Jessica Anne Chiang

What does it mean to grieve? To perform sadness & loss? Who is the audience? Where is the stage? This first year seminar focuses on writing as self care, writing to breakthrough, and writing to/for our own collective trauma. We will read & consider a range of art & writing from Alison Bechdel, to Rachel Cusk, Sally Mann & Virginia Woolf. We will also welcome, (but not require) stories of our own losses and unimaginable pain, in turn examining, through deep concentration and discussion; something permanent and good. Students will complete 15-20 pages of writing (2 essays followed by a substantial revision) in addition to in-class writing, presentations, and peer workshopping.