Community-based Writing
Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g. CAS WR 120); Writing, Research, and Inquiry (e.g., CAS WR 151, WR 152, or WR 153); and junior or senior standing.
This small experiential learning seminar asks, “How can universities and communities collaborate in ways that are genuinely mutually beneficial?” (Yates & Accardi). Typically, learning service in higher education has prioritized the university, which has more money and power, but this course will stress reciprocity. We will form a writing partnership with an assigned local organization as a form of community building and social action. Through creative and collaborative writing, we will explore concepts of positionality, community, belonging, and creativity, as well as gain insight into various voices and perspectives we might not otherwise encounter. We will have the opportunity to work as leaders by facilitating experiences, including writing groups, sharing circles, revision workshops, and performances. In addition to shorter creative work, we will also compose a final creative project inspired by our work with the class’s community partner.
This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, The Individual in Community, Creativity/Innovation.
