Monday, August 13, 2007

Course Description

Writing From Life
E-Learning

We all have stories to tell. Writing allows our most
meaningful stories to exist outside of ourselves and
provides an opportunity for readers to share our ex-
periences. Good writing can make us feel less
alone.

Do you have a story to tell? Chances are you have many stories to tell.
But how do we write our stories in a way that extends beyond ourselves?
How do we compose and construct a narrative that satisfies?

In The Situation and the Story, Vivian Gornick writes, "Every work of
literature has both a situation and a story. The situation is the
context or the circumstance, sometimes the plot; the story is the
emotional experience that preoccupies the writer: the insight, the
wisdom, the thing one has come to say."

In this course, students will discuss the genre of creative nonfiction,
read published work, and practice the craft of creative nonfiction. At
the end of the course, students will have a working draft of a short
(600-800 word) personal essay. The course includes easy to use
technologies such as blogging and wikis. Instructor will provide
information about these technologies, but encourages students to learn
about these tools in advance.


During the eight weeks of class, expect to:

1. Read articles about the craft of writing
2. Read published pieces
3. Read other study group members' writing
4. Generate ideas
5. Practice writing techniques
6. Give and receive feedback from study group members
7. Receive feedback on ONE draft of personal essay from study group leader

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