Note: This course is intended as a continuation of 292.003 (Writing with Purpose: The Blue Communities, Northern Michigan Immersion Project, taught F19).

Are you interested in moving your education as a writer beyond the classroom, and out into the world? Do you feel a responsibility to give witness to the stories around you, from both a factual and personal perspective? Are you interested in exploring the impact the written word can have to educate, influence, and inspire change? Are you moved by issues surrounding the environment, sustainability, education or economic growth, and how such issues impact individuals and communities? And are you hungry to produce work with an eye towards publication? If so, read on…

In this literary journalism course, student writers will continue their studies in both long and short form literary journalism as they grow familiar with the goals and challenges facing the Traverse City community.

The project, in brief: Guided by MECC (Michigan Engagement through Community in the Classroom) several departments at the University of Michigan are working with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to explore and problem solve what it means to establish a sustainability framework (with an economic, environmental and societal focus) for the Traverse City community.

If you care about issues like improving access to educational opportunities for all, or the protection of our Great Lakes, or sustainable, eco-friendly communities that co-exist with economic growth, this will be the continuation of an exciting exploration not only to current happenings in the Northern part of the state, but the power of the written word to inspire and cultivate change.

Approximately two weekends of travel to Traverse City will serve as immersive experiences, during which students will be asked to listen, observe and engage with community leaders in this collaborative project. (All travel expenses and accommodations will be covered, and the weekend will be determined by the availability of enrolled students.)

Prospective students who were not registered for 292.003 must e-mail the instructor (jaimien@umich.edu) 1) a statement speaking to their interest in the project, 2) their prior experience with literary journalism, and 3) a writing sample (journalism or personal narrative) prior to receiving a permission to enroll.