Autobiographical writing

A supportive workshop for more experienced writers of autobiography (including fictionalised work or poetry). Close attention to your work, exploration of techniques and discussion of relevant issues. Suitable for students who have attended an introductory autobiographical writing course.

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Key course information

Dates
17/04/12 - 26/06/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
11 weeks

Time
12:30 - 14:30

Fees
Full fee: £108
Senior fee: £61
Concession: £29

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW049*

Availability
Contact department

Interview required before you can enrol

Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

Call 020 7492 2652 or humanities@citylit.ac.uk

» Why do I need an interview?

Course outline

What is the course about?

The skills of autobiographical writing, including how to focus and craft your work. Insight into the sources of powerful autobiographical writing. Developing confidence in giving constructive criticism, and in using it to revise or edit your work.

What topics will we cover?

Depending on the participants’ interests the course will include some or all of the following:
- how to start writing autobiography
- exploring different sources of autobiographical writing eg dreams, fantasies and lateral approaches to self-knowledge as well as conscious experience, thought and memory
- how to find themes and other ways of unifying your work
- the relevance of fictional techniques to help you dramatise and structure your writing into something which will fully engage the reader
- use of memorabilia (eg photos, diaries, family, and official records) where appropriate
We may also explore:
- the different drives to write autobiography
- how to retrieve memories
- how to approach writing about sensitive areas of your life
- issues such as self-exposure, betrayal, and confidence
- selection of material
- the concept of truth or fact in relation to autobiography
- how to get published.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- write autobiographically-based work more effectively and confidently
- identify and appreciate some of the sources and issues around writing autobiographically
- provide sensitive, constructive criticism of others work
- evaluate, revise and edit your own work.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Suitable for people with some experience of creative writing, whether or not autobiographical. Students will be expected to be writing outside class and to read their work out to the class on a rota basis (see section 5 for more information.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Tutor led discussion and presentation.

The Tutor

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You should bring paper, and pens or pencils.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. You will receive constructive criticism of your work from the tutor and fellow students throughout the course and you will learn to assess your own work.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
13/09/11 to 20/03/12	Tue	12:30 - 14:30	24 weeks	£258	£146	£70	HW047	Started	» Select
15/09/11 to 22/03/12	Thu	15:30 - 17:30	24 weeks	£258	£146	£70	HW252	Started	» Select