7000019 - Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction

Course Description

In this beginner-level course, you will learn how to blend real-life stories with literary techniques to create compelling and authentic creative non-fiction works. This course will introduce you to various forms of creative non-fiction, including memoir, the personal essay, the lyric essay, and literary journalism. Through reading published creative non-fiction and engaging in class discussions, we will also consider the challenges and ethical issues of writing from life. With the guidance of an experienced author and workshopping with other writers, you will write the true stories you most want to tell.  

What You'll Learn

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Read and reflect on a variety of readings from published authors in the creative non-fiction genre, including memoir, humour writing, literary journalism, and personal essays 
• Identify the implicit challenges in writing true stories and examine the ethics of creative non-fiction 
• Reflect on how to appropriately choose what to reveal and what to avoid when writing about the lives of real people
• Apply various techniques and styles to framing a creative non-fiction story and developing a compelling true narrative
• Use observation, interviews, and research to create an authentic creative non-fiction story
• Give and receive feedback through participating in writing workshops with fellow students
• Demonstrate the use of creative non-fiction writing styles and techniques in your own writing by experimenting with various forms

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Creative Writing Certificate (New) : Electives