CPW542
Experimental Memoir: Writing Through the Body
From seemingly silly sound poems to touching tell-all journal entries, the body holds reference to stories that, if cultivated, may serve as the basis for necessary work on topics ranging from identity politics to our relationship with public space. Writing through the body offers an open workshop environment where writers of all skill levels can develop a body of creative work that is initiated by, and informed by, the body.
During each class, you will be introduced to the work of contemporary authors who use the body as an entry point for investigating topics such as gender, race, disability, and cultural and sexual identity.
Through participation in class discussion and group activities (including city walks, focused listening and class visits by published authors) you will become well-positioned to begin developing an informed body poetics. The class will culminate in an off-campus public reading where you will share excerpts from your final portfolios among family and friends.
Look at other courses in
This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):
| Section | Session(s) | Date/time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPW542-VA11411 | 4 | Saturdays Apr 26–May 17, 2014 1:30–4:30 pm |
Van | Carmen Papalia | TBA | TBA |
What will I learn?
By the end of the course, you will have done the following:
- Explored numerous strategies for initiating your own body writing
- Experienced a supportive and critical workshop environment
- Gained a sense of how the body has been addressed in poetry, prose and art over the last 100 years
- Created a body of work suitable for publication
- Gained a sense of how to approach being published—both in literary magazines and in self-produced editions
How will I learn?
- Multimedia lectures
- At-home and in-class group readings
- Writing assignments
- In-class writing workshop time
- Guest speakers
- City walks, focused listening exercises and other experiential workshops
How will I be evaluated?
Through consistent and engaged participation and a final portfolio.
Textbooks and learning materials
We will provide all reading materials.