Reading in Forms: Nonfiction

9 units · Undergraduate

Intermittent: 9 units In this reading-intensive course we will analyze and discuss different types of narrative structure, narrative suspense, voice, metaphor, and point of view that make for effective non-fiction writing. We will also examine the difference between good writers and good work, the functions of objective distance from and intimate investment in a subject, as well as the philosophical questions spurred by non-fiction writing. What is the non-fiction writer's role, and how does it differ from that of the fiction writer? Where do the two genres overlap? What gives non-fiction writing integrity? What does the term "creative non-fiction" mean? How have the form and aims of non-fiction writing - from memoir to essays to long-form journalism - evolved for better and for worse? We'll be reading a selection of essays from a variety of writers, as well as full works from a few writers considered masters of the form. Prerequisites: 76-101 or 76-102 or ( 76-107 and 76-106 ) or ( 76-108 and 76-106 ) or ( 76-107 and 76-108 )