8-Week: Story and History—Writing the Past

In this eight-week generative class, we’ll work on a project that brings history and the past to heart-pumping life. We’ll conduct research and identify potential story ideas. We’ll consider some of the unofficial routes in which history is passed on—oral history, family lore,“folk” tales, visual art, songs, etc.—and we’ll also consider how different writers have used these valuable resources in their own work. We’ll discuss and make decisions about character, POV, and milieu. And, by the end of class, we’ll leave with material for our projects that will shed light on our pasts and connect us to our current communities—and also works to expand the narrow frame of official history. Come prepared to read, write, conduct research, and discuss. Please note: There will be some research conducted before the class begins, as well as a small amount of reading.