CPW507

Memoir of Inquiry

A memoir recreates a pivotal experience in, or aspect of, one’s life. Memoir is comprised of a story we know yet it is a story we do not fully understand. This is the inquiry part of the writing process and this is what actually compels us to write it. If you are considering writing a memoir, or have begun writing one, this course will help you understand how to explore and evoke your story instead of simply summarizing it.

In this discussion-based course, we’ll focus on memoir writing not only as a retelling, but also a dynamic site of inquiry. Writing exercises will help you identify the organizing principle of your memoir, what to include, what to leave out, and what form best suits your narrative.

Overview

Location: Vancouver or online
Duration: 3 weeks
Tuition: $325.50

Upcoming Offerings

Start Date
Schedule
Location
Instructor
Cost
Seats Available
Action
Start DateTue, Feb 18, 2025
Schedule
  • Tue, Feb 18, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Tue, Feb 25, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Tue, Mar 4, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
LocationOnline
InstructorBetsy Warland
Cost$325.50
Seats Available15
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Oct 7, 2025
Schedule
  • Tue, Oct 7, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Tue, Oct 14, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Tue, Oct 21, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
LocationOnline
InstructorBetsy Warland
Cost$325.50
Seats Available15
ActionRegister

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

  • Organize a chronology of events into other narrative possibilities
  • Distinguish between fact and point of view when writing about a memory
  • Analyze which elements are essential to the memoir and which ones are not

How you will learn and be evaluated

  • Discussion
  • Participation

You will receive feedback on your written work.

Learning Materials

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.

Technical Requirements

For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.