Many communities have survived collective trauma, dislocation, or transformation. Students examine literature related to and arising from the collective experience to gain an understanding of the cultural and historical contexts in which the events took place, the dimensions of the experience, and its ramifications. Students read and analyze texts, hear from guest speakers, and conduct research on the ongoing impacts of the collective experience. Class activities will prepare students for the interview and memoir creation process at the heart of Writing Lives II.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in six credits of first-year, university-transferable English; or a minimum "B" grade in one of the following: ENGL 1100, 1123, 1125, 1127, 1128, 1129, 1130, 1181, or 1191.