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Writing Fiction
I. Course Prefix/Number: EGL 202
Course Name: Writing Fiction
Credits: 3 (3 lecture; 0 lab)
II. Prerequisite
Successful completion of EGL 101 or Consent of instructor
III. Course (Catalog) Description
Course offers students the opportunity to develop an individual style as fiction writers. Content includes basic elements of fiction writing: structure, character, point of view, setting, and dialog.
IV. Learning Objectives
A. Writing in the conventional literary mode of fiction
1. Developing a unifying theme appropriate to the story.
2. Using figurative language effectively.
B. Recognizing basic literary conventions in fiction.
1. Recognizing themes and basic elements of style in selected models.
2. Recognizing strengths and weaknesses in peer writing samples.
C. Discussing basic elements of theme and style in professional and student samples.
D. Receiving and giving criticism on material presented in class.
1. Developing a unifying theme appropriate to the story.
2. Using figurative language effectively.
B. Recognizing basic literary conventions in fiction.
1. Recognizing themes and basic elements of style in selected models.
2. Recognizing strengths and weaknesses in peer writing samples.
C. Discussing basic elements of theme and style in professional and student samples.
D. Receiving and giving criticism on material presented in class.
V. Academic Integrity
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Sequence of Topics
Week 1: Introduction to Course, Keeping a Journal
Week 2: The Writing Process
Week 3: Story Form and Structure
Week 4: Use of Significant Detail
Week 5: Characterization
Week 6: Characterization: Part II
Week 7: Setting and Atmosphere
Week 8: Point of View
Week 9: Point of View: Part II
Week 10: Narrative Tension
Week 11: Theme
Week 12: Metaphor and Symbol
Week 13: Style and Tone
Week 14: Dialogue and Problems
Week 15: Revision
Week 2: The Writing Process
Week 3: Story Form and Structure
Week 4: Use of Significant Detail
Week 5: Characterization
Week 6: Characterization: Part II
Week 7: Setting and Atmosphere
Week 8: Point of View
Week 9: Point of View: Part II
Week 10: Narrative Tension
Week 11: Theme
Week 12: Metaphor and Symbol
Week 13: Style and Tone
Week 14: Dialogue and Problems
Week 15: Revision
VII. Methods of Instruction
Lecture, discussion, writing exercises, use of film and other media, with emphasis on workshop format; activities presented to introduce and clarify principles of fiction writing.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII. Course Practices Required
Students produce 1 to 3 finished short stories or other forms of fiction, weekly or daily writing exercises involving literary exploration or written critique of student or professional writing, and critical essays. Forty-five pages of original work will be assigned.
IX. Instructional Materials
To be determined by the instructor in consultation with the department chair.
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
Evaluation methods include grading of student writings, exercises, and other class activities. Examinations are optional.
XI. Other Course Information
A. Attendance policy
B. Procedures/information required by individual instructor
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
B. Procedures/information required by individual instructor
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
