Courses

Fiction and Poetry

Grades 7–11
All Dates and Tuition
Modality

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Identification Level
Verbal - CTY-Level

About the Course

Saul Bellow said, "A writer is a reader moved to emulation. This course draws inspiration from the published works, journals, and drafts of writers such as Alice Munro, John Updike, Rita Dove, and Li-Young Lee. In this class, you'll learn to read like a writer by examining a range of content, styles, structures, and techniques. You'll debate the distinction between the realistic and the fantastic in works such as Gabriel García Márquez's I Sell My Dreams and the value of imagery in Elizabeth Bishop's The Fish. While writing short fiction and poetry in various forms, you'll workshop drafts with your classmates under the guidance of your instructor, building a community that fosters your development as writers. You'll not only learn to tactfully give and receive criticism, but also to refine your work, building a common understanding of how voice, style, and structure constitute strong poetry and prose. Note: This course focuses on realistic literary fiction and poetry. The genres of science fiction, fantasy, romance, and mystery are not part of this course.

Typical class size: 16-18

Learning Objectives

  • Read a wide range of short fiction and poetry from various times and regions worldwide  
  • Analyze key elements and techniques of notable works of realistic literary fiction and poetry, including how voice, style, and structure constitutes strong poetry and prose 
  • Demonstrate strong description, careful word choice, attention to form, and consistent tone in your writing
  • Employ various literary devices and techniques in personal pieces of fiction and poetry
  • Apply critical thinking to the study of fiction and poetry, demonstrating learning of concepts and approaches covered throughout the course  
  • Engage in the writing workshop process, learning to edit and revise works based on feedback 

About Advanced Enrichment courses

These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.

Requirements

CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.

Identification Details
Grade 7–11
Identification Level
Verbal - CTY-Level
Coursework Prerequisites None

Dates and Tuition

It looks like there are no upcoming sections right now. Stay tuned for new dates!

Registration Fee and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.

Learn more about Financial Aid
Join Fee $55

If you are not a member of CTY yet, you are required to join before enrolling in a course.

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In-Person registration fee $75

Non-refundable fee for in-person courses.

Online Registration Fee $15-$20

Non-refundable fee for online courses.

Language Arts

Explore powerful poetry and prose and develop your own voice and storytelling skills through creative writing, lively discussions, and thoughtful feedback.

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