Presentation of student portfolio at the end of term. An introductory workshop in the art of writing poetry, including practice in analysis and interpretation, sound, rhythm, imagery, and figurative language. Discussion of contemporary models and student work. Presentation of portfolio at the end of the semester. This advanced course in writing autobiography encourages students to recognize developmental patterns in their own lives and understand the social and political context of their experience.
Emphasis is on the thematic, structural, and stylistic problems of extended narrative.
Autobiographical readings are used to model the genre and address relevant issues, such as the selectivity of memory, the public presentation of the private self, and the literary value of daily life. Assignments also focus on the selection of subject, setting, and narrative techniques. Readings in contemporary science fiction and fantasy serve as models for approaches to these two genres. A creative writing course for students interested in exploring female experience through different literary forms. Readings by contemporary women writers.