Writing Program
Writing courses are listed below.
The Writing Program at the Summer School offers courses in expository and creative writing, journalism, and professional writing. All courses are run as small workshops and emphasize writing, reading, and revising; classes meet in two 2.5 hour sessions a
week, with three individual conferences outside of class. In addition, the Writing Program sponsors a magazine of student work; a reading series featuring students, faculty, and distinguished guest
writers; and a workshop series on special writing topics, such as "Writing College Application Essays" and "Writing with Sources."
Registration and course changes. All
writing courses (including those with prerequisites) are limited in enrollment and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Since the courses fill quickly, students are encouraged to register
for their preferred sections online and as early as possible. For information about registration and course changes, students should see registration. All writing courses must be taken for credit, except EXPO S-C, which is available only for
noncredit. Before registering for Writing Program courses, Harvard College students should see additional
information; Harvard Extension School degree and certificate candidates should see additional
information.
Writing Center. Peer tutors of the Writing Center (advanced students at Harvard College) are
available to assist Summer School students from beginning to advanced levels. Tutors from the Writing Center are available starting the second week of classes. The Writing Center is located in the
Barker Center, 12 Quincy Street, garden level.
Expository Writing
Expository writing courses help students write clear, thoughtful essays on academic topics. Each course emphasizes the fundamentals of coherent writing; each considers organization, grammar, and the development of style. Expository writing courses are based on those offered to Harvard College freshmen.
- EXPO S-C Cross-Cultural Expository Writing
- EXPO S-20a Writing and Literature
- EXPO S-20d Writing about Social and Ethical Issues
- EXPO S-20e The Essay
Creative Writing
Creative writing courses are taught by published writers and offer instruction in the writing techniques common to traditional, and some nontraditional, genres: fiction, poetry, narrative nonfiction, and screenwriting. Admission to certain creative writing courses may be based in part on writing samples submitted on or before the first day of class.
- CREA S-25 Beginning Fiction
- CREA S-30 Beginning Poetry
- CREA S-45a Beginning Screenwriting
- CREA S-75 Beginning Creative Nonfiction
- CREA S-105r Advanced Fiction: The Novel
- CREA S-106r Advanced Fiction: Short Stories
- CREA S-110r Advanced Poetry Writing
Journalism
Journalism courses are taught by accomplished professionals in the field, including Pulitzer- and Emmy-winning writers and recent Nieman Fellows at Harvard.
- JOUR S-50 Beginning Journalism
- JOUR S-100 Graduate Journalism Proseminar: Writing and Reporting
- JOUR S-150 Advanced Narrative Nonfiction
Professional Writing
Professional writing courses help students develop writing skills relevant to the fields of business, publishing, and the law. These courses are taught by experienced instructors who are also working professionals in their fields.
- CREA S-165 Writing Grant Proposals
- CREA S-170 Principles of Editing
- CREA S-175 Legal Writing
- CREA S-180 Effective Business Communication