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

Course Schedule

MCW 461-DL : Nonfiction Workshop

Description

Find the stories you want to tell and learn how to make them strong and compelling. In this workshop, students will explore the elements of great nonfiction through reading, discussion, exercises, and the production of one publication worthy story or essay. We’ll start by reading a selection of exceptional writing across a variety of nonfiction genres, including memoir and literary journalism. We’ll read for pleasure and inspiration and study why these stories are so successful. Then, we’ll do exercises designed to help students develop their craft and take it to a new level of creativity and accomplishment. Learn about structure, characterization, voice, and how to use description and dialogue when the story you’re telling is grounded in true experience, or research and reporting. As students rework their stories through multiple drafts, they’ll receive detailed feedback from the professor designed to help them achieve their individual goals. (This course will be taught remotely on Zoom each week during the time designated.)