Languages, Literature and Writing   

From "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" to "To be, or not to be," we have all heard iconic lines that begin great monologues in tragedies by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). But what is their context, what do they mean and how have they been performed? Each week, we will read and discuss several monologues from one play and watch video clips from important stage and film productions.

Terry Roberts’ ancestors have lived in the mountains of Western North Carolina for six generations. In seven award-winning novels, he has written about our region with insight, respect for the Appalachian literary tradition and memorable characters that bring history and the landscape to life. We will enjoy a rare opportunity to hear an accomplished novelist offer insight into the creation of his three most recent novels. Notes: Participants will get more out of the course if they are willing and able to read carefully and discuss openly. Participants do not need to have taken part 1 of this course to enjoy part 2. Required textbooks (all by Terry Roberts): The Sky Club (2022), ISBN: 978-1684428526; The Devil Hath a Pleasing Shape (2024), ISBN: 978-1684420377; and In the Fullness of Time (2025), ISBN: 979-8887980591.

Every great novel starts with a unique story. Week by week, we will help each other plot our novels from the ground up, building the beats that hook readers. We will leave with a complete outline and the confidence to write our novels. Prerequisites: Participants can be new or experienced writers and should be ready to actively participate in this fun, small-group course including reading the textbook, completing weekly exercises and bringing ideas to share. Required textbook: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica Brody (2018), ISBN: 978-0399579745.

We will explore six stories from Liberation Day by George Saunders (born 1958), one of the U.S.’s most original contemporary writers. Through facilitated conversation, we will examine Saunders’ blend of satire, compassion and moral inquiry, and consider themes of power, empathy, technology and what it means to be human in a modern capitalist society. Required textbook (any edition): Liberation Day: Stories by George Saunders (2022).

We will explore six stories from Liberation Day by George Saunders (born 1958), one of the U.S.’s most original contemporary writers. Through facilitated conversation, we will examine Saunders’ blend of satire, compassion and moral inquiry, and consider themes of power, empathy, technology and what it means to be human in a modern capitalist society. Required textbook (any edition): Liberation Day: Stories by George Saunders (2022).