Calder Classics Online - Creative Writing
A unique Classics-inspired Writing Workshop designed for high school students to hone their Creative Writing skills. In conversation with classical myths and poems as well as contemporary adaptations, students write stories and compose poetry in a supportive and intellectual environment.
Creative Writing Workshop
Classical myths have long inspired poetry, prose, tragedy, comedy, music, dance and the visual arts. Calder Classics invites students to explore the classical foundation stories and their influence on our culture in our Online Creative Writing Workshop.
Through our writing workshops, and readings of ancient and modern literature our students are sure to hear the modern muses. Under the guidance of an experienced writing mentor students spend time drafting their own work as well as giving constructive feedback to their peers. Students complete the program with new drafts as well as several polished pieces.
Workshop
Readings
Students read classical works in translation by such authors as Homer, Vergil, and Ovid as well as contemporary fiction and poetry by such authors as Jamaica Kincaid, Terrence Hayes, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Classical and contemporary readings are paired to reveal thematic similarities and inspire students to interrogate ancient ideas with fresh eyes.
Writing
Each session, students have the chance to “free write” in response to a particular prompt. These exercises correspond to our readings and provide the launching pad for workshop drafts. Then we focus on student drafts, discussing what is working and what can be improved. In workshop sessions students get individual feedback and the group as a whole discusses when and how writing is strongest. Our time together culminates in a virtual reading of polished final work.
Dive into Italy’s Art, Culture, and History
Though we cannot physically be in Italy this year, writing students will have a chance to engage with ancient Greek and Roman history as well as classical and Renaissance Italian culture when writing students join with their Latin and Greek student counterparts for presentations and group activities.
Faculty
Alyssa Northrop
Dr. Darius Arya
Daniel Paul
Dates & Fees
TBD - THIS COURSE IS CURRENTLY IN FORMATION. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR CONTACT US ON THE FORM BELOW.
Testimonials - Calder Classics Online
The Calder Classics Creative Writing Workshop was an incredibly valuable experience for me. Readings provided by our amazing teacher of both classical and contemporary nature were relevant and inspired thought-provoking prompts. I learned through our workshops how to edit and revise my work, questioning and reworking elements of my pieces that I never would have before. Overall this class has provided me with the tools to continue with and expand my creative writing, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to further their understanding and development of this topic.
Calder Classics shaped my perspective on my writing style, introduced new techniques that are hard to learn in traditional English classes, and enhanced my view on literature and literacy.
Calder Classics was one of the most enjoyable online programs that I’ve done. Will definitely do it again!
I really loved this course! It will truly help me in the long run as a Rising Junior. I have learned so much about becoming a better writer and valuing the little details, which makes a good piece, a good piece.
Despite all the pandemic obstacles in the way, Calder Classics was able to adapt and deliver an incredible online program that taught me so much!.