Dialogue and Point of View
Dialogue and Point of View
Practice and explore the critical craft elements of dialogue and point of view to strengthen your storytelling and create compelling stories.
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What you can learn.
About This Course
This is a reading and exercise-based class designed to explore and practice dialogue, voice and point-of-view in fiction and creative nonfiction. Each week, we read sample fiction and creative nonfiction to identify how the content is influenced by the narrative choices the writers make. We discuss how dialogue can bring characters and situations to life without imitating the hesitation or redundancy of real conversation and identify the benefits and drawbacks of narrating your work in first, second and third-person point-of-view. We explore the power of voice and the influence of narrative distance on the reader. Weekly exercises put theory into practice and help discover what works (and what doesn't) in your own writing practice.
Spring 2026 Schedule
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.