LIT 390R - The Fiction of Memory: Memoirs, Novels, and the Writing Life

Institution:

Antioch University-System Administration

Subject:

Description:

This workshop examines the blurry distinction between memoir and fiction. As memoirs have become a deeply popular form of reading culture, the popularity of the novel continues to wane; however, do the two really do differ so very deeply Many readers seem invested in the "honesty" of the memoirist, and conversely,the ability of the fiction writer to "make it all up." What is the ethicalresponsibility of the memoirist By the same token, how much of what we consider to be fiction is actually fiction - in other words, not true Working to understand the fine distinctions between fiction and non-fiction, students hone analytical and interpretive skills. Texts include Lauren Slater's book, Lying: A Metaphorical Memoir, in which she set out to write a fictionalized memoir and examples of romans a clef - novels purported to be thoroughly autobiographical. Students learn about the tradition of memoir, attempting to determine what is at stake in the debate over fact versus fiction. In addition, students workshop their own personal essays, whether true-to-life or true-to-imagination. No grade equivalents allowed. HUMANITIES DOMAIN

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.antioch.edu

Phone Number:

(937) 769-1372

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

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