Writing Trauma

Writing about trauma allows us to process and give voice to our most challenging experiences, fostering healing and personal growth through creative expression. In this class, we’ll engage in writing prompts, live exercises, discussions, and reflections. Given the sensitive nature of writing about trauma, sharing your work with the class is optional, though there will be space and time for those who wish to do so. We’ll explore prompts that align with various methods for writing trauma, broadening our approaches. We’ll also review short examples from authors such as Elissa Washuta, Jeanne Thornton, Joan Didion, Claudia Rankine, and Wren Hanks. By the end of the course, you will have either a series of flash essays or one longer essay to share directly with the instructor.

This course is part of a large lecture series and does not include workshopping of student writing. It is ideal for those who wish to gain knowledge in a particular subject area without the concerns of receiving credit. Grades are calculated based on quizzes and exams. These courses cannot be applied to certificate completion at UCLA Extension.