In this workshop-course, we will explore Joan Didion's claim that "writing is the act of saying I." And we will look at how some contemporary women writers have defined and revealed themselves, placing the "I" firmly at the center of their non-fictional writings.

Our major focus will be on the interweaving of voice, structure, style, and content--and on the revealing of self through that interweaving.

We will also be watching for devices, strategies, rhythms, patterns, images, which we might adapt--at some stage--to our own purposes.

Frequent informal writings will be required. There will be six formal essays (ranging in length from 2 to 8 pages, and based on structural models). Students are expected to read and comment constructively on their colleagues' work, and active participation in the workshop is a requirement of the course. All papers may be revised, several times if necessary. At the end of the semester, students will submit a portfolio of their best work.

The reading list will include such works as:
Joan Didion's Slouching Towards Bethlehem
Annie Dillard's Teaching a Stone to Talk
Kennedy Fraser's Ornament and Silence
Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones
Alice Walker's In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens