Biographical Writing: Other people’s lives

If you are the sort of person who likes reading other people’s diaries and letters, and you’re curious about what makes people tick, then this course is for you. The most important requirement is nosiness: a strong, maybe even unhealthy interest in the intimate details of other people’s lives and an appetite for other people’s secrets.
Students choose one diary from a collection of original handwritten records, manuscripts, love letters, photographs and other material dating from the late 1880s to the late 1990s. Your task is to study your diary and find out as much as you can about the diarist’s background and mindset as closely as online research tools (Ancestry.com, Waseda library newspaper databases etc) allow. So bring whatever you need to get to your online sources. You will then write an essay and give a presentation on your diarist and his or her life and times. Other People’s Lives should help you not only to develop biographical research and writing skills, but also to work your way through the mystery of other people, some of whom are still alive today, and find your way into their innermost thoughts and fears.

Assessment

Papers: Students will write a minimum 1,500 word essay on their chosen diary and give a related presentation.

Class Participation: You’ll need to bring your own understandings, ideas and involvement to the seminar.

Others:  Come to class regularly, deliver assignments on time

IMPORTANT: This course is only available to SILS students who have already gained credits in English III (Academic Writing) at the Advanced Level..