Class Description
Class Description:
What is the connection between worldbuilding and the world around us? How do authors use the idea of utopias and dystopias to comment on their contemporary moment? To inform our exploration of these questions and others, we will read works by Rivers Solomon, Ursula K. Le Guin and more. This course aims to introduce themes and techniques of fiction used by marginalized authors (BIPOC, Women, Neurodiverse, LGBTQ) to re-imagine the world we live in and create utopias out of dystopias. Participants will sharpen their critical reading and creative writing abilities as we study how various craft elements—such as setting, magic or tech systems, politics and creatures/monsters—help build worlds that allow for readers to see other possibilities, alternative realities, and maybe even find some grounds for hope. Participants must be willing to engage a diversity of identities with a deep level of empathy and respect as we use fiction to navigate the history that unfolds around us. For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY.
Takeaway:
Students will leave with a rough outline for a story, and part of a new draft!
Zoom Accessibility:
Online Class Format--Sustainability and Community:
Based on student suggestions and to offer writers a sustainable learning experience, this YAWP weeklong provides a balance of craft sessions and exercises with plenty of optional components so that teens can take screen breaks as needed.
Each morning session will feature a craft talk or group exercise with your designated instructor, and in the afternoon you’ll have optional and lowkey meetings that could consist of:
- Q&A chat with your writing instructor
- Group writing with music
- Reading party
- Movie viewing followed by a chat about craft
- Writing games
- Open mic/sharing
Students are encouraged to self-advocate, opting out if they are fatigued or diving in if they want more creative activity. Either way, instructors will always be available to answer questions via email and/or Zoom chat!
Registration Instructions:
- If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
- If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
- If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
- Please register with your preferred name :)
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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this winter!***
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. Please visit the Resources tab to access the video-conference link.
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!