In this 9-week seminar course, students will have extended time to look at the elements of fiction in great detail. Each week, students will be introduced to key terms and have the week to implements these ideas to their story planning. Students need not have any prior experience in writing fiction, just an open mind and a love for creativity! 

The teacher will lead students through each class by providing a collaborative discussion through asking guiding questions, inviting unique and fun ideas from students, as well as using a presentation that is created by the teacher.

Course Calendar:
Week 1 - Introduction to the course and to one another. Students will discuss and explore the definition of "fiction" and "short story".
Homework: Students will brainstorm ideas for their short story to provide a brief explanation of ideas in class.

Week 2 - Students will explore Theme and Genre as it applies to fiction writing and short story.
Homework: Students will  apply elements of intentional themes and genre ideas to their story outlines.

Week 3 - Students will explore Character and Point of View and apply it to their early ideas of a short story.
Homework: Students will develop two character outlines and summaries for classroom discussion.

Week 4 - Students will explore Setting through a discussion of Time and Place and apply these ideas to the story they are developing.
Homework: Students will research several settings (and time periods) to apply to their developing short story ideas.

Week 5 - Students will explore Conflict through a discussion of the relationships between Protagonists and Antagonists.
Homework: After learning the main types of conflict, students will create one example of each conflict to potentially use in their story.

Week 6 - Students will explore the first elements of Plot (Exposition/Conflict/Rising Action)
Homework: Students will use the plot outline document provided and label the first elements.

Week 7 - Students will explore the second elements of Plot (Climax/Turning Point)
Homework: Students will use the plot outline document provided and label the remaining elements.

Week 8 - Students will explore the final elements of Plot (Falling Action/Resolution)
Homework: Finalize planning/drafting of the short story for final class presentation and discussion.

Week 9 - Final Class - Students will provide a summary of their story and provide a plan for completion and/or submission to the teacher.