Good writing is often described as vivid, visceral, sensual, and therefore rooted in the body. But what makes writing feel embodied? What makes personal bodily experiences feel fleshed out on the page? And how can we use our body as a writing resource? This workshop-based creative writing class will examine the narrative techniques and stylistic choices of a variety of body-centric short stories, from the realistic and lyrical to the satirical and the horrific. We will closely read stories on lust, death, motherhood, body image, and more by writers including Carmen Maria Machado, Caio Fernando Abreu, Jamaica Kincaid, Tove Ditlevsen, and Kristen Roupenian. Students will write their own short stories of varying lengths based on prompts, and will be expected to give and receive feedback, revise work, and prepare a final portfolio.
Learning Outcomes:
-Engage with a tradition of writing about the body and various narrative strategies;
- Closely read short stories with attention to content, form, technique, and language;
- Articulate constructive critical feedback on the work of peers;
- Develop a portfolio of original stories that incorporates strategies from the assigned reading.
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
Submit a writing sample using this form by November 24, 2023. Students will be notified of their acceptance into the course by November 29, 2023. Students should select Ben Anastas from the faculty email on the form.
Corequisites: Students in 4000-level literature classes are expected to attend all Wednesday evening literature events.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 2:10PM - 4:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Course Frequency: One time only
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , Literature , New Courses , Updates
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