6 Weeks, 6 Essays

Over the course of six weeks, writers in this intensive class will generate six short essay drafts (between 500 and 1,000 words each). Each week we will look at model essays in various essay forms, including, but not limited to, pieces by Audre Lorde, Anne Carson, James Baldwin, Claudia Rankine, Eleni Sikileanos, Berry Grass, and Amy Tan. Students will respond to prompts and exercises, both at home and in class, to practice with different styles and genres of the creative nonfiction essay. Students will bring copies of essay drafts to class each week, where they will read them aloud and receive on-the-spot feedback, with each student given the chance to workshop at least two essays with the whole class, plus various work-sharing sessions in small groups.

At the end of the class, students will leave with a sizable body of work as well as advice on how to move forward with drafts and the writing life beyond the class.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!