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Class Syllabus: Journaling and Memoir Writing 101

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Office Hours: Continuous
Course Meeting Times: Continuous
 

Course Description

Memoir WritingIt doesn't matter if you're a famous politician, suburban homemaker or someone in between, the fact of the matter is that everyone has a personal story worth telling.  Whether you want to honor someone who's made a difference in your life, heal old wounds, document unique experiences or travels, record your family history, or leave a legacy to future generations, "Memoir Writing" is a comprehensive step-by-step guide that will demystify the process of finally putting your story on paper.

 

No matter if you're a novice or a professional writer interested in the memoir form, "Memoir Writing" is designed to help you decide what story to tell and the best way in which to tell it.   Whether you are interested in writing a memoir exploring your personal struggles such as addiction, abuse or divorce or a travelogue based on your experience backpacking through Europe, this course will help you narrow the focus of your life story and define the underlying theme that will connect you with an audience.  You will also learn how to find your true voice that will make your story unique and authentic.  Through varied and comprehensive writing exercises you will learn how to sharpen your instincts and hone your storytelling craft.  "Memoir Writing" will also teach you how to dig deeper into your life and mine important memories that will enable you add incredible depth and richness to your story.  In addition to the extensive writing lessons, you will learn what to do with your memoir once it is finished.  Whether your goal is pass on your memoir as a family heirloom or to become a New York Times best seller, "Memoir Writing" will address the various publishing options available to you.  Everyone has a story to tell.  Let "Memoir Writing" help you write yours today.

Course Requirements

At least a high school reading and writing educational level is required.

Course Topics

 

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to the Memoir
  • Lesson 2: On Writing
  • Lesson 3: Finding Your Voice
  • Lesson 4: How to Get Started
  • Lesson 5: What's It About?
  • Lesson 6: How To Deal With The Main Character (You)
  • Lesson 7: Memory Mining and Truth
  • Lesson 8: Anatomy of a Scene and Structure
  • Lesson 9: Editing and Receiving Feedback
  • Lesson 10: How to Overcome Difficulties
  • Lesson 11: You're Finished, Now What?

Course Materials

All course materials will be online and no outside purchases will be required.

Grading Policy

The course consists of eleven lessons. At the end of each lesson will be  one writing  assignment and a lesson review quiz based on the lesson material. A percentage grade will be given based on point accumulation.
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Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe basic writing techniques to use when writing memoirs.
  • Describe ways to find your voice.
  • Summarize how to get started.
  • Describe how to deal with the main character (you).
  • Summarize memory mining techniques and truth.
  • Describe the anatomy and structure of a scene.
  • Summarize editing procedures and types of feedback to look for, and
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

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