Skip to main content

Reading & Writing Creative Non-Fiction (208-0-22)

Instructors

John Robert Bresland

Meeting Info

University Hall 118: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

An introduction to some of the many possible voices, styles, and structures of the creative essay. Students will read from the full aesthetic breadth of the essay, including memoir, meditation, lyric essay, and literary journalism. Discussions will address how the essay creates an artistic space distinct from the worlds of poetry and fiction, and how truth and fact function within creative nonfiction. Students will be asked to analyze the readings closely, and to write six short essays based on imitations of the style, structure, syntax, and narrative devices found in the readings. Students can also expect to do some brief writing exercises and at least one revision.

Registration Requirements

All students interested in the Creative Writing Major must take two introductory writing courses--poetry (ENG 206), fiction (207), or creative nonfiction (208)--before applying to the major. Be sure to enroll in 206 or 207 if you have not already done so.

No P/N registration.

Attendance of first class is mandatory.

Course especially recommended for prospective Writing Majors.

Teaching Method

Discussion; one-half to two-thirds of the classes will be devoted to discussion of readings and principles, the other classes to discussion of student work.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration is reserved for English Students except Seniors until the end of preregistration, after which registration will be open to all students the meet the prerequisites.