LIT-3900R: Fiction of Memory: Memoirs, Novels, and The Writing Life

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 ethical responsibility 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.
Min. Credits: 1.0 Max Credits: 2.0
Credit Basis: Quarter credit
Location(s): Antioch Univ Los Angeles
Method(s): Workshop
Faculty Consent Required: N
Program Approval Required: N
Course Type Liberal Arts, Science & Social Science

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LIT-3900R: Fiction of Memory: Memoirs, Novels, and The Writing Life