Spiritual Autobiography: A Unique Form of Creative Nonfiction
ENGLISH 315S
A Unique Form of Creative Nonfiction
Faulkner Fox
In his seminal book, The Varieties of Religious Experience, William James notes that one of the distinguishing characteristics of mystical experience is that it “defies expression; that no adequate report of its content can be given in words.” At the same time, most creative writers agree that good writing is necessarily concrete, rich with clear examples and description. How then is it possible to construct a well-written account of one’s mystical experiences,one’s spiritual journey? This question will form the central focus of our explorations this semester.
Students will read personal spiritual narratives from a wide range of traditions, respond to them in discussion and writing, and construct their own spiritual autobiographies. Authors studied will include Mary Oliver, Barry Lopez, Sara Maitland, St. Augustine, Marjane Satrapi, Lucille Clifton, andbell hooks. Students will also do close observation at a spiritual event of their choosing on or off campus and write about this experience.
In class, our time will be devoted to discussion of student work, exploration o fwriting craft and the spiritual and writing life, and close reading of published spiritual narratives.
While William James says mystical experience 'defies expression,' creative writers believe good writing is rich with clear examples and description. How then is it possible to write a good spiritual autobiography? This question will form the focus of our exploration. Students will read spiritual narratives from a wide range of traditions, respond to them in writing, and construct their own spiritual autobiographies. There will be weekly writing assignments as well as a final spiritual observation essay and a spiritual autobiography. In class, our time will be devoted to workshopping, discussion of writing craft, and close reading of published spiritual narratives.
Curriculum Codes
- W
- CE
- WR
- ALP