The Art of the Memoir

Autobiography is the story of a life; memoir is a story from a life. In this course, students will explore the art of memoir, a genre where personal stories illuminate universal truths. Through the study of both short and longer works by acclaimed memoirists, students will examine how writers shape memory, identity, and experience into compelling narratives; assigned writings may include memoirs by Jeannette Walls, Joan Didion, Michelle Obama, James Baldwin, Alison Bechdel, Michelle Zauner, and Kiese Laymon. The course emphasizes key techniques of memoir writing— voice, structure, and the balance between truth and artistry—while also addressing ethical questions about storytelling: Whose stories can we tell? How does memory shape truth? Students will craft their own memoir vignettes, revising and expanding them into a polished, complete work. Peer workshops will foster a writing community and help students refine their unique voices. This course is ideal for students seeking to reflect deeply on their lives and develop their creative nonfiction skills.