2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Mar 20, 2026

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

CRW 111 - Creative Writing: Nonfiction

What distinguishes nonfiction from fiction is its supposed relationship to Truth or Reality. But because we are subjective beings, arriving at objective truth is often very difficult. Creative nonfiction borrows many of the elements of fiction writing, while presenting some interesting challenges. Can we always trust our memory of events, especially when they conflict with someone else’s memories? How do we write about that complex, multifaceted thing that is the self? How do we write about our lives in a way that others will find interesting? How do we write about family members, friends, and strangers in an ethical way? In this class we will delve into these questions by reading examples of great works of creative nonfiction, writing engrossing true stories, and workshopping student writing. Students will leave the class with a publication-ready portfolio.

This course counts towards the Creative Writing minor. It does not count towards the English major or English minor.

Anticipated Terms Offered: Annually