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Graduate Progam Information:
Marnie Leonard (970) 491-2403 Marnie.Leonard@colostate.edu

Graduate Study

E513 A,B,C, Form and Technique in Modern Literature

A. Fiction

This is a reading and discussion class about the way a wide variety of modern and especially contemporary fiction writers use form and technique. Focus will be on the writer's point of view and on the relationship between theory and practice. Typical discussion might cover the ways in which theme is developed through voice, plot, characterization, tone, and so forth. The course, though not a history of contemporary fiction, may cover trends in fiction from the modernists to the present day--realism, metafiction, minimalism, etc.

B. Poetry

This course will examine individual poems and critical writings by major modern poets in an effort to establish relationships between theory and practice, between poetics and poetry. It usually will trace some sources of modern and contemporary trends as they take their beginnings in the 19th Century. Major precursors such as Whitman, Dickinson, and Hopkins may be included as well as the French Symbolists for the backgrounds they provide in understanding 20th Century modernist poetry. Technical and formal issues such as the use of persona, imagery, rhythm, rhyme, stanzaic form, poetic line, diction, and figurative language will provide continuity as the course move through literary history and such movements as Imagism and Surrealism toward the contemporary period.

C. Creative Nonfiction

This reading and discussion class explores a wide variety of contemporary literary nonfiction books and shorter forms and focuses on the writer's point of view--specifically on questions such as AHow did the writer accomplish the structure of this work?" and "How might you do this, too?" and AHow do voice, plotting, characterization, and other techniques typical of the fiction writer help develop themes in nonfiction?@ and AWhat kinds of research are needed to help create a credible story?"

This class might look at personal essays and any number of creative nonfiction books in the following genres or areas of interest: memoir, nature or environmental writing, science, travel, anthropology, immersion reporting, history.

Contact us: Through the mail at 1773 Campus Delivery, 359 Eddy Hall, Ft. Collins, CO 80523-1773. On the phone at (970) 491-6428. By email at english@lamar.colostate.edu.

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