About this course: In this course aspiring writers will be introduced to the techniques that masters of fiction use to ground a story in a concrete world. From the most realist settings to the most fantastical, writers will learn how to describe the physical world in sharp, sensory detail. We will also learn how to build credibility through research, and to use creative meditation exercises to deepen our own understanding of our story worlds, so that our readers can see all that we imagine.
Created by: Wesleyan University
Taught by: Amity Gaige, Visiting Scholar in Creative Writing
| Basic Info | Course 3 of 5 in the Creative Writing Specialization |
| Commitment | 4 weeks of study, 1-3 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Persuasive Settings: Why Description Matters
Writing a great short story is like conveying a dream. As we will see from studying one famous master, a "persuasive" setting is necessary in order to build mood, character, and even plot.
7 videos, 4 readings
- Video: Why Do We Write?
- Материал для самостоятельного изучения: "The Power of Persuasion" by Mario Vargas Llosa
- Video: The Power of Persuasion
- Video: Moving Through Time and Space
- Материал для самостоятельного изучения: "The Odour of Chrysanthemums" by D.H. Lawrence
- Video: Nothing Can Happen Nowhere
- Video: Shop Talk with Brando Skyhorse
- Материал для самостоятельного изучения: A Note on Assignments
- Video: Feedback Expectations for the Specialization
- Video: Assignment Overview: Slow-Motion Moment
- Материал для самостоятельного изучения: Promo Codes
Graded: Slow Motion Moment
WEEK 2
If You Build It, They Will Come
Pack your fiction with "vitamin-rich" detail. Looking at the work of both masters and students, we will discuss how funny, meaningful, and powerful details can be.
4 videos, 3 readings
- Video: What Is Significant Detail?
- Video: "Things That Suck"
- Материал для самостоятельного изучения: Text of "How to Write About Africa" by Binyavanga Wainaina
- Материал для самостоятельного изучения: "How to Become a Writer" by Lorrie Moore
- Материал для самостоятельного изучения: "Forever Overhead" by David Foster Wallace
- Video: Shop Talk with Salvatore Scibona
- Video: Assignment Overview: Habitual Ritual
Graded: Habitual Ritual
WEEK 3
Credibility and Research
Create settings both familiar and unfamiliar to you, while avoiding common missteps. You will be guided through several meditation exercises as you practice "imaginative research".
4 videos
- Video: Three Phases of Research
- Video: Meditation Exercise
- Video: Shop Talk with Amy Bloom
- Video: Assignment Overview: Strange Lands
Graded: Strange Lands
WEEK 4
Realities
Setting and description works in realist and non-realist fiction, as well as across literary genres. Consider how to write about your own "primal landscape".
4 videos
- Video: Looking at a Student Example
- Video: What Is Genre? (including Shop Talk with Amy Bloom on Noir Fiction)
- Video: Visiting Writer: Historical Fiction with Valerie Martin
- Video: Assignment Overview: Primal Landscapes
Graded: Primal Landscapes
FAQs
How It Works
Задания курса
Каждый курс — это интерактивный учебник, который содержит видеоматериалы, тесты и проекты.
Помощь сокурсников
Общайтесь с тысячами других учащихся: обсуждайте идеи, материалы курса и помогайте друг другу осваивать новые понятия.
Сертификаты
Получите документы о прохождении курсов и поделитесь своим успехом с друзьями, коллегами и работодателями.
Creators
Wesleyan University
At Wesleyan, distinguished scholar-teachers work closely with students, taking advantage of fluidity among disciplines to explore the world with a variety of tools. The university seeks to build a diverse, energetic community of students, faculty, and staff who think critically and creatively and who value independence of mind and generosity of spirit.
Pricing
| Прослушать | Приобрести курс | |
|---|---|---|
| Получить доступ к материалам курса | Available | Available |
| Получить доступ к оцениваемым материалам курса | Not available | Available |
| Получить итоговую оценку | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Enjoyed the course. Had to stretch on some of the exercises, a good experience.
Great Course!
Excellent Teaching.
I learned so much! Amity is an excellent teacher, the exercises were spot on, just what they needed to be to evolve as a writer. I learned a lot from reviewing my peer's work as well, and some of their feedback was very helpful. Excellent, excellent course, all four of them are just so good. Thank you!
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PN
The instructor is personable, imaginative, and engaging. I loved the individual lessons in this course. I would highly recommend it to anyone learning to write.