ENGL 2324 - Memories of Self: Memoir Writing

Arts & Sciences
In this course, students will have the opportunity to explore memoir literature and to begin to write their own memoir. A memoir differs from an autobiography in one key way - a memoir is a themed slice of life, not merely a chronological recounting of events. A memoir seeks to harness emotional truth. Because participants will select their own memoir topic/s, they will find themselves motivated to write, to experiment with different memoir-writing styles, and to revise for clarity and conviction. Students will select a theme, determine which anecdotes and examples best illuminate key points (by reviewing source material such as diaries and letters), delve into the past to locate additional support materials (such as report cards and birth announcements), identify artwork that will add visual interest to their stories (photographs or greeting cards, for example). Once prepared, participants will write and revise a chapter of their memoir. In the process, they will discover emotional truths.
credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1100