Department of English

University of Notre Dame

Spring 2010 Course Descriptions

Courses Satisfying the Fine Arts Requirement

Please be aware that changes in course offerings, including times and locations, may occur. Please consult the class search page for the most recent updates.

ENGL 20001 – 01

Intro to Fiction Writing

Courtney McDermott

MWF 10:40-11:30

This is a beginning course in the writing short prose fiction. No experience in the form will be necessary. Students will be writing every week, primarily brief short fiction and other prose forms, guided by assignments. There will be in-class student discussion of each other's work. There will be readings in both traditional and contemporary fiction.

ENGL 20002 – 01

Intro to Poetry Writing
Clinton J. Waterman

MWF 11:45-12:35

This course introduces students to the basic elements of poetry writing: language as matter and its creative organization through rhythm, form and different kinds of patterning. The course emphasizes the preeminence of sound as the distinguishing feature of poetry, with listening and speaking poetry as a necessary basis for writing it. Technical exercises, language games, writing exercises both collective and individual, and encounters with poetry in print and through attending readings are required. Original poetry by participants is discussed both online and in workshop sessions.

ENGL 20003 – 01

Fiction Writing

Matthew Benedict

MW 1:30-2:45

Have you ever finished reading a novel and thought: “I wish I could do that”? Or: “I think I can do that”? Or: “I want to do that”? Well, this course is for you.

In this workshop-style course, we’ll explore the craft as well as the artistic aspects of writing fiction. We’ll read a sample of contemporary short fiction as “writers,” meaning we’ll dissect the various techniques writers employ in the writing of their stories. We’ll also work on several in-class and out-of-class writing assignments (1-4 pages) designed to practice those techniques. Students will then write two original short stories that will be read and discussed by other members of the class. At the end of the semester, students will complete a portfolio of revised work. And, in order to assist us in our explorations, we will be attending campus literary events, to hear “up close and personal” from actively publishing writers. Writing is a journey. Ours begins now.

ENGL 20003 – 02

Fiction Writing

Johannes Goransson

MW 11:45-1:00

Students will begin with narrative exercises in style and form and ultimately write complete drafts and revisions of literary short stories. Readings in modern and contemporary literature will provide critical perspective and vocabulary, as well as narrative possibilities.  

ENGL 20004 – 01

Poetry Writing
Orlando Menes

MW 1:30-2:45

This course invites you to build on the basics, develop your technical abilities, and broaden your approaches to the form, genres, media, language, and performance of contemporary poetry. Students should expect to read and view works from a variety of periods and cultures, and will generate their own poems in response to course readings and prompts as well as their own impromptu in-class writing. Students will also sharpen their critical vocabulary as they analyze assigned readings, critique peer work, and receive critiques of their poems from both peers and instructor. Specific readings, activities and assignments will differ from section to section.

ENGL 30850 – 01

Fiction Writing for English Majors
Matthew Benedict

MW 3:00-4:15

This is a course in writing short fiction for English majors who come to writing with a broader literary background than non-majors. It is conducted through a discussion format centered on fiction written by students in the class, and in the context of readings drawn from the contemporary, literary landscape. Students will be encouraged to explore how style and language create aesthetic experience and convey ideas. No one type of fiction is advocated over another, and the emphasis in the class will vary from section to section; however, students will be expected to write fiction that demonstrates an awareness of the difference between serious literature and formula entertainment.

ENGL 30850 – 02

Fiction Writing for English Majors
Steve Tomasula

TR 12:30-1:45

This is a course in writing short fiction for English majors who come to writing with a broader literary background than non-majors. It is conducted through a discussion format centered on fiction written by students in the class, and in the context of readings drawn from the contemporary, literary landscape. Students will be encouraged to explore how style and language create aesthetic experience and convey ideas. No one type of fiction is advocated over another, and the emphasis in the class will vary from section to section; however, students will be expected to write fiction that demonstrates an awareness of the difference between serious literature and formula entertainment.