work on one story over the course of this class. There will be reading assignments due in every class. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
In addition to your submitted stories and weekly responses for workshop, there will be extensive in-class writing in this course. You will be asked to share your writing in class and upload PDFs of your handwritten work. Bring a dedicated notebook.
This course contributes to the fulfillment of ENG major requirements: CW requirement, CW path course (but not 300-level course or upper-level workshop), elective.
The English department highly recommends that students be enrolled in only one CW course in a semester. If you are admitted to more than one CW course, the department requests that you choose one and let the instructors know during Adjustment Period. By doing so you will be considerate of instructors and other students. |
| Instructor(s): Mengiste,Maaza Times: ...W... 01:20PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 1 | JR major: 3 | | |
| Seats Available: 15 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 6 | FR: 5 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
| SECTION 02 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Stories by Annie Proulx, Colm Tóibín, Octavia Butler, Carmen Maria Machado, Samanta Schweblin, James Baldwin, Edward P Jones, and others. |
Examinations and Assignments:
Two Formal Submissions, Several Short Writing Assignments, a Midterm, and a Final Project |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course contributes to the fulfillment of ENG major requirements: CW requirement, CW path course (but not 300-level course or upper-level workshop), elective.
The English department highly recommends that students be enrolled in only one CW course in a semester. If you are admitted to more than one CW course, the department requests that you choose one and let the instructors know during Adjustment Period. By doing so you will be considerate of instructors and other students. |
| Instructor(s): Sawhney,Hirsh Times: .....F. 09:20AM-12:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 2 | | |
| Seats Available: 15 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 1 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 6 | FR: 6 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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