Reading and Writing Nonfiction: The Interrotronic Essay: Films of Errol Morris
Course Description
Summary
Errol Morris is a filmmaker who is obsessed with his obsessions: his cinematic essays veer towards subjects who themselves are consumed by their own fanaticism. In this class, we will study several films and series that center on what others may simply refer to as “eccentrics,” subjects who, despite knowing that their obsessions may ultimately lead to devastation, continue nonetheless to pursue their fixations. Through viewing such works as Gates of Heaven, Tabloid, First Person, Vernon, Florida, Mr. Death, and The B-Side, we will attempt to arrive at a theory of Morris’s essayistic impulses and apply them to our own literary essays, which will be discussed in class in a workshop setting.
Learning Outcomes
- o To engage and interpret nonfictions with attention to shifts in forms, language, metaphor, tone, and other devices;
o To assimilate feedback in one’s revision process as well as complete significant revisions of one's creative work;
o To articulate critical and constructive feedback, both verbally and written, on the work of peers as well as texts discussed in class;
o To examine one’s own creative process and its possibilities.
Prerequisites
Interested students must submit a writing sample according to the following parameters. Applications that do not engage in this exercise will not be considered. Please write no more than ONE double-spaced page. Do not write about yourself. Pick a singular topic or person and examine, in literary language, an aspect that fascinates you. Please do not ask me to elaborate. Do as you will. No late applications.
Submissions must be submitted via this form: by May 9. Students will be notified of acceptance into the class by May 13.
Corequisites
Students are required to attend all Literature Evenings and Poetry at Bennington events this term, commonly held at 7pm on most Wednesday evenings.