This course is part of the Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization

4.7
stars
105 ratings

Ariel Levy

9,413 already enrolled

Offered By

Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself SpecializationWesleyan University

About this Course

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If you have always wanted to tell your own story—in a memoir, first-person essay, or any other form of autobiographical non-fiction—but felt you lacked the tools or the framework, this is the class for you. We will learn how successful first-person writing is structured to offer the reader a sense of propulsive motion, and is guided by a narrator who is deliberately crafted. We will explore the ways in which language can be used to create tone, so that the emotional freight of your words is as potent as the storytelling. And crucially, we will consider the writer's responsibility to the reader: the importance of being a guide who includes the reader in the sensory, emotional, and intellectual experience you mean to share through your writing.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 4 in the

Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization

Approx. 5 hours to complete

English

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Skills you will gain

English Language
Creative Writing
Storytelling
memoir

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 4 in the

Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization

Approx. 5 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.85/5 (38 Ratings)

Ariel Levy

Visiting Scholar

Shapiro Center for Writing

9,413 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. With our distinctive scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Developing a Narrator in First Person Writing

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 31 min)

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

The Journey

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 35 min)

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Finding Your Voice

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 33 min)

Week4

Week 4

1 hour to complete

What's Your Point?

1 hour to complete

3 videos (Total 19 min)

Reviews

4.7

53 reviews

5 stars
78.50%
4 stars
14.01%
3 stars
2.80%
2 stars
2.80%
1 star
1.86%

TOP REVIEWS FROM WRITING IN FIRST PERSON POINT OF VIEW

by MSFeb 22, 2021

Such a dynamic teacher. I cant wait to read her memoir.

She speaks clearly, its accessible and its dynamic. I loved every lecture and assignment.

by ASNov 16, 2020

Ariel Levy is an engaging instructor with excellent examples and helpful advice.

by ARJul 27, 2020

The assignments were very helpful with looking at my story in different ways. I now have an idea of how to elevate my story from a journal into a memoir.

by WCFeb 8, 2021

Enjoyed this class a lot. It was the first writing class I've ever taken and I liked it so much I've signed up for another.

View all reviews

About the Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Writing in First Person Point of View

About this Course

Skills you will gain