The Literature of Memoir

Catalog description

This course explores one of the oldest and most popular forms of literature: memoir. Students will focus on why authors of very diverse eras, cultures, races, socioeconomic levels, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities have been inspired to tell their life stories: how do writers "invent" themselves through personal narrative? What kinds of information do they share - and what do they seem to hold back? What assumptions do memoirs imply about their imagined audiences? Readings span from ancient Africa to 20th-century China and Saudi Arabia, from medieval England and Jerusalem to 21st-century New York City; they include prose autobiography, poetry, drama, film, and graphic memoir. All texts will be introduced with historic, sociological, political, and literary background. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161) Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3