INTERMEDIATE NONFICTION WRITING
ENGLISH 393-01, SPRING 2011
Teaching Assistant: KARYN RESCH
This
course combines the essential elements of a techniques of literary nonfiction
writing class with the essential elements of a workshop class.
We
will be focusing discussion on three essential questions: 1.) What makes a
particular work literary? 2.)
To what degree and in what ways has the author brought his or her intellect to
the art form? 3.) How does the work achieve public resonance; in other words,
what makes the audience care about the material?
Expectations
(quoting from essayist and UI Director of Creative Writing Brandon Schrand):
*“Because this is an [intermediate] course, the expectations are high and the
workload will be rigorous. Students are expected to know—and to further
develop—the basic tenets of the genre: language, stylization, character,
concrete details, dialogue, the names of things, P.O.V., cadence, syntax, music,
[and] research….. Students are expected to bring to bear what they have learned
at the 200 level on present readings in the manner of critical and
methodological analysis. Because this class will be established as a community
of writers, all students are also expected to contribute to discussions with
insight, intelligence, and sophistication. Students are evaluated on the quality
of their writing, participation, and critical acumen.”
Criteria for Grading:
Careful reading of
texts
Constructive
critiques (both oral and written)
Improvement
Use of research
and other sources in essays
Quality of
intellectual exploration and expression: depth of thought, eloquence of
expression, effective use of language, quality of editing
Class
participation, including attendance (no more than three unexcused absences)
Requirements:
*Meticulous and analytical reading of three books:
The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup
(Susan Orlean), Not That You Asked (Steven Almond), and
This Boy’s Life (Tobias Wolff).
*Optional
reading of a fourth book, The Year of
Magical Thinking (Joan Didion). This book is required only for those
students who want to be considered for an A final grade.
Only students who read and critique that book in addition to producing
excellent responses to assignments and participating fully in class will earn an
A.
*Writing of a shorter profile and two major essays (think
publishable) in addition to
several short exercises. These essays will be modeled after our reading for
class.
*Workshopping of as many
of the two major essays as time allows (but at least one).
*One
double-spaced page (about 250 words) of typed comments on peers’ workshopped
essays, in addition comments on particular pages.
*Attendance at two literary readings or lectures and a one-paragraph response to
each.
*Communal participation at all levels. It is essential to check UI email every day. I
see syllabi as organic; therefore I often communicate over the ether if there
has been a change of plans.
Wednesdays from 1:15-3:15 and others by appointment.
I often adjust office hours but will let you know beforehand over the
ether or in class. The best place to reach me by phone is at my home
office before 9 p.m.
I have other class commitments directly after this class, on M/W/F
mornings until after 10, and on W after office hours.