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Short Story I

short-story-1-writingx412-1
WRITING X 412.1

Learn the basics of writing short fiction in this introductory course covering the building blocks of good storytelling.

Duration
As few as 10 weeks
Units
3.0
Current Formats
Live Online
Online
Cost
Starting at $720.00

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What you can learn.

Complete short exercises and assignments to jumpstart new story ideas
Explore plot, point of view, setting, description, and more
Get tips on rewriting and revising drafts
Draft and revise at least one new short story

About This Course

It is said that all of us have locked inside at least one good story to tell. Through lectures on craft, short writing exercises, assignments and discussion, you learn how to tell yours. Topics include plot, point-of-view, setting, description, conflict, characterization, dialogue, tension, rewriting and submission strategies. The course goal is to draft and revise at least one short story. This course is a prerequisite for students who are continuing in the short-fiction sequence.

Winter 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Tuesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
406103
Fee:
$720.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Remote Classroom
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Tue Jan 6, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jan 13, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jan 20, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jan 27, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Feb 3, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Feb 10, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Feb 17, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Feb 24, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Mar 3, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Mar 10, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Instructor:
REG#
406102
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Book: Best American Short Stories 2017 by Meg Wolitzer, editor