Introduction

Welcome to Introduction to the Short Story!

Short stories are often used to explore everyday human experiences and offer a snapshot of life, often leaving readers with lingering questions or insights.  A short story is a brief, self-contained work of fiction that typically focuses on a singular theme or idea, capturing a moment, an event, or a character’s emotional or psychological experience in a concise format. Unlike novels, which allow for extended development of characters, plot, and setting, short stories often aim for a sharp, impactful narrative, using economy of language and a limited scope to deliver powerful messages or evoke deep emotions.

This course is a literature course which examines selected short stories, emphasizing the history of the genre. It involves critical reading and writing.