Writing Creative Nonfiction: Foundational Concepts, Skills, and Practice

This course concentrates on the craft of writing nonfiction, which includes popular subgenres such as narrative nonfiction, memoir, the personal essay, travel writing, humor, criticism, nature and science writing, literary journalism, and experimental forms. The primary focus will be fundamentals and techniques of creative nonfiction to be used in virtually every sub-genre. Students will later apply these classic skills in courses devoted to various nonfiction sub-genres, such as memoir. Class discussions will emphasize essential writing skills and professional approaches to research, taking advantage of a supportive workshop format. Students will express their ideas about both craft and content and workshop their writing with a view toward professional publication.