top of page

Syllabus

Foundation Level: Part I

What Makes a Good Story?

YMS Liberal Arts Foundation Level Main Text_page-0001.jpg

McDougal Littell Literature

In this module, we will explore the essential elements of storytelling—plot, setting, conflict, and character development. Through reading short excerpts and complete short stories, we will analyze how authors craft engaging narratives and develop our own critical responses through structured writing assignments. 

Module Overview

Program duration: 20 weeks ​

Module Objectives 

By the end of this module, students will: 

  • Identify and analyze plot, setting, conflict, and characterization. 

  • Evaluate the credibility of a story’s plot and characters. 

  • Develop strategies for reading and making inferences. 

  • Engage in multiple response-to-literature writing assignments. 

  • Write a short story that demonstrates an understanding of narrative elements. 

Module 1: Introduction to Storytelling

  • Discussion: What makes a story powerful? (Group activity) 

  • Reading Strategy: Making inferences and recognizing chronological order 

  • Key Terms: Plot, conflict, setting, author’s purpose 

  • Activity: Analyze a well-known story and identify its key elements 

Image by Nong

Module 2: Understanding Plot Structure 

  • Concept: The five stages of a plot (Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution) 

  • Reading: Short story excerpts that demonstrate different stages of plot 

  • Close Reading Activity: Identify plot stages in a sample story 

  • Response to Literature Writing: Analyze how the plot unfolds in “The Bracelet” by Yoshiko Uchida 

  • Writing Task: Outline a short story using the five stages of plot 

Modern Building

Module 3: Conflict and Character Development 

  • Concept: Types of conflict (Character vs. Character, Self, Society, Nature)

  • Reading: “The School Play” by Gary Soto

  • Discussion: How do character traits shape the plot?

  • Response to Literature Writing: Examine the protagonist’s challenges and Soto’s use of humor

  • Writing Task: Develop a protagonist facing a major conflict

Adult Students

Module 4: Setting and Its Influence on Storytelling

  • Concept: How setting shapes conflict and plot

  • Reading: “The Good Deed” by Marion Dane Bauer

  • Activity: Describe a vivid setting that impacts the story’s conflict

  • Response to Literature Writing: Discuss how Bauer reveals character through interactions

  • Creative Writing: Write the opening scene of a story focusing on setting

Story Time

Module 5: Theme, Symbolism, and Mood in Science Fiction

  • Reading: “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury

  • Concepts Covered:

    • How setting influences mood and conflict

    • Symbolism in storytelling 

    • Theme analysis: envy, exclusion, and empathy

  • Response to Literature Writing:

    • Examine the emotional impact of the story’s climax

    • Explore how Bradbury creates sympathy for Margot

    • Compare Bradbury’s use of setting with other stories in the module

  • Creative Writing Task: Write a short story that builds mood through setting

Young Painter

Module 6: Writing and Revising Short Stories 

  • Peer Review: Share story drafts and provide feedback

  • Response to Literature Writing: Compare how Uchida, Soto, Bauer, and Bradbury structure their stories

  • Revision Workshop: Strengthening plot structure and character depth

  • Final Writing Task: Complete and submit a short story

Writing on Tablet
bottom of page