Writing: Poetry, Fiction, NonFiction An introduction to the writing of poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction through analysis of writings by modern and contemporary poets and prose writers and regular discussion of student writing. Different instructors may choose to emphasize one literary form or another in a given semester. Workshops will focus on composition and revision, with particular attention to the basics of form and craft. This course is a prerequisite to CRWR 0380, CRWR 0385, CRWR 0370, and CRWR 0375. (This course is not a college writing course.)

Advanced Fiction Workshop Study and practice in techniques of fiction writing through workshops and readings in short fiction and novels. Class discussions will be based on student manuscripts and published model works. Emphasis will be placed on composition and revision. (Approval required; please email a writing sample to cohen@middlebury.edu) (Formerly ENAM 0370) (Any 100-level CRWR course) (This course is not a college writing course) 3 hrs. sem

Advanced Non-Fiction Workshop: Reading and Writing Memory and Landscape The human animal is shaped by place and memory of place. How can a writer best create what Nabokov called "bright blocks of perception" and evoke the power of formative landscapes? We will move between memoir, narrative non-fiction, and autobiographical fiction, reading Virginia Woolf, Nabokov, Jesmyn Ward, and Mary Oliver. We will contemplate the way memory works with Oliver Sacks and Robin Kimmerer. Students will generate critical and creative work based on their own experiences and adventures, with room for interdisciplinary/multi-genre output. (One intro CRWR course, or by instructor approval)

The Feminine Heroic In this class we will explore the hero’s journey in literature as it relates to women and the natural world: who gets to go on the adventure, and who arrives home, transformed? How do race and gender complicate the traditional man-versus-nature narrative? We will discuss character agency, narrative authority, and structure — and look at texts where women undertake the journey, including work by Annie Dillard, Camille Dungy, Rachel Carson, Anne LeBastille, Rahawa Haile, and Pam Houston. We will work on reading critically, editing, and practicing the art of giving and receiving feedback. This class will provide students with opportunities to create both critical and creative work.

Environmental Lit Workshop: Environmentalist Literature and Action Some would say we live in supremely disturbing times. A pandemic; the sixth extinction; fascism within democracies and militant nationalisms; climate apartheid, and a political economy based around the commodification and exploitation of people and the earth. In this course careful reading and analysis is paired with literary conversation and action. Course readings represent a wide array of environmental justice in differing genres. While we respond to assigned texts, we will simultaneously write our way toward an environmental literature of our own design.

Megan Mayhew-Bergman

Reviews and ratings for Megan Mayhew-Bergman at Middlebury College.Megan Mayhew-Bergman teaches Writing: Poetry, Fiction, NonF, Advanced Fiction Workshop, Advanced Non-Fiction Workshop and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Megan Mayhew-Bergman good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I absolutely loved MMB. She is passionate and dedicated. She is a working professional so plan ahead if you want to meet with her in person, but it's doable. I enjoyed the books we read, a lot, they weren't just classics and actually taught me things. Lots of writing, but that's to be expected, it's a creative writing class. 

Truly a how stress but great course that gives you the opportunity to delve deep into creative writing with phenomenal feedback. I often find myself quoting my professor and have really come to appreciate creative writing.

I loved this course. The professor was very passionate and engaging - I was always intrigued during class. The work outside of class wasn't too demanding and always felt very worthwhile. I highly recommend.