Every one of us faces change—moments when things shift in our lives in small and big ways. How do we respond to these life changes? Is it possible or even desirable to return to the way things were before? What transformations are we invited into when life is disrupted? What does it look like to process the past with its mix of positive, painful, and puzzling events? How do we move forward into new ways of being? Patricia Hampl says: “True memoir is written, like all literature, in an attempt to find not only a self but a world.” In this writing course, we will explore memoir as a means of bearing witness and bringing meaning to life changes, whatever they may be. Our guide for this course will be Beth Kephart’s Handling the Truth. We will also read selections from a wide variety of memoirs. Throughout the course, we will observe how authors structure their stories to make meaning of the events, how they find a measure of clarity in complex experiences, and how they offer the reader a compelling story that is both relatable and revelatory. We will put into practice what we have learned through weekly in-class writing exercises.
Book to purchase:
Kephart, Beth. Handling the Truth: On the Writing of Memoir.
New Participant: $225.00
Returning Participant: $225.00
Day: Mondays
Time: 6:15 to 8:15 PM
Location: 3405 Atwater, Montreal
Instructor: Matte Downey
First session: September 15 2025
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3 credits
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
Refund Policy
We're sorry, but there are no remaining spots for this course.