ENGL 384 A: The Craft of Prose

We often think a story or essay is an organic thing, its form rising naturally from its content, but in this class, we will be turning those ideas upside down—rethinking the idea of “natural” form and using form to generate content.  Of course we will look out for, work on, and discuss all other aspects of literary prose too, but we will look at them and create them through the lens of form.  The quarter will start with an exploration of linear narratives, and move on to various more experimental and nonlinear forms.  We will also visit our library's Special Collections department to see and explore books that stretch our ideas of the page and the binding even further. Expect to do a LOT of reading and a LOT of writing influenced by our reading, including a short-short story, a longer story or essay, several briefer prose exercises, and an artist's book of your own. Don't worry! No art or craft skills are necessary!          

Required Text:

Course Reader