Finding Your Voice: Memoir as a Guide to Authentic Self-Revelation
Writing
Course Description
“I remember when…” thus begins many a story that is meaningful to the teller but perhaps not quite as interesting to others.
While autobiographies seek to offer a comprehensive historical account of a life, memoirs focus on a selection of memories (usually centred around a theme) that reflect the personal, subjective perspective of the author.
In this workshop, we will engage with a variety of memoirs, those that are adjacent to our lived experience and those that seem far removed. Using The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr as a guide, we peek behind the scenes to discover what makes a memoir compelling and credible. We explore the function of memory and its (un)reliability and look at the value of narrative nonfiction as a mode of meaning-making.
We will explore questions such as: How can we speak about our lives and experiences in ways that connect with others? How can we be honest and authentic yet respectful of all involved? How can we talk about our failures and tragedies with compassion and humour instead of wallowing in self-pity.
In addition to studying the memoirs of others, participants will have the opportunity to explore their own memories through in-class writing exercises.
Books to Purchase:
- The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr (Harper Perennial, 2016)
Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 12 students and that TMI does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
Course Details
Location: Atwater
First Session: Thursday September 19th, 2024
Course Length: 12 weeks, Thursdays, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.
Discussion Team: Matte Downey
Degree Credit: 3 credits
Course Fee:
$190.00 (for new students and returning students)
Administrative Fee:
$35.00
Total:
$225.00
Returning and new students will pay an increased flat rate for instructor-based writing courses. Tuition waivers may no longer be used for these courses.
Course fees are refundable in full before the first session. There will be no refunds issued after the first session. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.
Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.