FRESHMEN
Humanities I
A year-long course designed to give the students an overview on ancient epics, poetry, theatre, philosophy, religious texts, and
mythology. The students will explore a variety of themes through ekphrastic writing, reading, writing exercises, and even arts
and crafts in order to widen the scope of their knowledge and bring to them a better understanding of the history of the
written word.
Fiction
An introductory course in the craft of fiction writing in which the student will study basic literary elements including character,
conflict, point-of-view, and tone. Students will write, workshop, and revise their writing as they build their portfolio.
Poetry
An introductory course in poetry in which students will study the art form through discussions of figurative language, tone,
diction, rhyme, and meter as well as extensive readings of published poets. The students will write and participate in critiques
to develop their craft.
SOPHOMORES
Humanities II
A continuation of Humanities I, this course begins with the Renaissance and travels through the literary movements ending with
contemporary fiction. The course will include brief studies on art, architecture, and philosophy that coincides with that week’s
literature, giving the students a glimpse of what is happening in the world when some of this great writing is created.
Playwriting (Fall)
An introduction to dramatic writing, this course begins with students working on short scenes as they learn what writing for the
stage entails through the craft of building characters and writing dialogue. The students will read a variety of playwrights,
complete writing exercises, and participate in critiques as they work toward the completion of a 10-minute play.
Acting (Fall)
A course in the basic tenants of acting that allows the playwright to experience the words from a different perspective. The
students will perform previously produced works in addition to practicing their own pieces.
Screenwriting (Spring)
Students explore the differences between writing for the stage and for the screen, honing their craft through reading scripts
and group critiques. The students will learn the format for screenplays, complete a film treatment and a short screenplay.
Digital Storytelling (Spring)
This course introduces the students to visual storytelling. The students will learn basic camera operations so that they may tell
their stories and poems through still and moving images. They will learn to storyboard and plan their short “moving poems”
and use several programs for presentation including photostory and moviemaker so that they may share their work with the
class.
JUNIORS
Independent Study: Workshop
An intensive, self-directed course in which the students that allows the students to continue to develop their voices and build
their portfolio. Students will choose an area of concentration and work towards goals approved by their advisor, all while
continuing to read published work and completing in-class writing exercises. Students will meet with their advisor regularly and
participate in group and individual critiques.
Literary Magazine: Publishing and Editing
This class pertains to all aspects of the printing industry from setting type on a letterpress to creating files using InDesign to
publishing work in our digital publishing house. They will solicit and jury the submissions for two literary magazines and market
the magazine upon completion. Additionally, the students will learn the basic rules of proofreading and copyediting.
Spoken Word
This class traces the history of the oral tradition from its beginnings through present day spoken word. Students will listen to
and watch a variety of spoken word performances as they develop and practice their own voices.
Creative Non-Fiction
This course explores the various form of non-fiction writing including the memoir, literary journalism, and the lyric essay.
Students will study research practices as they learn the ethics of proper documentation. As always, students will read published
writers as they write essays and participate in critiques.