Writing Creative Nonfiction
A workshop in writing and critiquing original creative nonfiction in several representative sub-genres.
Outcomes: Students will learn to apply both traditional fictional techniques (eg, in-depth characterization, dramatic plot development, specific concrete detail) and more innovative ones (eg, shifting chronology, genre mixing, eccentric voices, multiple points-of-view) in their nonfiction writing.
A workshop in writing and critiquing original creative nonfiction in several representative sub-genres.
Outcomes: Students will learn to apply both traditional fictional techniques (eg, in-depth characterization, dramatic plot development, specific concrete detail) and more innovative ones (eg, shifting chronology, genre mixing, eccentric voices, multiple points-of-view) in their nonfiction writing.
Artistic Knowledge and Experience
This writing workshop focuses on the personal essay. Students will draw from their lives and their observations of the world to craft short, thoughtful, carefully composed works that tell true stories, raise questions, and possibly (but not necessarily) draw conclusions. One meaning of an essay is to try; the purpose of a personal essay is not merely to report facts or to so say what happened but to try for greater understanding. What did you learn? How does your experience link to larger themes? Ideally, you will discover what you think about your chosen topics as you write. You may surprise yourself.
In addition to writing polished, finished essays, students will read each other¿s work and discuss it in class. Weekly assigned readings of both classic and experimental essays will provide wide-ranging examples of this literary form at its highest level. We will also free-write when time allows.
Class Details
Class Availability