Online Class: Writing the Great American Short Story

Designed for budding storytellers, this course offers a rich exploration of American short story traditions and the tools to create narratives that linger with readers. By dissecting the works of literary masters and practicing writing skills, students will learn how to transform their musings into resonant stories.

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$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 7
    Lessons
  • 8
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 5
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Crafting the Quintessential American Short Story

The allure of a riveting short story remains timeless. As you sit before a blank canvas, with fingers poised over the keyboard, there's a palpable desire to craft a narrative that reverberates through the annals of American literature. The legacies of Poe, Cheever, and Welty serve as a testament to the power of this genre. Yet, the question remains: Can you pen a story that leaves an indelible mark on its readers?

Introducing our comprehensive course, designed for budding writers like you, yearning to weave tales that resonate deeply and linger long after they've been consumed.

Why Choose This Course?

  • Vast Literary Exploration: Delve into a myriad of genres, analyzing the nuances that distinguish each one, thereby equipping you with the versatility to maneuver seamlessly across different narrative styles.

  • Master-Class Techniques: Engage in an immersive study of literary giants, dissecting the elements of plot, style, flow, voice, and tone that made their stories stand out, and learning how to infuse these into your own writing.

  • Practical Application: Writing is as much about practice as it is about theory. Our course ensures you get ample opportunities to pen your thoughts, revise, and learn to handle feedback constructively.

Course Overview:

  1. The Short Story Landscape in America: Gain a historical and contemporary overview of American short stories. Understand the cultural and societal nuances that have shaped this literary form over the decades.

  2. Answering to the Muse: Every writer has a unique muse. This module helps you tap into your inner inspirations, fostering a deeper connection with your creative self.

  3. Developing a Main Character: Characters drive narratives. Learn the art of creating compelling characters, ensuring they're multifaceted, relatable, and capable of evoking empathy.

  4. Telling the Story: Structure and Plot: A good story isn't just about what is told, but how it's told. Delve deep into crafting intricate plots and maintaining a consistent narrative structure to keep readers engaged from start to finish.

  5. Styling the Words You Write: The choice of words, sentence structures, and linguistic devices can profoundly impact a story's tone and mood. Master the stylistic tools that elevate prose from ordinary to extraordinary.

  6. End Your Story Like a Master: A story's ending can make or break its impact. Learn the techniques of concluding your tales in a manner that leaves readers yearning for more.

  7. Revising Your Writing: Writing is rewriting. Understand the significance of revision, refining your drafts to perfection, and ensuring every word serves a purpose.

Conclusion:

Behind every remarkable story is a writer who dared to dream, dared to write, and dared to revise. With our course, you don't just learn to write; you learn to narrate tales that have the potential to become classics. Your stories harbor the promise of reaching countless hearts and minds. It's time to unlock that potential.

If you've ever felt the pull of the written word, if tales dance in your mind waiting to be told, then this course might just be the key to setting them free. Enroll today and set forth on a transformative literary journey.

  • 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
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.7 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(756 votes)

Lesson 1. Writing Short Stories: Mastery and Innovation

America's short story tradition, with icons like Poe and Hemingway, reflects diverse voices and societal norms, mirrored by contemporary authors who continue to adapt the form. These writers challenge expectations by infusing their stories with unique perspectives, showcasing the dynamic evolution of the short story genre. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review 5 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: Who Will Read Your Short Story?; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Why this Course?
  • Assessment: The Short Story Landscape

Lesson 2. Everyday Life: Your Unseen Muse

In the absence of the muse, storytellers turn to the world around them, invoking sensory experiences to ignite creativity and fuel narrative exploration. This process mirrors piecing together a puzzle, where fragments of observation grow into robust stories, capturing the magic of life hidden in plain sight. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Inspiration
  • Assessment: Answering to the Muse

Lesson 3. Crafting Characters: The Heart of Storytelling

Characters are the soul of fiction, illustrating internal and external battles that mirror the human condition. As they evolve, so do reader insights, drawing them closer to the story's heart and the writer's hidden truths. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Lesson discussions: The People Around You
  • Assessment: Developing a Main Character

Lesson 4. Crafting a Captivating Story: Mastery of Structure and Plot

A disheartened writer reinvents his narrative technique by starting with the ending, leading to a rejuvenated storytelling approach and his debut publication. This lesson investigates the importance of plot devices, character portrayal, and the impactful use of dialogue in compelling writing. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Approaches to Storytelling
  • Assessment: Telling the Story: Structure & Plot

Lesson 5. The Dynamic Art of Personalizing Prose

Just as a symphony requires variation to breathe life into its melodies, prose needs style to infuse soul into its characters and scenes. Through language choices, writers like Stephen King and Danielle Steel create immersive experiences that draw readers into their worlds. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Lesson discussions: What's Your Flavor?
  • Assessment: Styling the Words You Write

Lesson 6. Narratives That Endure: Techniques for Impactful Conclusions

A captivating story conclusion hinges on its power to provide closure while offering profound emotional resonance. Authors navigate classic resolutions like ‘All Is Well’ or innovative reveals, influencing how narratives linger within the reader's psyche. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: The Easy Way Out
  • Assessment: End Your Story Like a Master

Lesson 7. The Craft of Refinement: Mastering the Art of Revision

Literature often ignites the writer within, prompting aspiring authors to move beyond familiar tales and explore complex storytelling. Revisiting past works offers fresh insights into personal growth, highlighting both the promise and imperfections of early drafts. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Receiving Feedback; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Revising Your Writing
70
Total Course Points
 

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.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Writing the Great American Short Story
Course Number: 9770544
Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (756 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Enroll in this course from any U.S. state, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also accessible to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa.
Last Updated: March 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.5 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Precise information and easy to read format. Instructor is very prompt and responsive." -- Siewleng T.
  • "I've had the pleasure of having this instructor before, she's GREAT!!" -- Joy K.
  • "Great Course. Great Instructor." -- Kyle B.

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