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
Live 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.

Winter 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Wednesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 04, 2024 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Ron Darian
400614
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
No refunds after January 22, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Wed Jan 8, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Jan 15, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Jan 22, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Jan 29, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Feb 5, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Feb 12, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Feb 19, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Feb 26, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Mar 5, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
Discussion
Wed Mar 12, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Rolfe Hall 3108
-
Tuesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 04, 2024 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Merrill Feitell
400613
Fee:
$720.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

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

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. 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
No refunds after January 21, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Tue Jan 7, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jan 14, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jan 21, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jan 28, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Feb 4, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Feb 11, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Feb 18, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Feb 25, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Mar 4, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Mar 11, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens November 04, 2024 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Adam Prince
400612
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
No refunds after January 22, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
The Best American Short Stories 2021 by Editor: Jesmyn Ward

Contact Us

Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
Ready to start
your future?
By signing up, you agree to UCLA Extension’s Privacy Policy.

vector icon of building

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Learn More

vector icon of building

Donate to UCLA Extension

Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

Innovation Programs

Student Scholarships

Lifelong Learning

See More