ENG 217 - Magazine Writing

1.00

This class will focus on the art and craft of writing publishable, long-form narrative nonfiction–that is, magazine-length stories that are both true and deftly written. You might think of the stories found in Harper’s, for example, or The Atlantic, Esquire, GQ, or The New Republic or even Buzzfeed. Specific emphasis will be placed on stories that examine people and place. Course schedule will mirror that of a professional writer’s and, as such, we’ll discuss each stage of the writing process as it unfolds: first, the act and art of finding a story, then techniques for interviewing and conducting research, and then, finally, ways in which we can write and edit raw material into a published piece of prose. Students should be prepared to be pushed outside their general comfort zone in an attempt to find and write stories outside of the ordinary and familiar. Students will be assigned weekly readings that ensure they understand the difference between a good and bad piece of literary journalism and why, precisely, this matters so greatly. Gen Ed Competency: Write and Speak Effectively