Writing the Personal Travel Essay

In this five-session intensive course we will explore the literary travel essay, also referred to as the travel narrative: a broad subgenre of creative nonfiction inspired by physical travels—at home or abroad—from its historical roots around the world to its contemporary rise in online forums. Italian scholar Petrach referred to his friends who did not want to climb a mountain with him just to see the view as having a “cold lack of curiosity.” Contemporary author Dinty Moore argues that tourists are merely on vacation, while every travel writer is “on a pursuit.” And most travelers know well that traveling changes a person. Students will develop their own writing in terms of both narrative and mechanical proficiencies, enhance their critical thinking skills, and develop strategies for effective, productive revision of any writing project.