This intermediate level course delves deeply into the art of the personal essay and the craft required to write through memory. We'll conduct a survey of classic, modern and post-modern essays, including writing that pushes the boundaries of form and genre. In the second half of the semester, we will explore memory, memoir, and the myriad ways we might render the narrative self in the context of writing about families. Authors studied in this class include Mark Doty, Alison Bechdel, D.J. Waldie, Michael Patrick MacDonald, Joan Didion, E.B. White, Scott Russell Sanders, and others. Each student must keep a writing journal, and must write and revise several literary nonfiction pieces working toward a final portfolio of polished work. Along the way, students should expect to provide written and verbal feedback on one another's drafts during workshops. Active discussion is mandatory.
This course is for students who have some prior experience writing literary nonfiction.