NLIT
3364

The American Short Story in the 21st Century

Schools of Public Engagement: BPATS

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Degree Students
American Short Story
Fall 2025
Taught By: Margaret Boe Birns
Section: A

CRN: 17932

Credits: 3

The short story is about a moment of truth, rearranging our perceptions, and bringing new insights. Although the short story is associated with brevity, there is an overflow of revelation, illumination, or feeling. In this class we will examine the way in which the sensibility of the American writer has found in the short story a highly congenial medium This course will examine a new wave of short stories singled out for their importance for 21st century America. Both contemporary and timeless, these stories represent the variety and power of American short fiction, its range of voices and styles, and give us a look into America’s soul. Readings include stories by Said Sayrafiezadeh, George Saunders, Wells Tower, Lydia Davis, Anthony Doerr, Joy Williams. David Foster Wallace, Deborah Eisenberg, Mary Gaitskill, Joe Wenderoth, Charles Yu, Lucy Corwin, Kelly Link, Jjumpha Lahiri.

Prerequisites: No Prerequisites
Co-Requisites: No Co-requisites

College: Schools of Public Engagement (NS)

Department: BPATS (BPAT)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: Online - Asynchronous

Max Enrollment: 21

Repeat Limit: N/A

Add/Drop Deadline: September 9, 2025 (Tuesday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 17, 2025 (Monday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 2:40am EDT 3/29/2025

Meeting Info:
Times: 12:00am - 12:00am
Building: Online Course
Room: 999
Date Range: 8/27/2025 - 12/15/2025