About this Course
We write to be seen and to see the world anew. In this generative writing workshop taught by the award-winning instructor and New York Times-featured writer and essayist Natalie Serianni, you’ll practice the art of crafting a compelling personal essay. You’ll master the steps toward becoming a published essayist, including how to generate ideas, develop drafts, offer and receive constructive feedback, revise your own work, pitch and submit to editors, and build and sustain a writing community.
We’ll read and discuss essays by Elissa Washuta, Putsata Reang, CJ Hauser, Melissa Febos, Ada Calhoun, Jane Wong, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Gloria Anzaldúa, Audre Lorde and Elizabeth Rosner. Then you’ll write in response to timed, instructor-designed prompts based on these writers’ works. You’ll leave our time together with two workshopped essays that are ready for submission.
We'll invite three accomplished guest speakers to share their paths and expertise in personal essay writing during interactive lectures and discussions.
Designed For
Those interested in writing and publishing personal essays and adding new ideas to our social discourse.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
This is an introductory course and no previous experience is required. Anyone who is looking for a safe space to write and share personal essays is encouraged to enroll..
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about seven to nine hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have advanced English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the C1 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
To enroll, international students must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This program does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
- Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
- High-speed internet connection
- Headset and webcam (recommended)
Completing the Course
To successfully complete this course, you must fulfill the requirements outlined by your instructor.
▸Explore More: Always wanted to tell your life story? Consider taking our Memoir Writing; Finding Your Story course.
What You’ll Learn
- How to shape a basic concept into a viable essay
- How to choose a fitting form for your personal essay
- How to provide, collect and apply feedback in the revision process
- How to foster relationships with editors and pitch your work to publications
- How to publish and promote your work
Get Hands-On Experience
- Develop submittable drafts of two personal essays
- Craft pitch letters that are ready to send to editors
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.