Course schedule for the Interdisciplinary Studies in Writing Graduate Certificate Program, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

Course Descriptions and Schedule

Interdisciplinary Studies in Writing Certificate Requirements

Four Units of any Writing Courses

May include Writing Workshops, an independent study (not to exceed one), Publishing and Professional Development courses, MCW 575 The Publishing Industry: Literary Presses and Journals, MCW 579 Practicum in Teaching Creative Writing, MCW 580 Practicum in Publishing, any graduate literature course, any MCW 490 elective course, or any other related courses identified by the SPS Graduate Office..

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MCW_SEMINAR 461-0 : Nonfiction Writing Workshop

Description

“In the best nonfiction,” writes Philip Lopate, “It seems to me, you’re always made aware that you are being engaged with a supple mind at work. The story line or plot in nonfiction consists of the twists and turns of a thought process working itself out.” The personal essay, specifically, is much more than a short story that happens to be true. Reflection, self-awareness, metawriting, personal vulnerability, and critical thinking all create their own story about the author as focalizer, distinct from what happens in scene. In addition to your workshop pieces, we’ll discuss the work of contemporary essayists (think: Sarah Manguso, Camille Dungy, Alexander Chee, Roger Reeves, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, Elissa Washuta), tracing how their “supple minds” withhold and reveal information, contextualize their experiences, and draw connections among seemingly disparate elements. Students can expect to write and revise two essays, as well as a few critical annotations of readings.