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Research Writing at Wheaton

What is CNF (Creative Nonfiction)?

If you have ever been in a literature or writing class at Wheaton, you may have heard the term “creative nonfiction” thrown around by one of your professors or classmates. Perhaps you have encountered the phrase in Kodon or The Pub and are interested in knowing more about what this genre is. Or you are unfamiliar with the term, you may even find it paradoxical. You are not alone in this either.

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Writing at Wheaton

How to Approach Writing Art Criticism

Despite the fact that all Wheaton students need to take Visual Performing Arts classes in order to graduate, the tools to enter a discussion about art can be hard to find. According to Dr. Matthew Milliner, Associate Professor of Art History, “Criticism is a form of art in and of itself, and a vanishing one.” Whether writing an art criticism paper or talking about a live performance  with friends, getting past “I just like it because it’s good” can be a daunting task. This post offers some guidance for discussing, engaging with, and interpreting works of art.

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Writing Process

A Near-Comprehensive Guide to Brainstorming

It’s been a month since you were assigned that term paper, and if we’re being honest with each other, you haven’t given it a moment’s thought since you stuck the assignment guidelines sheet in the back of a notebook and promptly forgot about it. The paper is due next week, and you still have no idea where to begin.