We might think of writing like Mary Shelley's processes with Frankenstein: a lightning bolt of inspiration--and then toiling "day and night in order to complete my work. It was, indeed, a filthy process in which I was engaged." This advanced nonfiction course focuses on argumentative exhumation, tinkering, and breathing life into our projects, especially the second time around. We will envision, then reenvision, our writing. The workshop will impose a rigorous level of participation and accountability; it will also allow us to take risks with craft, inspiration, approaches, and our limitless capacity to grow as writers. As you begin to assemble (or panic about!) your final writing portfolios for Capstone, this course offers the opportunity to think creatively and critically about revision: to think and write anew, and to welcome the enlargement, refinement, and transformation of your creative practice. Must be enrolled in one of the following classifications: Junior, Fifth Year or Senior. Pre-req of LLSW 3510 Intermediate Non-fiction minimum grade of C.

In this workshop course focusing on expressive nonfiction, students will explore how to craft nonfiction narratives of varying lengths from a half-formed idea or impulse. The focus will be twofold: first to generate ideas for pieces based on individual interests, with some suggestions, then to work with different scales and narrative strategies. (This kind of work might also serve as preparation for the Capstone.) Building on the elements of craft students have already explored at earlier levels (language, structure, research, revision), students will develop short and more extended pieces over the semester. Readings will cover a range of nonfiction narratives and writers’ reflections that serve as models of creative problem solving. Throughout the semester, we will grapple with a perennial writer’s question: I have an idea – now what do I do with it? Must be enrolled in one of the following Classifications: Junior, Fifth Year or Senior. Pre-req of LLSW 3510 Intermediate Non-fiction minimum grade of C.