Introduction to Creative Nonfiction

This course is designed for individuals who want to explore creative nonfiction, two words that might seem like an odd pairing. However, the genre is rooted in a long tradition of telling stories, making personal observations, and employing a variety of literary techniques to communicate facts. Over the course of eight weeks, participants will read, analyze, and discuss the works of contemporary creative nonfiction writers. Each week will bring study, research, and reporting on techniques, and the opportunity to learn about the use of scenes, dialogue, and observation to create your original stories. This course includes a workshop element. Work generated in the course will be workshopped by fellow students. We’ll discuss craft and narrative approaches, as well as point of view, tone, and style. There will be in-class and out-of-class reading and writing assignments.

This course is taught by Kevin Davis, an instructor at the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies. Davis is an award-winning journalist and author of three books on the criminal justice system: The Brain Defense, Defending the Damned, and The Wrong Man. He has also authored eight nonfiction children’s books. 

Notes

Online registration deadline: Sep 19, 5 PM CT