While creative nonfiction often focuses on personal essays or longform narratives, this class will look at an under-discussed species of the genre: the meditative essay. Writers will read, discuss, and produce meditations ("On X"), polemics ("Against X") and treatises ("In Defense of X"). Throughout the course, we'll not only workshop each other's submissions, but we'll also read and discuss examples from contemporary practitioners of this subgenre, such as Yiyun Li, Zadie Smith, Anne Fadiman, and John Jeremiah Sullivan. Writers will learn to use personal anecdotes and scenes to connect their experiences to universal truths and marshal broader arguments.
Prerequisite: At least one intermediate or advanced class and permission from the instructor. To apply, please email a writing sample (three to five pages) and a brief description of your workshop history to [email protected]. If your application is accepted, you will receive a password to register for the class.
Scheduling note: This class will skip the week of Thanksgiving.
