Program Overview
The Creative Writing and Culture summer program combines classic and digital writing techniques to inspire students to develop their unique writing voice. The program explores various writing styles, from essays to lyrics, and culminates in publication opportunities in the student-run journal "The Voyager." Led by experienced writers, the program emphasizes the integration of culture, digital expression, and individual voice in contemporary writing.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Creative Writing and Culture stream aims to help students develop their unique writing voice by drawing from existing material and developing a creative edge. It combines visits to historical sites with writing exercises to spark new ideas. The course incorporates both traditional and digital writing approaches, providing a 21st-century perspective on creative writing. The program is designed as a fantastic introduction to how culture can inspire various writing styles and forms, improving English writing skills. It offers benefits such as learning about classical writers, developing a unique voice, publication potential, and honing English language skills (speaking, writing, listening, reading). The program is described as a contemporary approach mixing culture, digital expression, and individual expression. It includes an intense focus on writing skills leading to the CISS Writer's Prize.
Outline:
The three-week creative writing course introduces students to both classic and digital writing techniques. The curriculum covers theory behind creative writing (literary techniques used by published authors) and navigating the digital revolution in publishing (online platforms like Kindle and blogs). The course combines digital, contemporary, and traditional creative writing approaches. It includes modules covering various writing types and techniques, such as essays, poetry, lyrics, and fast fiction. Students analyze the styles of successful authors and learn how to write articles incorporating keywords for search engine optimization (SEO). Students participate in workshops and have the opportunity to publish their work in The Voyager , a digital publication.
Teaching:
The course is taught by a published expert in creative writing with field experience and success. Teaching methods include workshops, visits to museums and historically important sites to inspire writing, and instruction on various writing techniques and styles. The program also features iconic guest speakers, including leading authors. However, it mentions publication potential in The Voyager and the development of skills applicable to various writing fields, including digital content creation.
Other:
The minimum English language proficiency required is a B2 level. Students receive a certificate of completion and a reference upon successful completion of the summer school. The program is part of a larger summer school program offered in various locations (UK, US, UAE) with a variety of other academic and sports/art streams. The program is described as "future-thinking" and emphasizes the importance of digital writing in the modern publishing landscape.
