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