Overview of Course

Creative nonfiction is diverse and multifaceted, and this course will look at many writing concepts with a focus on memoirs, personal narrative, and travel narrative. Students will study and employ creative writing techniques such as characterization, descriptive detail, juxtaposition, metaphor, allegory, imagery, and synecdoche. As we travel, students will seek out nonfiction examples that demonstrate pitch-perfect prose, compelling character studies, memorable settings, sharply composed scenes, and enthralling themes. The writing workshop will give students the opportunity to take their world experiences and implement them in the fundamentals of craft – dialogue, flashbacks, conflict, voice, style, tone, structure, and scene. Group dynamics will include the use of critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical reasoning to critique other writings and communicate thought-provoking suggestions about the strengths and weaknesses of drafts to peers. The focus will be on shaping our experiences into creative factual narratives as we journey from one country to the next. International experiences will be incorporated into every class through in-depth in-person interviews, designing an experience, and contributing to a class project—a world travel magazine.