THE
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN SHORT STORY
May 4 and May 11, 2000
Readings in short stories of the last five years. We will pay special attention to the return of traditional narrative, and contrast it to experimental fiction being published today. We'll question what comforts the classic short story form offers its readers, and we'll ask why so many well-established writers have turned their backs on experimentation and post modernism. Works by Charles Johnson, Joyce Carol Oates, Tim O'Brien, Ntozake Shange, Junot Diaz, Alice Munro, among others.
“I expected ‘food for the brain.’ This seminar certainly met those expectations.”
- Jacqueline VanderHeyden
“I expected two informative, professional, enlightening seminar days. My expectations were met and exceeded. Prof. Sayers was outstanding.”
- Susan Remmo
“Mostly it was just the pure joy of being a student once again in the classroom setting, and flexing our brains with colleagues.”
- Miki Strabley
“The size of the group, the quality of the stories and discussion and the approach of the professor all contributed to a wonderful experience. Thanks for offering the program.”
- Roger Bubb
VALERIE SAYERS is Professor of English in the Creative Writing program. She is the author of five novels, two of which, Who Do You Love and Brain Fever, were named New York Times' "Notable Books of the Year." She is a frequent contributor to the New York Times Book Review.