The Art of Short Fiction

Category: Cultural Studies


Date: Apr 06, 2026 - May 13, 2026

Duration: 6 Weeks

Schedule:

Monday - 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday - 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM


Application Deadline:

Feb 12, 2026


Delivery Method: In-person

Course Fee: PKR 28500

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Overview:

The course is designed to be a conversation between the instructor and the students. Through a combination of lectures and seminars, the students will explore the art of short fiction, with the aim of being published in creative writing journals and anthologies. Short fiction requires an entirely different frame of mind from the writer, as compared to the novella or novel. Succinct plots, clarity of thought and fleshed-out characters in just a few thousand words can be a daunting task. However, short fiction allows writers to flex their writing muscles without worrying about a magnum opus.

A key component of the course is brainstorming, enabling students to hone their creative planning skills, discover their own perspectives and learn to effectively communicate these ideas to others. This course will follow a 'Read/Write' pattern, wherein critical reading and discussion will take place alongside writing exercises.

To communicate effectively in the written form, the writer must read widely, absorb, plan and then begin to write. Effective writing does not happen without constant revision and self- reflection. A writer must also learn to accept feedback and critiques of their work; the workshop aspect of the course will facilitate this. Throughout the course, students will work on a short story of up to 5000 words, with short assignments work-shopping various elements, until a final version is submitted at the end.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate and apply an understanding of writing structures and forms

  • Learn creative planning and brainstorming techniques

  • Engage with a variety of texts and be able to respond with an understanding of structure and mechanics

  • Employ effective written communication strategies??


Centre for Continuing Education Studies
Course Outline

Hassan Tahir Latif
Hassan Tahir Latif is a literary editor and writer from Lahore. He is Managing Editor of The Aleph Review (Pakistan's premier English language creative anthology), co-founder and publisher at The Peepul Press (an independent publishing house) and a Features Editor at Dunya Digital (a slow news platform for cultural stories). Over the last decade Hassan has consulted with several publications, written for print and digital platforms and conducted short fiction workshops for all age groups; recent workshops include ampersand, Uncollected and the LUMS CES Summer School. He regularly works with writers on their manuscripts.

Application Process:

Participants must register online through the CES website by clicking on their desired course and filling out a one-page form. Before starting the registration process, please ensure that you have the following:

- A passport-sized photograph for the CES smartcard. It should be against a white background.

- Correct CNIC details.

Incorrect information provided during the registration process will lead towards cancellation of your enrolment at any stage, and participants will not be entitled to claim a refund.

Once you have completed your online registration, you may proceed to the payment section. You have two options:

1. Pay online using your bank debit/credit cards through LUMS online payment system https://pay.lums.edu.pk

2. Download the fee voucher and deposit cash in any branch of the designated banks specified on the fee voucher.

Once the payment has been made, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 to 48 working hours, and your payment status will be updated to "ENROLLED" in the online application portal.

Installment:

KalPay Taleem offers monthly installments for all CES on-campus courses and workshop fees. For more details, contact via WhatsApp at 0328 3044414 (working hours - 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM), or visit taleem.portal.kalpayfinancials.com/sign-up to apply!

Note: CES may cancel or postpone a course due to insufficient enrolment or unforeseen circumstances. In this case, the university will refund registration/processing fee (if any) but will not be responsible for any other related charges/expenses including cancellation/change charges by airline and travel agencies.

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