Barnard|Next Online brings live, discussion based courses straight to you, wherever you are. Led by Barnard instructors and rooted in the College’s liberal arts tradition, these short, focused offerings invite you to explore everything from art and writing to new ideas across the humanities, social sciences, and beyond. Sessions take place online in real time, so you can ask questions, connect with fellow learners, and stay engaged with Barnard’s intellectual community even if you cannot make it to campus.

Fall 2026 Offering

Writing Your Life Story

Instructor: Alexandra Watson
Format: 4 sessions, online on Zoom
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM (ET)
Dates: October 8, 15, 22, 29
Cost: $500

This course helps you turn the moments that matter in your life into compelling personal essays. Everyone has at least one moment that changed everything, or a quiet ordinary day that still lingers in memory. The challenge is finding the time, space, and structure to get those stories onto the page. In this class, you will use the flexible form of the personal essay to “write into” your life and shape those moments into narrative.

You will read personal essays for inspiration rather than argumentative models, paying attention to intimacy of voice, structure, and perspective. As Philip Lopate writes, “The hallmark of the personal essay is its intimacy. The writer seems to be speaking directly into your ear, confiding everything from gossip to wisdom.” Over four sessions, you will read work in that spirit and draft your own pieces, tapping into stories that range from everyday details to hard won insights.

How to Register

You can find registration information for the course above by visiting the page below.

Fall 2026 Registration