American Short Stories: A Century of the Best

American Short Stories: a Century of the Best is an online English literature course centered around a selection of the finest American short stories from the past century. Students will engage with diverse narratives over the academic year, fostering a love for reading and critical thinking. Each story offers an opportunity to explore writing styles, thematic depth, and historical contexts. The course employs interactive discussions, both formally led and informally facilitated through a Canvas learning management system, encouraging students to analyze literary elements and refine their rhetorical insights. Moreover, students will demonstrate their understanding through a choice of creative culminating activities, further enriching their learning experience.

The course aims to create a communal learning environment where students value and learn from each other, promoting reading as a social activity. It is structured over four quarters, with each quarter culminating in a presentation of the student's chosen project.