1. To be skilled in the close reading and analysis of contemporary short stories, novels, and plays that belong to the following categories:

A. War Narratives

B. New Journalism

C. Metafiction

D. Magical Realism

E. Dystopia

F. Postmodern Fairy Tales

G. Experimenters

H. Diversity

2. To identify major themes and literary conventions when analyzing contemporary texts.

3. To identify the major figures and works influencing the writing of contemporary fiction.

4. To understand and employ literary theory and criticism when analyzing contemporary fiction.

5. To develop essays that have the following characteristics:

A. Limited, precise thesis

B. Clear organizational structure

C. Sound paragraph division and focus

D. Detailed, concrete examples (appropriately introduced and documented)

E. Correct grammatical usage

ENG230