Writing the Self

Memoir, reportage, criticism, essays: creative nonfiction holds it all. In this course we will read a range of nonfiction, from in-depth journalism to personal essays and memoir excerpts. We will use our own experiences to write in class and out, and we will share our work together. We’ll ask of our readings and ourselves, how does the “I” work? We’ll read diverse experiences and perspectives to ask how personal experience can enlighten – or detract from – larger themes or issues. Readings include nonfiction by Alexander Chee, Hilton Als, Kiese Laymon, Durga Chew-Bose, Leslie Jamison, Esme Weijung Wang, James Baldwin, and more.