ENG 412 (1) W Nonfiction Writing (Creative Nonfiction)
This workshop-oriented course is PRACTICE in the art of the literary journalism. I emphasize the word practice only to de-emphasize the pressure-cooker feeling that can result from too much obsessing on how your writing will be (re)viewed. We’re simply practicing—all semester long. We will submit drafts of our articles for critiquing by our student peers. Keep in mind that reciprocity is important. You are expected to give as much attention to the drafts submitted by your peers as you expect them to give to your work. We will cover and by no means be limited to the personal essay, travel writing, memoir, and biography.
Each student will be required to hand in a minimum of 25 pages of polished creative prose. And since the class is discussion-based, workshop-oriented, and because handouts are given out regularly, attendance is mandatory. There is no make-up for leaving a chair empty, or worse, a fellow student’s story unread.
Grades are based on the quality of the student’s written work, the effort put into all assignments, and participation.
TEXTS
McDougall, Christopher. Born To Run.
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 978-0-307-27918-7
Gutkind, Lee. You Can’t Make This Stuff Up.
Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
ISBN-13: 978-0738215549
ISBN-10: 0738215546
Plus, there will be a COURSE READER.
Prerequisite: English 313 or consent of instructor.