This course explores the imaginative possibilities of short fictional narratives by examining a range of texts from various historical periods and cultural contexts. Students can expect to read widely from different genres and forms (e.g. fairy tales, fables, gothic tales, modernist short stories, postcolonial short fiction, novellas, contemporary fiction, etc.). Through a range of activities, students will explore, examine, and debate the limitations, affordances, and rewards of 'shorter' forms of literary expression. At the same time, students will develop an appreciation for how literary genres and forms evolve historically and are affected by relevant changes in social and cultural environments.