TRN196H: Diverse Storytelling

TRN196H: Joy and Resistance in Diverse Storytelling

Course Description

In TRN196, students will engage with contemporary fiction by BIPOC writers, offering opportunities to engage with academic research, literary analysis and creative writing. The readings for this course will highlight how race, language, community well-being and cultural identity intersect, as shared through a multiplicity of voices. The expected work for this course is very unique, including a community event analysis, hermit crab essay and weekly creative writing prompts. This class offers built-in connections to campus resources and accommodation support. Grading is based on major assignments and class participation.

2023-2024 Course Instructor

Leanne Simpson leanne.simpson@mail.utoronto.ca Leanne Toshiko Simpson (she/her) is a mixed-race Yonsei writer, educator and mental health advocate from Scarborough. She is a graduate of UTSC Creative Writing and the University of Guelph’s MFA, and is currently completing an EdD in Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto, focusing on the intergenerational impact of the Japanese Canadian internment. Leanne attended Trinity College as an undergraduate student and returned to teach as a writing instructor and lecturer a few years back. She also runs weekly creative writing circles for BIPOC students through Trinity’s Writing Centre. Her debut novel, Never Been Better, is forthcoming with HarperCollins.