Class 2 - Starting to think about memoir
Notes from Class 2
Hello, and welcome back. In this class, we’re going to be talking about our first readings, and then we’re going to be writing in response to one of the two writers you have read.
But I’m going to start by putting you in breakout groups for some introductions.
Introductions
In your breakout groups, introduce yourself to your fellow students. Let them know the following:
- Your name
- Where you are in the world, and what your home institution is
- Why you are interested in studying this course.
When you’ve gone round and done this, then turn to the readings (Augustine and Sei Shōnagon).
- Share the line that you chose from one of the readings, and your reflections on this line.
- Talk about your general impression of these two readings.
When you’ve had a chance to do this, we’ll get back together and talk through. You have about 15 minutes.
Talking Back to History
To help develop your voice in writing creative nonfiction, and to give you a more creative way of exploring the texts you have read, try the following exercise in letter-writing.
Letters are great, because they are addressed — often, at least — to specific individuals. In a letter you can change tone as you would in everyday conversation. You can be personal, confessional, annoyed, annoying, serious, funny, irrational, insightful, belligerent, poetic… Sometimes all in the same letter.
So start by reading through the discussion board. You have 10 minutes to look at other students’ responses, and to comment on at least one other student’s post.
Then I’ll set a timer and ask you to write a short letter to either Saint Augustine or Sei Shōnagon (don’t worry that they are dead, and won’t get to read it!). Begin your letter, “Dear Augustine…” or “Dear Sei Shōnagon.”
In your letter, share your reponses and your own experiences and stories with the recipient of the letter, as if you are writing to a friend. Everything you put in the letter must be true. For the body of the letter, write between two and three short paragraphs.
Sharing your letters
In groups, I want you to share your letters with Augustine / Sei Shōnagon by reading a section out loud. As you listen to your fellow students, note down any words, phrases or ideas that you particularly respond to. Also jot down any notes on the following:
- What are the powerful moments in the piece you have heard?
- What do you want to know more about?
- What do you like about the author’s “voice” — the way they write, the tone or feel of what they write?
Let everyone read their piece in turn before you discuss. Then, when everyone has read, discuss your notes.
Group sharing
Now we have a chance to share in the group as a whole!
Homework
For your homework, you have two tasks.
First, post your letter on the canvas site by the end of Friday (ICT time!) before the next class. This is a graded participation exercise, graded as 0 (incomplete or inadequate) or 1 (good)
Second, read the second reading, from Tara Westover (Reading 3 on Canvas). It’s a great piece, and you should enjoy it. As before, when you have completed the reading, share at least one line Westover’s work that you find particularly compelling or intriguing. Write a short post on the discussion board, quoting this line in turn, and making a few comments (3-5 sentences) about what you find so intriguing about it. This is a graded participation exercise, graded as 0 (incomplete or inadequate) or 1 (good). You must submit this before the beginning of the next class, or you will get a 0 grade.