This upper-division Writing & Literature workshop introduces you to the literary journal as an object of study and as an editorial experience. Traditionally, literary journals are printed collections of fiction, memoir essays, criticism, poetry, reviews, and/or other forms of writing, accompanied by visual art, graphic design, and/or photography. Yet online literary journals shouldn't be overlooked for their potential to launch talented new voices or reach appreciative readers around the world. While some journals reflect academic or educational origins, others speak "the vernacular" and flourish in DIY, zine, and activist spaces. Whether print or electronic, all literary journals reflect an underlying passion to amplify their contributors' talents. Similarly, at CCA, our undergraduate-produced literary journal Humble Pie is embedded in the belief that self-expression is critical to sustaining a vibrant community. Our mission is to advance the development of poets, writers, and artists at CCA as we foster a nurturing environment for literature and the arts.
In Literary Journal, you will deepen the analytical and creative skills you practiced in Writing 1 and 2, expressing yourselves through the written/spoken word while strengthening your editorial capacities. In hands-on exercises, you will evaluate presses and publications that "gather" voices—including journals, anthologies, and magazines—for their potential strengths and weaknesses. You will also create, edit, and distribute marketing materials amplifying our call for entries, through "crowdsourced" material generated through scaffolded course assignments. All students will practice crafting editorial reviews and trading professional letters, strengthening your capacities on each side of the desk/table, in preparation for communicating with Humble Pie contributors and for future artistic/editorial opportunities. Each student will join an interdisciplinary committee responsible for a specific aspect of Humble Pie's 21st volume, including visual art, literary art, or print design. Each team is responsible for the final selection of work, even as all students in our class will evaluate submissions. Literary Journal is ultimately a celebration of the written and visual arts at local and international scales—with a focus on CCA student, faculty, and staff talent, present and past—yet it also prepares our students for future opportunities in print design, art design, and publishing.
- Instructor: Julie Thi