Writing your family biography

A non-fiction course for students who want to learn how to use writing techniques to transform the bare bones of family history into a gripping read. Although we will explore new areas of inquiry and share ideas and sources, this is primarily a writing course so you need to come armed with family facts. Newcomers to creative writing welcome, but this is not a suitable starting place for anyone making their very first steps in researching their family history.

(average based on 3 reviews) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
20/04/12 - 22/06/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
10 weeks

Time
15:45 - 17:45

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

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
HW265

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

Discovering how vivid and imaginative writing can bring family history to life and turn it into a story that others will want to read. Building on your own research and personal knowledge, you will deepen your understanding of the craft of creative writing and discover ways of using it in your own work:

“The history of someone else's family is as tedious as a holiday slide show - unless it is well told.” Professor Blake Morrison.

This course aims to make sure your family history is anything but tedious through showing you ways of using language more creatively and more effectively.

What topics will we cover?

The course will focus on how to write biography and you will decide on your own a personal project – writing about a parent perhaps, or covering a larger sweep of family history by turning a set of dates into an engaging narrative. We will also look at how you can use research about a historical period to give depth and understanding to biography. You will be given an opportunity to share your ideas, your research and your writing in a supportive atmosphere that encourages constructive feedback.

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

- plan a family history writing project
- demonstrate an understanding of the issues involved in telling someone else’s story
- write with greater confidence and recognise different writing techniques
- apply these techniques to your own work if desired
- produce a body of writing relating to your chosen project.

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

No previous experience of creative writing is required but you should come already equipped with the knowledge and/or research necessary to begin work on your own project – even if there are still large gaps in the information you possess. As this course is primarily a writing course, it is not the place to start studying your family history from scratch.
The course is also suitable for students who have completed a creative writing course and now wish to write a non-fiction account of their family. The course is not designed for those wishing to improve grammar and punctuation or general writing skills. You should therefore have fluent spoken and written English.

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

Through idea-generating class exercises and activities, whole class and small group discussion and sharing of knowledge and resources. Individual research or writing homework assignments will be suggested but these are optional. You will have an opportunity to submit work to the tutor for one-to-one feedback.

The Tutor:

Bridget Whelan is a novelist and prize-winning short story writer with a degree in history and a Masters in Creative and Life Writing. A university lecturer, Bridget also teaches fiction and non- fiction at other adult education institutes and is writer-in-residence on a Heritage funded local history project. Her blog Connecting the Poetry and Prose is widely read by readers, writers and emerging writers. To find out more go to: http://bridgetwhelan-writer.blogspot.com

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?

Bringing a folder (for handouts) and a notebook to every class is essential. Reading as much as you can is also
useful.
A few suggested titles:
Daddy, We Hardly Knew You by Germaine Greer
Slaves in the Family by Edward Ball
Hidden Lives: a family memoir by Margaret Forster.

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

No.

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.

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
20/04/12 to 22/06/12	Fri	15:45 - 17:45	10 weeks	£108	£61	£29	HW265	Started	» Select
23/09/11 to 16/12/11	Fri	15:45 - 17:45	13 weeks	£129	£73	£35	HW104	Finished	» Select