Spring 2008

HUMS 623
Distinguished Writers/New Voices: Models for Writing Fiction and Nonfiction

Greene,Anne F.

01/28/2008 - 05/10/2008
Monday 07:00 PM - 09:30 PM

Downey 100

Offered in conjunction with the spring 2008 Distinguished Writers series, this writing course will study--for technique and inspiration--the work of contemporary writers whom the program brings to speak on campus. Readings include pieces by these speakers as well as a range of other authors. The course has two components: classes meet on Monday evenings for the writing course, and on several Wednesdays the writers will read and discuss their work. Students are required to attend at least four such readings. The guest speakers will include fiction writers and writers of nonfiction, including award winning Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie, award winning writer Andre Aciman, political journalist Philip Gourevitch, and music critic Alex Ross.

Course readings will include works by such writers as W.G. Sebald, Robert Stone, Edward P. Jones, Dubravka Ugresic, Adrian Nicole LeBlanc, John McPhee, and Joan Didion.

Class assignments will include short exercises emphasizing new techniques as well as a longer piece. Assignments may be adjusted if students have ongoing projects they would like to continue. Students may choose to work on short or long fiction, narrative or personal essays, memoir, profiles, or journalistic pieces. (Please note: this is not a course for poets.) Evaluation will be based on progress shown in the writing and contributions to class discussion.

Writers at all levels of accomplishment are welcome.


Anne Greene (B.A. Radcliffe College, M.A. Brandeis University) is adjunct professor of English, director of writing programs, and director of the Wesleyan Writers Conference. She was awarded the 2006 Binswanger prize for excellence in teaching. Click here for more information about Anne Greene.

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

Consent of Instructor Required: No

Format: Seminar

Level: GLSP Credits: 3 Enrollment Limit: 18

Texts to purchase for this course:
Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Adichie

False Papers, Andre Aciman

We Wish to Inform You that Tomorrow..., Philip Gourevitch

Accidental Masterpiece, Michael Kimmelman

Best American Essays 2005, Orlean editor

Still Life with Oysters and Lemons, Mark Doty

Art of the Personal Essay, Lopate ed.

Book of Unforgettable Journeys, Conde Nast

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