Narrative Architecture: Constructing a Life for the Law

Catalog description

All writing is fundamentally making an argument, from fairy tales to novels to law review articles. The most effective writing contains both story and argument, whether for a courtroom, a scholarly journal or a general audience. In this course, students will be led through the craft of such composition, how to construct a life history within a framework of argument. How can you make someone who has done terrible things be more than the summation of those terrible things? What are the craft elements good writers use to fill out a life on the page? How can mitigating factors become tools of craft and argument? We will consider both the limitations of the law, and the use of media for garnering public support in a case. Students will be asked to present a craft deconstruction to the class, as well as a final paper showcasing elements we cover in class. Pedagogic materials include long form narrative journalism piece, white papers from legal journals and essays. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, class presentation, written assignments, final paper.