Project-Based Curriculum
in Autobiographical Writing and Presenting:
Value and Definition

Diane Howard, Ph.D.
Copyright © 2000

 

Broadly approaching the subject, autobiographical writing and performing involves the presentation of oneself or another, ideally from the original words of the one presented. These personal communications may have been obtained from oral interviews or may have been written by the one depicted, in letters, journals, diaries, or written autobiographies. Writing and performing autobiography, thus defined, involves one person presenting the personal, verbal or written communication of himself, herself, or of another. Autobiographical forms include letters, journals, diaries, memoirs, confessions, oral histories, and written autobiographies. They can be historical, spiritual, philosophical, poetical, narrative, descriptive, and/or explanatory in nature.

Autobiographical writing and performing is distinguished from writing and performing biography, which emphasizes the recounting of objective, external events and experiences of another. The focus of autobiographical writing and performing is on subjective questions, struggles, and representations. Finally, stories and performances of autobiography are not necessarily linear, chronological, or one-dimensional. They can be presentations of associated montage or diverse collage images about multiple facets of human personality and identity.

Writing and performing autobiography can be uniquely beneficial, educational, and therapeutic for both writers and performers and for their audiences. Encouraging understanding, compassion, and empathy, it challenges stereotypical images and hasty judgments, which are based on simplistic perceptions of others. Through its role modeling effect, writing and performing autobiography can influence achievement motivation in audiences. Writing and performing autobiography can facilitate valuable insights and skills for writers/performers. It involves close study of history and aggressive research from first-hand sources. It encourages careful study of character, crafted writing skills, careful selection of presentation techniques, and effective engagement of audiences. Performing autobiographies can be used for effective and diverse evangelism and teaching.

Performances of autobiography can easily be performed long-distance over videoconference equipment, which can facilitate open communication in what seems like an atmosphere of anonymity. They can also be simply presented to on-site audiences in homes, schools, theatres, museums, and churches. They can be presented to audiences involved in educational, performing arts, cultural, historical, and civic organizations. Performance of autobiography can be utilized as project-based curriculum or it may be pursued as an effective approach specifically to the study of speech performance.

Studying writing and performing autobiography has a wide range of uses and applications. Students of speech communication, speech performance, mass communication, performance studies, or theatre can use it as introductory, comprehensive, and contemporary project-based curriculum. It is useful in the field of education but in related fields, such as missions or in studies of history, literature, psychology, sociology, and cultures. It provides insight into cultural dynamics, such as that of gender, race, and ethnicity. It is useful in producing solo performances. Finally, it can guide students, researchers, writers, and performers in their autobiographical projects and performances.