Summer Enrollment is Open! Courses begin June 23, 2025.

Short Story I

WRITING X 412.1

Learn the basics of writing short fiction in this introductory course covering the building blocks of good storytelling.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
In Person
Online
Starting at $720.00
As few as 10 weeks
3.0

What you can learn.

  • Complete short exercises and assignments to jumpstart new story ideas
  • Explore plot, point of view, setting, description, and more
  • Get tips on rewriting and revising drafts
  • Draft and revise at least one new short story

About this course:

It is said that all of us have locked inside at least one good story to tell. Through lectures on craft, short writing exercises, assignments and discussion, you learn how to tell yours. Topics include plot, point-of-view, setting, description, conflict, characterization, dialogue, tension, rewriting and submission strategies. The course goal is to draft and revise at least one short story. This course is a prerequisite for students who are continuing in the short-fiction sequence.

Summer 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Thursday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Available
See Details
Instructor: Pete Hsu
403695
Fee:
$720.00
In Personformat icon
Location: UCLA
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Book: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Thu Jun 26, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Jul 3, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Jul 10, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Jul 17, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Jul 24, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Jul 31, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Aug 7, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Aug 14, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Aug 21, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
Discussion
Thu Aug 28, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1270
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Available
See Details
Instructor: Adam Prince
403697
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Book: The Best American Short Stories 2017 by Meg Wolitzer, ed

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