About the Summer Writing Program

The Summer Writing Program emphasizes a writing process approach, teaching participants how to compose academic papers similar to those that are expected in college.  The program is designed for college-bound students with strong reading and writing abilities.

Each day begins with a lively discussion of literature in a class led by a Carleton professor.  Summer Writing Program participants read both contemporary and traditional literature, from texts by writers such as Plato and Shakespeare to a variety of modern short stories, essays, and poems by authors such as August Wilson, Margaret Atwell, James Baldwin, Alice Walker, and Adrienne Rich.  This literature then becomes the focus of participants' written work.

In addition to morning classes, discussion sections led by current Carleton undergraduate students offer participants rich opportunities for individual attention.  The writing workshop, taught by Professor Deborah Appleman, meets daily to provide participants with opportunities to focus intensely on their writing process.  

Although creative writing exercises are occasionally included, the focus of the Summer Writing Program is on expository prose - the kind of writing college undergraduates use to write academic papers.

Attendance 

The Summer Writing Program is a residential program that requires full time residence at Carleton College for the duration of the program.  Participants are expected to remain on campus, with the exception of SWP-sponsored excursions.  Only in cases on emergency and with the express approval of the Director of Summer Academic Programs, will a participant be permitted to take time away from the program.  No exceptions will be made.

Credit Information

The Summer Writing Program faculty provides a written evaluation of each student's participation soon after their completion of the Summer Writing Program. Six Carleton credit hours, equivalent to approximately three semester credit hours, are awarded to participants who successfully complete the Summer Writing Program.  While these credits do typically transfer to other colleges and universities, it is at the sole discretion of individual institutions to determine the acceptability of these credits.

Summer Writing Program General Schedule

Sunday, July 7, 2013

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Check in  

Daily Schedule (Monday-Friday)

• Core Classes:  9:00 am - 10:00 am

• Break: 10:00 am - 10:30 am

• Writing Workshops and Discussion Groups: 10:30 am- Noon and 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

• Evening Discussions:  7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, two evenings per week

Summer Writing Program participants are provided ample time for their
reading, writing, and revision as well as relaxation and group activities.
 

Friday, July 26, 2013 

10:00 am Graduation (families and friends welcome)