Department of English

In this course, we will explore works by writers whose prose defies distinctions between fiction and creative non-fiction for clues to their overarching thematic concerns and writing styles. Short stories, novel excerpts, and essays by Junot Diaz, Victor LaValle, Jamaica Kincaid, Edwidge Danticat, and Toni Morrison, among others, will foreground our conversations about how to develop a narrative voice (i.e., a writing personality). The focus of this class will be on developing keen critical and creative eyes so that we can become better readers and writers. Students can expect to generate a portfolio of new work, respond to reading assignments and the work of their peers, and build creative community with other writers.