This paper begins with a brief survey of the state of contemporary short fiction practice, with particular reference to McSweeneys Quarterly Concern, leading into a reflective account of pedagogical approaches to short fiction on Creative Writing degree programmes; an examination of expectations of Creative Writing courses from the point of view of students, teachers and the publishing industry; and consideration of how teaching methods can accommodate or respond to potentially conflicting aspirations. An account of delivering a short fiction module, and an evaluation of personal teaching practice, lessons learned and principles extrapolated concludes
