7 Courses- Nov 25, 2026
- Jan 20, 2027
- Mar 17, 2027
- May 12, 2027
- Jul 7, 2027
- Sep 1, 2027
- Oct 27, 2027
Vivid characters and immersive worlds are key to captivating storytelling. In this course, you will develop compelling characters and rich story settings through hands-on writing exercises and targeted techniques. You'll craft detailed character biographies, explore the interplay between setting and personality, and build cohesive story worlds with their own internal logic and "dark matter." Through focused exercises in both poetry and prose, you'll create rich narrative environments that authentically reflect and shape your characters' experiences.
The following course is required to be completed before taking this course:
- Developing the Story and Idea
- Oct 14, 2026
- Dec 9, 2026
- Feb 3, 2027
- Mar 31, 2027
- May 26, 2027
- Jul 21, 2027
- Sep 15, 2027
Mastering the flow of story progression and dramatic tension allows writers to keep readers engaged from beginning to end. In this course, you will craft compelling narratives by honing the essential mechanics of plot development and character transformation. You'll examine conflict types, story beats, and plot structures, and you'll practice techniques for guiding characters through meaningful change. These principles will be applied across multiple forms, from traditional narrative to poetry, creating dynamic scenes that drive stories forward.
The following courses are required to be completed before taking this course:
- Developing the Story and Idea
- World-Building and Character Development
- Oct 28, 2026
- Dec 23, 2026
- Feb 17, 2027
- Apr 14, 2027
- Jun 9, 2027
- Aug 4, 2027
- Sep 29, 2027
The way a story is told can shape its impact and deepen its connection with readers. This course explores the strategic use of narrative perspective and voice to craft distinctive, engaging stories. By experimenting with different points of view, tonal approaches, and voice techniques, you will refine your storytelling style while building meaningful connections with your audience. Examples from multiple genres, including poetry and film, will provide inspiration and expand your narrative toolkit.
The following courses are required to be completed before taking this course:
- Developing the Story and Idea
- World-Building and Character Development
- Building Blocks of Scene and Structure
- Nov 11, 2026
- Jan 6, 2027
- Mar 3, 2027
- Apr 28, 2027
- Jun 23, 2027
- Aug 18, 2027
- Oct 13, 2027
Dialogue has the power to bring characters to life and drive the story forward in subtle, impactful ways. In this course, you will craft authentic, purposeful dialogue that advances plot, reveals character, and enriches stories with layered meaning. Practical exercises in dialogue construction, exposition management, and subtext development will help you create conversations that feel natural while serving multiple narrative functions. You will also build a systematic approach to revising and refining dialogue.
The following courses are required to be completed before taking this course:
- Developing the Story and Idea
- World-Building and Character Development
- Building Blocks of Scene and Structure
- Nov 25, 2026
- Jan 20, 2027
- Mar 17, 2027
- May 12, 2027
- Jul 7, 2027
- Sep 1, 2027
- Oct 27, 2027
Scenes that captivate readers and draw them into the world of a story are built through rich detail and intentional action. In this course, you will craft vivid, dynamic scenes using sensory detail and purposeful movement. By practicing description, metaphor, and action sequences, you'll create immersive experiences that drive your stories forward. Techniques for balancing showing and telling, maintaining clarity in action scenes, and weaving imagery into the narrative will further enhance your storytelling skills.
The following courses are required to be completed before taking this course:
- Developing the Story and Idea
- World-Building and Character Development
- Building Blocks of Scene and Structure
- Oct 14, 2026
- Dec 9, 2026
- Feb 3, 2027
- Mar 31, 2027
- May 26, 2027
- Jul 21, 2027
- Sep 15, 2027
eCornell online Workshops are live, interactive learning experiences lasting 1 to 4 hours and led by Cornell faculty experts. These premium, short-format sessions focus on AI topics and are designed for busy professionals who want to gain immediately applicable skills and strategic perspectives. Workshops may include faculty presentations, breakout discussions, and guided hands-on practice.
The AI Workshops All-Access Pass provides you with unlimited participation for 6 months from your date of purchase. Whether you choose to attend one Workshop per month or several per week, the All-Access Pass allows you to customize your AI journey and stay on top of the latest AI trends.
Hosted by Cornell faculty at the forefront of their fields, Workshops cover a range of cutting-edge AI topics applicable across industries. Workshops are offered at three levels to allow you to choose topics that match your experience.
- AI Foundations
- These Workshops introduce core AI concepts, terminology, capabilities, limitations, and practical applications. No prior AI experience is required.
- Best for: Beginners, AI-curious professionals, and teams starting their AI journey.
- AI in Practice
- These Workshops focus on practical skills, workflows, and strategies that help participants use AI more effectively in their day-to-day work. Some familiarity with AI tools is recommended.
- Best for: Professionals who have experimented with AI and want to build confidence and capability.
- AI Leadership and Transformation
- These advanced Workshops explore emerging technologies, strategic implementation, governance, organizational impact, and specialized applications. AI fluency is expected, and some Workshops may have prerequisites.
- Best for: AI leaders, transformation teams, executives, and advanced practitioners.
eCornell was truly one of the best investments I made in my entire career and it’s what brought me to where I am now.
