Department of English

Creative Non-fiction and Poetry: What is creative non-fiction? What are the implications of calling for a poetry that is more like prose and a prose that is more like poetry? Throughout the semester we will explore these questions and ideas through reading and writing assignments that cross and question genre distinctions. The first half of the semester we will focus on creative non-fiction including the personal essay and the lost art of the belles-lettres form. In our section on poetry we will explore the terrain between poetry and prose, where the shape and tone of the line is as much an idea about the possibilities and limitations of narrative and as it is about time, place, and character. The class will operate as a workshop. Texts for study and response will be provided and we will discuss our own work in an environment that is both supportive and open. A final manuscript of 15-18 revised pages will be required, with dates set throughout the semester to guide the final submission. Please note this course does not fulfill the writing requirement for College of Arts and Science students.