Quick Facts
- Duration: 61 minutes
- Level: All Levels
- Prerequisites: Basic writing ability, Desire to write personal essays
- Instructor: Roxane Gay, New York Times Best-selling Author, Professor, Editor
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Is This Course Right For You?
Ideal For
- Aspiring Essay Writers: Writers looking to develop their personal essay craft
- Memoir Writers: Those working on personal narrative projects
- Beginning Writers: People who want to start sharing their stories
Not Recommended If
- Writers seeking technical writing instruction
- Those looking for fiction writing techniques
Key Learning Outcomes
- Craft compelling personal essays with broader context
- Develop research skills to support personal writing
- Navigate personal memories effectively
- Create publication-ready work
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How You'll Learn
Teaching Style Distribution
- Video Lectures: 70%
- Hands-on Practice: 20%
- Interactive Elements: 5%
- Projects/Assignments: 5%
Primary Learning Methods
- Method1: Lecture-based instruction: In-depth video lessons on essay crafting, Detailed explanations of research methods and writing techniques
- Method2: Practical examples: Analysis of successful essays, Breakdown of published works and their elements
- Method3: Guided writing process: Step-by-step approach to essay development, From initial idea to final revision
Best Suited Learning Styles
- Visual learners
- Independent workers
- Process-oriented learners
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Content Depth Analysis
Major Topics
1. Essay Fundamentals (20% of course)
- Depth Level: Intermediate
- Key Components:
- Finding your why
- Purpose in writing
- Story selection
- Main Takeaways: Understanding personal essay foundations
2. Research and Context (25% of course)
- Depth Level: Advanced
- Key Components:
- Research methods
- Contextual integration
- Fact-checking
- Main Takeaways: Balancing personal narrative with broader context
3. Writing Process (35% of course)
- Depth Level: Intermediate
- Key Components:
- Drafting
- Revision
- Publication preparation
- Main Takeaways: Complete essay writing workflow
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Skill Development Path
Required Starting Point
Must Have:
- Basic writing ability
- Willingness to share personal stories
Helpful to Have:
- Reading experience
- Basic understanding of essay structure
Development Stages
1. Foundation Phase
Skills Developed:
- Story identification
- Purpose development
- Basic research
Practical Outcomes:
- Ability to select and frame personal stories
2. Advanced Phase
Skills Developed:
- Context integration
- Revision techniques
- Publication preparation
Practical Outcomes:
- Creation of publication-ready essays
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Success Factors
Keys to Success
- Expert instructor with significant publishing credentials
- Practical, actionable approach to essay writing
- Strong focus on both personal and professional aspects of writing
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