The class emphasizes both traditional and electronic research and requires a group presentation of the final essay. Additionally, it fulfills the second-tier Humanities general education requirement. The course develops students' fiction writing through a study and practice of craft. It emphasizes the process of generating, drafting, and revising ones' writing, and carries a significant reading requirement. Students produce a portfolio of original fiction after submitting drafts for rigorous peer critiques.
Students also investigate print and electronic venues in which to publish their polished work.