Class Description
Memoir can be the most intimate expression of creative prose, an exposition of one’s inner life, thoughts, and experiences. Once represented on the page, these experiences are no longer just our own, they are part of the public sphere. This class explores the political and cultural aspects of memoir and asks: is there a social responsibility on the part of the author? Looking closely at memoirs that deal with intersections of race, class, gender and sexuality, we will interrogate whether or not the author should consider how they choose to tell their story if it reflects their community or a community of others. The first three classes will look at authors such as Maxine Hong Kingston, Roxane Gay, Richard Rodriguez, Myriam Gurba, Kay Redfield Jameson, and how they represent community with the question of social responsibility in mind. Subsequent classes will focus on workshopping student pieces (three per week) with the aim of considering the question of the politics of memoir and representation, as well as their relationship to craft. At the end of the class, you will give the instructor 10-15 pages for individualized critique aimed both at addressing intellectual questions posed in class and the art of telling your story.
Please note: Class will not meet on 10/8 (Columbus Day) or 11/12 (Veteran's Day Observation).
Did you know that we have scholarships available for all GrubStreet classes? To apply, click the "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button in the top right corner of this page. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your scholarship application and await our Scholarship Committee's decision before registering for the class. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. Please visit the Resources tab to access the video-conference link.
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!