Unreal Genders with Nic Anstett
Wednesdays, May 15-June 5
Reading Group
$200
$175
For decades, speculative fiction writers have used the bizarre, uncanny, and spectacular to test, bend, and expand our understanding of gender. They foresaw a queerer and more gender diverse future long before these sorts of conversations would enter the literary mainstream. Through reading short stories by classic science fiction writers like Samuel R. Delany, Octavia Butler, and Ursula K. Le Guin as well as newer texts by openly trans and nonbinary storytellers such as Charlie Jane Anders, Isabel Fall, and Calvin Gimpelevich, enthusiasts of literary and genre fiction will join in a discussion and analysis of the unique ways that speculative fiction has allowed writers to explore and challenge our gendered realities and unrealities.
This is a reading group. Designed for writers and readers alike, our reading groups analyze a single text or multiple texts. Classes meet once a week for live Zoom lectures to discuss the reading with the instructor. There may be optional writing and/or discussion prompts on the online discussion board, but there will not be instructor feedback on the exercises. Reading group sessions will be recorded.
About Nic Anstett:
Nic Anstett (OS #304, “The Exorsister“), a writer from Baltimore, MD, loves the bizarre, spectacular, and queer. She is a graduate from the University of Oregon’s MFA program and has attended workshops through the Clarion Foundation, Lambda Literary, and Tin House, where she was a 2021 scholar. Her fiction can be found in publications such as One Story, Witness Magazine, Passages North, and Lightspeed Magazine and has been nominated for anthologies like the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net. Nic has also written essays and articles for Autostraddle, Tor.com, and them. She is currently at work on a collection of short stories and a novel.
Schedule
All sessions will take place on Zoom. Sessions will be recorded.
Session 1: Wednesday, May 15, 7-8:30pm ET
Session 2: Wednesday, May 22, 7-8:30pm ET
Session 3: Wednesday, May 29, 7-8:30pm ET
Session 4: Wednesday, June 5, 7-8:30pm ET
FAQ
When can I register for this class?
Registration will open in early 2024 and close when the class reaches its cap.
How does the class work?
This class meets weekly for live Zoom discussions for the duration of the course. Students will share responses to the assignments for feedback from their fellow students and the instructor on Thinkific.
Is participation on the discussion board required?
We encourage all students to share work and to participate in discussions to get the most out of the experience.
Is there homework?
The class will include reading assignments, discussion questions, and writing exercises. The instructor will not be providing feedback on writing exercises.
How much time will the class take?
Live lessons run from an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. Plan to spend about 2 hours a week on reading and written discussion questions.
How many students are in the class?
This class is capped at 50 students.
Can I take the class on my phone?
Yes, the class can be taken on a phone, but we recommend a computer or tablet to get the most out of the experience.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships for this class?
Yes, we have a limited number of scholarships for the class. Scholarships cover 50% of tuition. Recipients will be selected at random. You can apply for one here. The deadline to request a scholarship is Sunday, April 28. We will notify all entrants by Tuesday, May 7.
Discounts & Policies
Our online classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.
Patron Discount: In order to qualify for our patron discount, you must be a member of our patron circle at the time of registration. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in our non-profit organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers or supporters are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patron, you can do so here.
Refund Policy: Students can receive full refunds prior to Wednesday, May 8, and 50% refunds from May 9 through 14. Class payment is non-refundable on or after the class’s start date. For questions about the refund policy, or if you are unable to take the class after you have registered, please contact maribeth@one-story.com.
If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.
