Department of English

In this ABCS (Academically Based Community Service) course, Penn students will work with students at West Philly High to read and write poetry and creative prose. Alternating our twice-weekly class sessions between Penn’s campus and the high school classroom, we will read and discuss writing by leading twentieth century figures (including Gwendolyn Brooks, Alice Walker, Lucille Clifton, June Jordan, Patricia Smith, Kiese Laymon, and Reginald Dwayne Betts) to inspire our own work. High school and Penn students will read and revise their writing through workshops together, and the course will culminate in a reading at Kelly Writers House. Students will gain teaching experience, creative writing techniques, and close reading skills. No previous teaching nor writing experience is required.