Writing with Power: Nonfiction as Art and Argument

This writing class will explore strategies and techniques for communicating the ideas—and exploring the questions—that matter most to us. We’ll look to the lineage of the personal essay for creative and critical moves we can apply to all kinds of nonfiction, especially academic writing. Playful prompts from John Warner’s The Writer’s Practice will help us exercise greater audience awareness and bring clarity to our words. As we build up these skills on the page, we’ll also approach writing as a practice of inquiry (not just a means information delivery).

 

Key ingredients of our learning will include shared readings, seminar, peer workshop, and prompts. Students will complete two major nonfiction writing projects (3-5 pages each). Students of all levels must be motivated and able to work independently, while also committing to supportive collaboration in peer workshops.

 

4 - Composition