Course Description

The overarching theme is how to write stories that make a reader think and make a reader feel. We are surrounded by stories—they're like air—yet writing compelling stories requires work, craft, technique, and a hearty dose of bravery. The objectives of this course are to give students the toolkit they need to write effective and moving fictions, to be more nuanced thinkers, and to be more creatively fearless.

Students will dive into the elements of fiction writing: scene, character, dialogue, setting, language, time, and structure, for example. By allowing students to experiment with these techniques, the course provides the foundation needed for higher-level creative writing courses. Skills gained will translate into non-fiction and essay writing as well. Students will read a host of short stories, of various styles, and will do writing assignments. Students will also write and revise their own short story that will be critiqued by fellow students in the course.

Students will understand what it means to read as writers, not just read as readers. They will understand the elements of good writing and how to create good writing. The rigorous nature of the course, and its requirement that students read and write more attentively than they may have ever done before, will also strengthen their skills in perception, creativity, and critical thinking.

Prerequisites: No expectation of prior knowledge or experience. Students should be eager to give and receive constructive feedback.

Course Information

• Course Code: CEEL0996

Program Information

Summer@Brown

Brown’s Pre-College Program in the liberal arts and sciences for students completing grades 9-12 by June 2021.