Short Stories

Why This Class

For your student, the motives of human behavior (and sometimes, even their own) can seem mysterious and unpredictable. You want to help them gain a stronger sense of why they and others do the things they do. This course helps by guiding your student through a series of great short stories.

Mentors in this course challenge students to dig deep into the symbolism and hidden lessons of each tale. In the process, students uncover the principles that support—or unravel—family unity and loyalty, romantic relationships, grace under pressure, and happiness itself. Through discussions and writing assignments, they apply these lessons to their life circumstances and try their hands at creating original short fiction.

By completing this course, students expand their capacity for empathy and see the underlying forces that guide human action for better or worse. Moving forward, they use this perspective to increase the quality of their own life choices.

Overarching Questions

How does tradition influence societies and individuals?

Why do people believe in fate?

What is the role of loyalty in a family?

How does equity work in a family?

How does romantic love develop and what makes it strong or weak?

Reading List

Creating Short Fiction by Damon Knight

Readings Packet-Provided by Williamsburg

Course Details

Recommended Grade: 11th (Junior)

Prerequisites: None

Estimated Weekly Hours: 5 (Classic), 7 (Honors)

Format: Live, self-paced

Credits: 0.5

Please contact our Customer Support Team at support@williamsburglearning.com if you have questions.
Please note that program and course descriptions, as well as reading and materials lists, are subject to change as we continuously improve our curriculum throughout the year. Book and materials lists for the upcoming school year are published in SIS mid to late June. Some courses require subscriptions e.g., Adobe software or online magazines that may not be covered by partner schools.