The blank page can be the most daunting obstacle in writing. In this course, aspiring writers will assemble a “starter kit” for approaching the blank page by developing constructive ways to think about the writing process as a whole. While subsequent courses in this series will focus on the mechanics of good writing, this course offers ways to think about the writer’s relationship to her material, and ultimately develop a writing style that is uniquely her own.
This course is part of the Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization
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Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself SpecializationWesleyan UniversityAbout this Course
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Course 1 of 4 in the
Beginner Level
Approx. 5 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 4 in the
Beginner Level
Approx. 5 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish
Offered by
Wesleyan University
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
The Art of the Frame: Giving Context to Memories
This week you will learn to identify aspects of the writing process that experienced writers can afford to take for granted. We will address questions of structure, strategy, and methods—the necessary elements for any good blueprint for writing.
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 17 min)
1 hour to complete
Avatar: The Messenger is the Message
1 hour to complete
3 videos (Total 13 min)
1 hour to complete
Diegesis and the Extradiagetic Frame: Two Trains Running
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 19 min)
1 hour to complete
Profiling: Our Relationship to the People in Our Work
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 17 min)
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM MEMOIR AND PERSONAL ESSAY: MANAGING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE READER
by SLAug 4, 2019
The information was given in such a way that I found myself re-thinking all of the stories I've written, wanting to explore other options and re-write from a clearer perspective. Truly valuable.
by KSep 3, 2020
I really appreciate the professor and his classes I have enjoyed every single video and every assignment It is really useful course which will allow us to know how exactly to write a memoir.
by SLMar 19, 2021
Really enjoyed the instructor. Appreciated the lectures, and the need for me to keep a dictionary close to look up some of his high-powered words. I enjoyed all four assignments.
by SBApr 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this course. It's frustrating if you aren't on the same schedule as several others though, making it difficult to review others' work and have them review yours.
About the Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization
How To Write About Yourself...so that someone else wants to read it! This is the heart of this Coursera specialization in Memoir and Personal Essay. Masters of both genres share tips, prompts, exercises, readings and challenges to help every writer imagine, construct and write compelling pieces of non-fiction's most popular form: the personal narrative.
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