Journalism: 9 am–Noon
How do reporters cover breaking news? What's it like to put out a newspaper and update a Web site on deadline? How do you learn to interview people and ask tough questions? This class will cover the basics of journalism. Students will learn how to interview someone, write a simple news story, and handle themselves at a mock news conference. The week will conclude with the students acting as the news staff at a paper, in charge of putting out a special edition of a mock newspaper and Web site for a breaking news story.

Poetry Writing: 9 am–Noon
Students will be exposed to a variety of poetic forms and structures including haiku, free verse, odes and slam poetry. They will be encouraged to write a sample of each form, while focusing on idea generation and creative thought. Students will keep a journal of poems, thoughts, and ideas. A celebratory poetry reading will be held on the final day of class.

Political Writing: 9 am–Noon
Come and participate in a simulated in-class political campaign, where you run candidates against each other, sharpen your writing skills, and learn the marketing techniques candidates use to win. Students connect their classroom experience with the 2008 presidential campaigns in an accessible, kid-friendly way. Identify leadership qualities. Learn how to build campaign messages and themes, how to compare and contrast candidates and issues, how to write speeches and press releases, and how to put out the fire when disaster strikes on the campaign trail.

Publishing: 9 am–Noon
Have you always wanted see your name in print? This class will help you think like an editor, target your work to the right publications, and explore different routes to becoming a published writer. Students are asked to bring drafts of two pieces of writing to first class.

Fiction Writing - The Short Story:
1–4 pm
Each student will work on developing a new, original short story based on her or his particular interests. Various exercises will be employed to help the students through the process of writing and editing fiction. These exercises will focus on the areas of character development, plot structure and conflict. Students will learn feedback/critique techniques and will practice reading aloud from their works. Short stories by famous authors will also be read and used as models. A celebratory reading will be held on the final day of class.

Screenplay Writing:
1–4 pm
This class provides the student with the opportunity to learn and develop the craft of screenwriting through discussion, practice, and examination of current cinematic works. Students will begin with the basics of visual storytelling, and then concentrate on the two fundamental elements of drama—structure and character, while also examining standard formatting and dialogue.

Graphic Novel Writing: 1–4 pm
Students in this class will explore the history and current state of the graphic novel & comic industry as well as learning the skills necessary to create their own illustrated work. The focus of this course will be on the writing, drawing, and various forms of publication of comic books & graphic novels. Supplies are provided.