Goal

The goal of this course is to help students improve their writing skills and to encourage their creativity through the use of a literary piece. By the end of the course, students should be able to write a short story based on "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" with strong characters, plot, and setting.

Aims

• To engage students in critical thinking and analysis of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" as a literary piece.
• To develop students' understanding of different elements of a short story, such as plot, characterization, and setting.
• To equip students with the necessary skills to write a compelling short story.
• To provide students with the opportunity to share their written work and receive constructive feedback.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (4 lessons)

• Lesson 1: Introduction to the course and the literary piece ("The Secret Life of Walter Mitty")
• Lesson 2: Analysis of characters in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
• Lesson 3: Analysis of plot in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
• Lesson 4: Analysis of setting in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"

Module 2: Elements of Short Story Writing (8 lessons)

• Lesson 5: Introduction to short story writing
• Lesson 6: Developing a plot for a short story
• Lesson 7: Creating three-dimensional characters
• Lesson 8: Writing dialogue
• Lesson 9: Developing a setting for a short story
• Lesson 10: Using figurative language in short story writing
• Lesson 11: Choosing a point of view for a short story
• Lesson 12: Writing a strong opening for a short story

Module 3: Writing a Short Story based on "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (20 lessons)

• Lesson 13: Students brainstorm ideas
• Lesson 14: Students outline their short story
• Lesson 15-16: Students draft their short story (2 lessons)
• Lesson 17-18: Peer editing and review of first draft (2 lessons)
• Lesson 19-20: Proofreading and revising first draft (2 lessons)
• Lesson 21-22: Students draft their second draft (2 lessons)
• Lesson 23-24: Peer editing and review of second draft (2 lessons)
• Lesson 25-26: Proofreading and revising second draft (2 lessons)
• Lesson 27-28: Students draft their final draft (2 lessons)
• Lesson 29-30: Peer editing and review of final draft (2 lessons)

Module 4: Sharing and Publication (8 lessons)

• Lesson 31: Preparing a cover letter and synopsis for the short stories
• Lesson 32-34: Presentation skills and public speaking practice (3 lessons)
• Lesson 35: Setting up a digital portfolio
• Lesson 36-39: Publishing and sharing the short stories online (4 lessons)
• Lesson 40: Course reflection and feedback

Conclusion

Through the combination of analysis of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", lessons on elements of short story writing, and real practice in writing short stories based on the literary piece studied, students will be able to develop skills in writing and creative thinking. The inclusion of peer editing, proofreading, and publishing opportunities will provide a comprehensive learning experience for students.