Core Classes

Creative Writing

In this course, students gain mastery of the fundamental techniques of fiction and poetry. Assigned writing projects, in-class exercises, workshops, and discussion of literary works help students generate and refine their own material. Over the course of the semester, each student works toward achieving the originality of vision and maturity of expression that lie at the heart of powerful literature. The class's workshop format-- in which each writer submits work for group discussion and critique-- encourages students to develop their own aesthetic responses and to hone their critical thinking skills.

Completion of this course also gives students eligibility to take part in the CREW project, tutoring younger students in the essentials of creative writing both on the Campbell Hall campus and in the community at large.

Advanced Creative Writing

In this repeatable class for advanced writers, students build on concepts and techniques mastered in the introductory Creative Writing course while pursuing their own writing projects. Class time consists primarily of detailed discussions of writing techniques, in-depth workshops of student writing, writing sessions, collaborative projects, readings, and exercises and activities designed to help each student explore new creative territory and hone his or her craft.

At the end of the semester, each student completes a final portfolio consisting of roughly twenty pages of revised, polished writing. In addition to an intensive focus on their own writing, students read and discuss a diverse range of published work, with an emphasis on contemporary authors. All students will have the opportunity to present their pieces in publications such as the school's literary journal (Caliburnus), and also at public events and performances. Advanced students may also choose to pursue the Creative Writing Focus, which involves the completion everal semesters of Advanced Creative Writing, at least two semesters of independent study, and a thesis project.

Literary Publications

Students in this hands-on class design, edit, and produce both of Campbell Hall"s literary journals. Caliburnus publishes outstanding writing by Campbell Hall"s high school students, while CREW showcases stories and poetry by area elementary school kids who develop their pieces under the tutelage of some of Campbell Hall"s top creative writers. Class members have the opportunity to contribute to all aspects of the magazines' publication, including: layout and design; reading, selecting, and editing of submissions; working with budgets and deadlines; publicity; and planning special events related to the magazines. In addition, students in this class work to integrate the Creative Writing Program into community life at Campbell Hall, coordinating readings, sponsoring performances, clubs, and events, and seeking out fresh opportunities to publicize, nurture, and honor the school's writers and artists.