This course is an introduction to various ways of reading “serious” fictions, imaginative prose narratives that challenge cultural norms, vs. reading popular fictions, which often pander to convention. We will look at the differences initially and briefly but concentrate thereafter on serious fiction, reading and analyzing it, as well as formulating interpretations about what O’Connor would term “startling” fictions. Employing various critical approaches to what we read, we’ll critique why we or others are startled.

This five-week course is designed to broaden your fictional reading repertoire, expose you to a variety of fictional authors, genres, styles, and historical/cultural movements, enhance your critical expression, and convince you that the critical reading of fiction can help in the critical reading of life. Requirements for this intensive 5-week course include daily readings, critical researched writing, frequent quizzes, an essay midterm and final exam of 10 pp. each, and critically thoughtful, daily vocal participation in each class session. This is not a “distance learning” online course, and no “extra credit” is possible, so please do not enroll in this course if it conflicts with your summer work or personal schedules in June/July. We will read shorter as well as longer fictions in verbal as well as audiovisual formats.



Student learning goals









General method of instruction


The two methods are primarily (2) short lecture and (2)predominately class discussion--daily, active participation in discussion is essential, as all students will use class discussion to pratice articulating plausible,critical interpretations of fictional elements and contexts

Recommended preparation


critical thinking and writing

Class assignments and grading

Requirements for this intensive 5-week course include daily readings, critical researched writing, frequent quizzes, an essay midterm and final exam of 10 pp. each, and critically thoughtful, daily vocal participation in each class session. This is not a “distance learning” online course, and no “extra credit” is possible, so please do not enroll in this course if it conflicts with your summer work or personal schedules in June/July.

Daily class participation in discussion; quizzes; midterm and final short essay and identification exams