Biography writing

About this course

The course examines how biographical writing can represent historical figures, family members, public figures and other subjects. Participants consider subject choice, description, narration, character depiction, time, place and different life-writing structures, alongside the relationship between biography and fiction. Teaching combines tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion and regular writing exercises. A published text is studied for its approaches and techniques, while sessions also address memory, oral testimony, source material, and the ethical responsibilities and limitations of biography.

What you'll learn

• Begin a life-writing project on a subject of your choice
• Identify different approaches to biographical writing
• Apply techniques of description, narration and character depiction
• Compare structural approaches to representing a life
• Consider how memory, oral testimony and other sources can be used responsibly

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners considering biographical writing, including those who have not yet chosen a subject. No previous exposure to biographical literature is required. Participation involves discussing work with the group, learning from other writers and experimenting with original writing.

• Suitable for learners exploring biography without a pre-selected subject
• Includes collective discussion of workshop writing
• Requires willingness to share ideas and learn from other participants
• Short writing exercises are set between sessions

Before you go

• The set text for each term is announced in advance; learners are encouraged to obtain a paper or electronic copy.
• Short homework writing exercises and optional reading lists are provided.