The personal essay is one of the oldest and most enduring forms of creative nonfiction, originating with Michel de Montaigne and continuing today as a versatile form that blends storytelling, reflection, and analysis. In this course, we will explore the personal essay as both a literary art and a tool for self-expression. We will ask what defines a personal essay: a true narrative drawn from our own lives, shaped with theme, structure, tone, and voice. Through readings, discussion, writing exercises, and drafting our own personal essays, we will study essential elements such as narrative arc, scene-setting, reflection, honesty, and perspective. We will discover how personal essays capture unique voices and reveal singular insights. Whether writing for publication, personal growth, or the pleasure of crafting words, this course will help us find our voices, tell our stories with clarity, and better understand the enduring power of the personal essay.

Note: Registration for the Spring Osher National Online courses will close on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Noon!