Reading and Writing Creative Nonfiction (208-CN-12)
Instructors
Freda Smith
Meeting Info
Online: Mon 6:15PM - 9:15PM
Overview of class
This course explores the personal essay through close reading, a variety of writing strategies, and classroom workshop. You'll dig into your own memories and life experiences, explore the process of turning yourself into a character on the page, and experiment with different approaches to structure. We'll read a diverse array of contemporary personal essays by writers including Darryl Pinckney, Leslie Jamison, Yiyun Li, Phillip Lopate, David Sedaris, and Ross Gay, studying how each approaches the project of personal storytelling. Short weekly writing assignments will give you a chance to practice the techniques we're learning and will guide you toward a final essay, which you'll workshop in class before revising and submitting.
Registration Requirements
This class may not be audited or taken P/N. Advanced composition class and strong basic writing skills highly recommended.
Class Materials (Required)
The Contemporary American Essay, edited and with an introduction by Phillip Lopate (Anchor Books, 2021)
Please note that you must have a physical copy of this bookâwe are going to write in it!
Class Attributes
Synchronous:Class meets remotely at scheduled time