Unlocking Canadian Short Stories: Reading, Analyzing and Exploring the Craft

• Week 1: Theme 
  A literary theme is the underlying central idea, message or universal truth explored throughout a story, rather than its plot or subject matter. It represents the “big takeaway” or core insight about human nature, society or life. We’ll discuss theme and how it differs from topic or subject. Themes are rarely stated directly; readers must infer them from the narrative. Through reflection and analysis of “Freeing the Pike”, by Richard Wagamese, we’ll explore underlying themes.
• Week 2: Plot
  Plot refers to the sequence of events in a story and the way those events are structured to create meaning, tension and movement. We’ll examine how plot functions beyond simple action, shaping readers’ understanding through pacing, conflict and resolution. Through close reading and discussion of “Dressing Down”, by Carol Shields, we’ll analyze how plot choices support theme and character development in short fiction.
• Week 3: Characters
  Characters are the individuals through whom a story’s ideas and conflicts are revealed. We’ll focus on how writers create complex, believable characters through action, dialogue and interior reflection. By analyzing “Ray”, by Guy Vanderhaeghe, we’ll explore characterization and consider how characters drive narrative meaning.
• Week 4: Narrator
  The narrator is the voice that tells the story and shapes how readers experience its events and ideas. We’ll examine point of view, reliability and narrative distance, and how these narration choices influence interpretation. Through discussion of “Consolation”, by André Alexis, we’ll analyze how narrative perspective guides readers’ understanding and emotional engagement.
• Week 5: Setting
  Setting includes the physical, social and cultural environment in which a story takes place. We’ll explore how setting contributes to mood, character and theme rather than serving as background alone. By studying “Paris”, by Souvankham Thammavongsa, we’ll examine how place and context shape meaning.
• Week 6: Dramatic Shape
  Dramatic shape refers to the overall structure and emotional arc of a story, including how tension is introduced, sustained and resolved. We’ll consider how short stories create impact through compression and careful design. Through close reading of “A Song for Robin”, by Heather O’Neill, we’ll analyze how form and structure contribute to a story’s lasting effect.

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Develop an understanding of short story elements through exploration of a range of outstanding Canadian short stories
• Analyze short stories and write thoughtful responses
• Appreciate the craft and techniques behind the words in short fiction
• Read and interpret short stories more skillfully

• Lectures
• Participating in class and small-group discussions
• In-class reflective writing
• Supplementary resources accessed through Canvas
  
• Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.