What makes great literature?

The greatest value of literature is the emotion that is brought forth to the reader.  Literature also is the starting point to creating other forms of art.  Stories are constantly being edited to create movies, plays, and songs.  Literature gives the reader the opportunity to feel emotions that may be new to them.  I also need to say that these valuable emotions aren't always positive.  There is great value to literature that brings forth sadness, anger, jealousy, or any other instance of self-reflection.  The power of words and the poetic way these words are brought together have changed mindsets and lives.  Human beings are the happiest when they feel they are not alone, regardless of what peril they find themselves against.  Being from a small town (like myself), finding someone you can relate to is not always quick or easy, but I guarantee that I can turn to literature and find in writing something that is relevant to my own experiences.

What goals will I set for myself in this class?

If I ask myself what goals I have set for in this class I guess I could simply state "An A+" would be nice.  But I guess that doesn't make for an interesting blog.  I am currently fulfilling my first goal of writing a blog which I have never done before.  Looking further into this question I look back to when I was in carpentry school.  In carpentry class as well as this class, I hope to be able to break down stories as I once had to break down the construction process.  Just like learning the framing, leveling, and finish work that creates a stable and powerful building  I want to be able to see the nuances and the subtle but totally necessary components that combine to make a story.  I hope to be able to hold my own in discussions of literature and maybe even impress myself a little with my progress.

What I hope to learn in ENG 121: The Short Story

In order to be a successful and legitimate writer I realize first I need to be a successful reader.  I am hoping to learn the nuts and bolts of reading, analysing, and eventually being able to properly critique literature.  I want my effort in this class to reward me with building a solid foundation that I can carry with me into a creative writing degree at the University of Farmington.  I want this class to challenge me and spark creative motivation.