First-Year Writing Seminar (105-8-21)

Topic

True Crime

Instructors

Brendan O'Kelly

Meeting Info

University Hall 418: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

From viral podcasts to streaming documentaries, True Crime has become an increasingly popular genre of media in the 21st century. This course traces its evolution from 19th-century crime writing to modern investigative journalism, films, TV shows, podcasts, and online communities. We'll explore how True Crime balances storytelling, ethics, and activism—sometimes sensationalizing crime, other times exposing flaws in the justice system. Through critical academic and pop cultural readings, we will examine the genre's legal, ethical, and social ramifications, questioning why True Crime captivates audiences and how it impacts our understanding of justice.

Class Materials (Required)

James Baldwin. The Evidence of Things Not Seen (1995).‎ 9780805039392
Truman Capote. In Cold Blood (1965). 9780679745587

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar
WCAS Writing Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.