When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 4 modules in this course
If you have always wanted to tell your own story—in a memoir, first-person essay, or any other form of autobiographical non-fiction—but felt you lacked the tools or the framework, this is the class for you. We will learn how successful first-person writing is structured to offer the reader a sense of propulsive motion, and is guided by a narrator who is deliberately crafted. We will explore the ways in which language can be used to create tone, so that the emotional freight of your words is as potent as the storytelling. And crucially, we will consider the writer's responsibility to the reader: the importance of being a guide who includes the reader in the sensory, emotional, and intellectual experience you mean to share through your writing.
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 31 minutes
Developing Trust with the Reader•7 minutes
What's Important?•8 minutes
Intimacy and Formality•6 minutes
Narrator's Perspective•11 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
The Narrator•60 minutes
The Journey
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 35 minutes
Theme and Chronology•12 minutes
Where to Begin•9 minutes
Momentum•6 minutes
Sequence and Conflict•8 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
The Story's Path•60 minutes
Finding Your Voice
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 33 minutes
Making It Happen•5 minutes
Language and Resonance•8 minutes
Using Humor and Self-Effacement•8 minutes
A Conversation with Amy Bloom about Dialogue•12 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Choosing Color•60 minutes
What's Your Point?
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
What's included
3 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 19 minutes
Concept and Storytelling•7 minutes
Understatement•7 minutes
Discovery and Insight•5 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Mission Statement•60 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. With our distinctive scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.7
120 reviews
5 stars
80%
4 stars
13.33%
3 stars
2.50%
2 stars
2.50%
1 star
1.66%
Showing 3 of 120
A
AA
5·
Reviewed on Nov 5, 2019
Ariel Levy gives specific examples of books and excerpts to illustrate the learning points. This is very helpful and much appreciated.
S
SP
5·
Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026
I loved this course. I found the professor to be engaging and very knowledgeable. The feedback I received, although AI generated, was very insightful and bang on in my opinion. A+ for this course. :)
A
AA
5·
Reviewed on Oct 29, 2020
Brilliant teaching. This course got me organized enough and out of my head. It's improved my writing 1000%!
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.