Seminar in Creative Nonfiction

Course Description

Students write and critique each others’ original work in a workshop-style format. Through presentation and critique of published and student-generated work, students will advance their understanding of the genre’s many forms, including memoir, autobiography, nature writing, literary journalism, and the personal essay, while strengthening their own writing.

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate various aesthetic theories of literary nonfiction.
  • Formulate practical and theoretical models of teaching and learning the writing of literary nonfiction.
  • Critique specific works of literature in literary non-fiction.
  • Develop publishable-quality writing in literary nonfiction.
  • Evaluate different literary formats.
  • Implement craft principles of plot, characterization, style, point of view, narrative technique, and language in the creation of literary nonfiction.

Why Choose National University?

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 230,000 alumni worldwide.

Four-Week Courses

Focus on one subject at a time — one month at a time — and finish your degree faster.

75+ Degree Programs

Choose from associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, plus credentials and certificates.

On Campus or Online

Study when and where it’s convenient for you with evening, weekend, and 100% online classes.

Year-Round Enrollment

Apply or transfer any time. Classes start monthly, and applications are accepted year round.

20+ Locations

Attend class and learn onsite at one of over 20 locations in California.

Military Friendly

As a Yellow Ribbon school, we offer tuition discounts to servicemembers and dependents.

School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

“Our faculty are established scholars and creators in their own fields. They are dedicated to making your entry into their disciplines a successful one, preparing you for your career as well as graduate study.”
School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences
Jackson M., Class of 2021, Military Veteran