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Course Descriptions

The 2008-2009 program is underway and is no longer accepting registrations Single courses may be available Currently accepting registrations for Winter 2009 six-month format » Programs begin in: Winter 2009  See Winter offering » Autumn 2009 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Check out the 2008 schedule of exhibits, readings and showings by students in UW Extension arts and writing programs >>

Interested in taking a single class? Some courses (designated by a below) may be open on a space-available basis to individuals who are not seeking the certificate. See Single-Course Enrollment for details.

Autumn Course

Generating Memoir Material

Schedule: Reg #94113. UW campus, Seattle, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 30-Dec. 9, 2008 (no class Nov. 11); $575; 3 CEUs. Instructor: Theo Pauline Nestor

Looking to write a memoir but not sure where to start? This is the class for you. Generating Memoir Material offers the tools for beginning a memoir - whether it be a book-length narrative or a collection of essays. This class takes a two-pronged approach: you will delve into memory to produce memoir material (often prompted by in-class exercises or short take-home assignments), and you will learn to recognize the elements of a compelling memoir (narrative structure, character development, dialogue, setting and more). You will also begin to use these elements as you submit and receive feedback on your own written work. In addition, you will gain tools to develop your own writing schedule and identify your goals and vision as a writer.

Winter Course

Organizing Your Material

Schedule: UW campus, Seattle, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Jan. 6-Mar. 10, 2009; $575; 3 CEUs. Instructor: Theo Pauline Nestor

How do writers of memoir organize their material to create a unified story? This is the driving question that will propel us through Writing the Memoir: Organizing Your Material. Reading a number of published memoirs together, we will analyze how writers structure their stories by using narrative arc, chapter development, and transitions between chapters. We will also examine how authors use sections, prologues, epilogues, framing devices, and scene and summary to communicate their stories. In addition, we'll discuss how to write about secrets and other sensitive subjects. You will continue to generate new writing, begin to organize the memoir material you have so far, and find its inherent structure.

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Spring Course

Polishing Your Material

Schedule: UW campus, Seattle, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m., March 31-June 2, 2009; $575; 3 CEUs. Instructor: Theo Pauline Nestor

What is it that makes some stories leap off the page so you feel like you know the author? One answer is "voice" - the distinctive style of expression that marks the work of a particular writer. The voice of the individual author is what we will examine in this course. We will analyze the memoirs we've read this year - and a few new ones - to see how writers use language to make their stories vibrantly alive and unique. As part of the focus on language, you will learn how to edit your own work so that your own voice can rise to the surface. In addition, we will examine the world of magazine and book publishing, including how to query agents, submit your work, and develop relationships with editors. As the quarter ends, we'll focus on developing a plan for supporting your writing after the course is over.

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course