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Greg Pardlo
The blank page can be the most daunting obstacle in writing. In this course, aspiring writers will assemble a “starter kit” for approaching the blank page by developing constructive ways to think about the writing process as a whole. While subsequent courses in this series will focus on the mechanics of good writing, this course offers ways to think about the writer’s relationship to her material, and ultimately develop a writing style that is uniquely her own.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/bx5abn/memoir
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Art of the Frame: Giving Context to Memories
This week you will learn to identify aspects of the writing process that experienced writers can afford to take for granted. We will address questions of structure, strategy, and methods—the necessary elements for any good blueprint for writing.
Read more
Syllabus
The Art of the Frame: Giving Context to Memories
This week you will learn to identify aspects of the writing process that experienced writers can afford to take for granted. We will address questions of structure, strategy, and methods—the necessary elements for any good blueprint for writing.
Read more
Avatar: The Messenger is the Message
Diegesis and the Extradiagetic Frame: Two Trains Running
Profiling: Our Relationship to the People in Our Work
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by Greg Pardlo, who specializes in writing and literature
Focuses on developing a unique writing style and creative process
Introduces essential concepts in writing, such as structure, strategy, and methods
Builds a strong foundation for aspiring writers
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Reviews summary
Memoir and personal essay writing guide
Learners say this engaging four-week course on memoir and personal essay writing will teach you how to think critically about structure, perspective, and audience when composing compelling narratives about yourself and others. Instructor Gregory Pardlo uses clear and thought-provoking explanations alongside challenging assignments and constructive feedback from peers to help you develop essential writing skills. Students report that the course is well-structured and effectively paced, making it a great option for those new to creative writing or looking to improve their craft.
The writing exercises challenge students to think deeply about their writing.
"The assignments were very helpful, although the instructions were sometimes not as clear as they should have been."
"The assignments were challenging yet very helpful."
The course is well-structured and effectively paced, with clear deadlines.
"The course's pace kept me writing but wasn't a burden."
"The minilectures were very interesting and helpful."
"I thought this class was very well structured and that Greg Pardlo was relatable and on point."
Pardlo's video lectures provide clear explanations and compelling examples.
"The assignments were wonderful prompts drawing out unexpected topics and encouraging introspection on daily life."
"I really enjoyed this course. It was my first course ever done online and the pace and topics were great."
"I enjoyed listening and learning from Greg's videos."
Students appreciate the constructive feedback they receive from their peers.
"One gets out of the course what one puts in. I took it seriously."
"Feedback from other students is always welcome."
"I appreciated the lectures, and the need for me to keep a dictionary close to look up some of his high-powered words."
Peer reviews can be inconsistent and not always helpful.
"I received 1-2 comments that were actually helpful over the one-month course but the vast majority were irrelevant and a waste of time."
"For example, peers who simply answereddid "Yes," or "no" to a rubirc, question aren't going to move anyone to the next level of writing."
"Peer feedback is a disaster. Most of the people I've had to review or who have reviewed my submissions have enormous difficulty with the English language."
Some students express difficulty connecting with instructor, and desire more direct feedback.
"I found the instructor's pre-recorded lectures helpful. I would have liked to have had more interaction with the instructor -- either through Discussion, Office Hours or even a one-time event."
"The one note I did receive from the professor about half-way through the course felt canned and generalized."
"This course could have been great if there was any control over how assignments were graded."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader with these
activities:
Review parts of speech
Show steps
Reinforce foundational understanding of the building blocks of language.
Browse courses on
Parts of speech
Show steps
-
Identify the different parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, interjection)
-
Practice identifying parts of speech in sentences
Create a writing schedule
Show steps
Build a structured plan for consistent writing.
Show steps
-
Identify the best time of day to write
-
Set realistic writing goals
-
Create a writing schedule and stick to it
Write a series of short reflections
Show steps
Foster a regular writing practice and stimulate introspection.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic or event to reflect on
-
Write a short reflection using descriptive language and vivid imagery
-
Revise and edit for clarity and impact
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read "The Elements of Style"
Show steps
Study a classic text on writing style and clarity.
View
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read and analyze the principles outlined in the book
-
Apply the principles to your own writing
Participate in a writing group
Show steps
Receive feedback and encouragement from peers.
Show steps
-
Find or create a writing group
-
Share your writing and provide feedback to others
Write a personal essay
Show steps
Apply writing skills to a larger project and develop a cohesive narrative.
Show steps
-
Choose a personal experience or topic to write about
-
Develop an outline and structure for the essay
-
Write a draft and revise it for clarity and flow
Attend a writing workshop
Show steps
Engage in focused and immersive writing exercises with guidance from experts.
Show steps
-
Research and find a writing workshop tailored to your needs
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises
Review parts of speech
Show steps
Reinforce foundational understanding of the building blocks of language.
Browse courses on
Parts of speech
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the different parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, interjection)
- Practice identifying parts of speech in sentences
Create a writing schedule
Show steps
Build a structured plan for consistent writing.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the best time of day to write
- Set realistic writing goals
- Create a writing schedule and stick to it
Write a series of short reflections
Show steps
Foster a regular writing practice and stimulate introspection.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic or event to reflect on
- Write a short reflection using descriptive language and vivid imagery
- Revise and edit for clarity and impact
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read "The Elements of Style"
Show steps
Study a classic text on writing style and clarity.
