Singapore University of Social Sciences

Analysing Prose: Short Fiction and Essays

Analysing Prose: Short Fiction and Essays (ELT107)

Synopsis

ELT107 Analysing Prose: Short Fiction and Essays is an introductory university-level course that develops students’ skills in reading and analyzing fiction and non-fiction by focusing on the elements of fiction and the essay. The short stories are from a wide range of authors, from the nineteenth century when the modern short story first emerged, to the late twentieth century. Students will study the elements of fiction: plot, characterization, point of view, setting, theme, and style. Students will learn what these elements are, and what effect they have on interpretation. The other half of the course looks at essays that span over four centuries, from the seventeenth century to the late twentieth. The course focuses on the experience, interpretation, and evaluation of an essay, using four major elements: voice, style, structure, and thought.

Level: 1
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every semester

Topics

  • Looking at the Essay, Its Voice and Style
  • Structure and Thought of the Essay
  • Reading and Writing about Essays
  • Introduction to Short Fiction and Some of Its Elements
  • Elements of Short Fiction II
  • Writing about Short Fiction

Learning Outcome

  • Identify the key literary elements of fiction and the essay.
  • Interpret the effect of plot, characterisation, point of view, setting, and literary style in fiction.
  • Show how voice, literary style, and structure create the meaning of the essay.
  • Discuss the treatment of theme in the short story and critical thought in the essay.
  • Explain the relevance of the evidence from the texts.
  • Write properly structured papers on fiction and non-fiction, with correct citation of sources and presentation of bibliographies.
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