Life Writing: Reading and Writing the Self (ENGL2410)
2009

Texts

Confessions of an English Opium Eater!$!Thomas de Quincey!$!!$!!$!1822
s
The Liars’ Club!$!Mary Karr!$! !$!!$!1995
The Silent Woman!$!Janet Malcolm!$! !$!!$!1994
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit!$!Jeanette Winterson!$! !$!!$!1985
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim!$!David Sedaris!$!!$!!$!2004
s
Maus!$!Art Spiegelman!$!!$!!$!1986
s

Description

The topic will review the history and genres of life writing-from 'lives', confessions, poetry, letters and diaries, through to biography, autobiography, memoir, essays, testimony, art work, photography websites and social networking.

The themes we will cover include truth, subjectivity, self, identity, privacy/disclosure, memory, trauma, and the ethical, moral and legal issues surrounding the representation of the self and others in life writing modes. We will explore ways of researching and resourcing life writing projects.

Students will explore both the theories and practice of life writing genres, and will be give the option of critical and/or creative life writing pieces for their assessment

Educational Aims

Educational aims of the topic:

* To develop students written and oral communication skills and to enhance students' confidence in attempting new forms of address

* To enhance students research skills-particularly in relation to using contemporary/new media sources

* To develop students' abilities to work independently and collaboratively

* To encourage students to develop a proficiency in using on-line research and writing tools (FLO, Wikis, social networking sites)

Expected Learning Outcomes

On completing this topic students will be able to:

* Demonstrate their knowledge of theories and methods of life writing

* Understand the ethical and moral issues affecting life writing genres

* Write creatively and/or critically using life writing theories, forms and methods

* Critically evaluate primary and secondary sources on life writing

Assessment

Tutorial activities/FLO Worksheets: (30%)

Short Assignment: (30%)

Major Assignment: (40%)

Other Details

Levels: Undergraduate
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