View
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and analyze the principles outlined in the book
- Apply the principles to your own writing
Participate in a writing group
Show steps
Receive feedback and encouragement from peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a writing group
- Share your writing and provide feedback to others
Write a personal essay
Show steps
Apply writing skills to a larger project and develop a cohesive narrative.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a personal experience or topic to write about
- Develop an outline and structure for the essay
- Write a draft and revise it for clarity and flow
Attend a writing workshop
Show steps
Engage in focused and immersive writing exercises with guidance from experts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and find a writing workshop tailored to your needs
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises
Career center
Learners who complete Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers design and evaluate the user experience of websites, apps, and other digital products. If you want to become a User Experience Designer, it is important to be able to understand and relate to your audience. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to think about your writing process as a whole and how to approach the blank page with a constructive mindset.
Author
Author
Authors write books, articles, and other forms of literature. If you want to become an Author, it is important to be able to develop your own unique writing style and to be able to write in a way that is both personal and relatable. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to think about your writing process as a whole and how to approach the blank page with a constructive mindset.
Screenwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters craft stories and dialogue for film and television. If you want to become a Screenwriter, it is important to be able to understand and relate to your audience. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to think about your writing process as a whole and how to approach the blank page with a constructive mindset.
Publicist
Publicist
Publicists write press releases and other materials to promote their clients. If you want to become a Publicist, it is important to be able to write in a way that is persuasive and engaging. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to identify your target audience and how to write in a way that will resonate with them.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. If you want to become a Journalist, it is important to be able to think critically about the world around you and to be able to communicate your ideas clearly. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to identify important details and how to structure your writing in a way that is both engaging and informative.
Speechwriter
Speechwriter
Speechwriters write speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. If you want to become a Speechwriter, it is important to be able to write in a way that is both persuasive and inspiring. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to identify your target audience and how to write in a way that will resonate with them.
Copywriter
Copywriter
Copywriters write text for marketing and advertising materials. If you want to become a Copywriter, it is important to be able to write in a way that is persuasive and engaging. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to identify your target audience and how to write in a way that will resonate with them.
Content Writer
Content Writer
Content Writers create written content for websites, blogs, and other online platforms. If you want to become a Content Writer, it is important to be able to write in a way that is informative and engaging. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to research and organize your writing, and how to write in a way that is clear and concise.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for organizations. If you want to become a Grant Writer, it is important to be able to write in a way that is persuasive and engaging. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to identify your target audience and how to write in a way that will resonate with them.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop and deliver training programs. If you want to become an Instructional Designer, it is important to be able to write in a way that is clear and concise. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to research and organize your writing, and how to write in a way that is easy to understand.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers develop and deliver lesson plans, grade assignments, and provide feedback to students. If you want to become a Teacher, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with students. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to think about your writing process as a whole and how to approach the blank page with a constructive mindset.
Researcher
Researcher
Researchers conduct studies and collect data to answer questions. If you want to become a Researcher, it is important to be able to write in a way that is clear and concise. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to research and organize your writing, and how to write in a way that is easy to understand.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, correct, and revise written material. If you want to become an Editor, it is important to be able to identify and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to think about your writing process as a whole and how to approach the blank page with a constructive mindset.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers write instructions, manuals, and other documents that explain complex technical concepts. If you want to become a Technical Writer, it is important to be able to write in a way that is clear and concise. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to research and organize your writing, and how to write in a way that is easy to understand.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help patrons find and use library resources. If you want to become a Librarian, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with patrons. The course “Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader” can help you develop these skills by teaching you how to think about your writing process as a whole and how to approach the blank page with a constructive mindset.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bx5abn/memoir
Reading list
We've selected 16 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader.
Save
Practical and encouraging guide to writing, offering advice on everything from finding your voice to dealing with writer's block. It valuable resource for aspiring writers of all levels.
Comprehensive guide to the art of memoir, offering guidance on everything from structure to pacing. It valuable resource for aspiring memoirists.
This memoir by Joan Didion about the year following the death of her husband. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
Save
This memoir by Maggie Nelson about her experiences with gender and sexuality. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
This memoir by Kiese Laymon about his experiences with race, class, and sexuality. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
This memoir by Carmen Maria Machado about her experiences with domestic abuse. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
This is an annual anthology of the best essays published in American magazines and journals. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
Save
Practical guide to overcoming writer's block and finding your writing voice. It valuable resource for aspiring writers of all levels.
Save
This is an anthology of personal essays by some of the most famous and respected writers in the world. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
This is an anthology of contemporary personal essays by some of the most famous and respected writers in the world. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
Save
This collection of humorous essays by David Sedaris. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
Save
This collection of humorous essays by Tina Fey. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
Save
Memoir of Stephen King's writing career, offering insights into his process and his thoughts on writing. It valuable resource for aspiring writers of all levels.
Provides a framework for understanding the structure of successful stories. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
Classic guide to the fundamentals of writing, offering clear and concise advice on grammar, punctuation, and style. It valuable resource for all writers.
Collection of six essays on the future of literature. It valuable resource for writers of all levels, but it is particularly useful for those who are interested in writing memoir or personal essays.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bx5abn/memoir
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Level
Introductory
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Wesleyan University
Instructor
Greg Pardlo
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself. It's comprised of four courses:
- Writing a Personal Essay
- Writing Stories About Ourselves
- Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader (viewing)
- Writing in First Person Point of View
Good to know
Taught by Greg Pardlo, who specializes in writing and literature
Focuses on developing a unique writing style and creative process
Introduces essential concepts in writing, such as structure, strategy, and methods
Builds a strong foundation for aspiring writers
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