Masters of Style: reading and writing Audre Lorde

About this course

The course examines Audre Lorde’s essays and poetry through close reading, discussion and consideration of the historical and personal contexts surrounding her work. It explores her approach to writing about the self and society, as well as the themes and concerns that shape her work. Teaching combines short lectures, tutor presentations, group discussion, and individual and collaborative writing exercises. The later creative-writing activities respond to Lorde’s ideas and style, including the relationship between silence, language and a writer’s own voice.

What you'll learn

• Identify key features of Audre Lorde’s literary style.
• Explain aspects of the historical context surrounding Lorde’s work.
• Recognise themes and concerns that are significant in literary writing.
• Craft passages responding to Lorde’s ideas while using an individual writing voice.

Is this course right for you?

This intermediate course is intended for learners with some prior experience of creative writing and literary study. Participants should be comfortable reading fiction and creative non-fiction, sharing ideas and discussing their own writing in a group. Fluent English is expected.

• Some previous experience of creative writing and literary study is expected.
• The course involves sharing ideas and writing with other participants.
• Learners should be fluent in English.

Before you go

• Assigned essays, extracts and poems should be read before the class.
• Reading materials will be supplied in advance by email, with hard copies available on the day.
• Participants should bring writing materials.
• A laptop or tablet may be used during writing activities.