Feature Writing

Harvard Extension School

JOUR E-137

Section 2

CRN 17353

View Course Details
This section of Feature Writing focuses specifically on first-person journalism. Personal essays have been a part of journalism and nonfiction literature for generations. But recently, the heightened interest in creators, and the growth in outlets for independent journalists, have caused a boom of first-person storytelling. From newsletters to essay collections and podcasts, first-person stories are dominating our cultural conversations. But what does it take to tell your own story well? How can you use the tools of journalism to report on yourself and contribute to the larger conversation? In this course, students learn the elements of successful first-person writing and develop their own style and voice. In analyzing others' work and writing their own short and long-form essays, students learn how to weave reporting with first-person narrative storytelling. Writers we read and discuss include Mark Arax, Jenny Odell, Jazmine Hughes, and Jiayang Fan.

Instructor Info

Martha Nichols, MA

Founder and Publisher, Talking Writing Magazine


Meeting Info

Th 5:10pm - 7:10pm (9/2 - 12/20)

Participation Option: Online Synchronous

Deadlines

Last day to register: August 28, 2025

Prerequisites

An introductory journalism course, some journalism experience, or permission of the instructor.

Notes

This course meets via web conference. Students must attend and participate at the scheduled meeting time. See minimum technology requirements.

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
36016 1 Online Synchronous David Herszenhorn Waitlisted MW 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Jun 23 to Aug 8
17388 1 Online Synchronous Denise Hruby Open W 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sep 2 to Dec 19
26972 1 Online Synchronous Ruth Tam Open T 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Jan 25 to May 16
26490 2 Online Synchronous Kimberly Cross Open W 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Jan 25 to May 16
17353 2 Online Synchronous Martha Nichols Open Th 5:10pm - 7:10pm
Sep 2 to Dec 19