It takes an extraordinary mind and a wonderful talent to write a great essay. This lively class will take a deep dive into some of the most interesting and important English language essayists and essays, on topics such as envy, culture and nature. Students receive the essays (average length, 10 pages) a week in advance to read and ponder. Then in each class, we will discuss each writer's background, the essay itself, and students' opinions of both the writing and the thesis. Bring your critical faculties—as well as your curiosity and humor! Space is limited to allow for discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Jonathan Swift, "A Modest Proposal" (1729)
2. Henry David Thoreau, "Walking" (1851)
3. Mark Twain, "The Lowest Animal" (1905)
4. Susan Sontag "Against Interpretation" (1964)
5. Gloria Anzaldua, "How to Tame a Wild Tongue" (1987)
6. Kathryn Chetkovich, "Envy" (2022)

Caren Schnur Neile, Ph.D., MFA, has taught storytelling and writing at Florida Atlantic University and internationally for over two decades, and appears regularly on WLRN’s "The Public Storyteller." She is the author of six books.

"She is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Would take any course she offered." OLLI Patron