This one-hour course offers reading enthusiasts an alternative to the standard book group. For readers who do not have the time for longer fiction, the short story provides the same exhilaration and joy of reading as any other literary genre – particularly in a discussion setting. This course includes authors from the Western Canon (e.g., Joyce, Hemingway, Wharton, et al) as well as foreign and contemporary authors. Each story, which is usually less than ten pages, will be emailed the week before class, allowing participants to absorb the content and fully engage in the discussion. While we explore the various literary devices of the story (e.g., theme, plot, characters) the primary element for discussion will be our personal and diverse opinions of the story. All new stories each week!