About the Course
Writing is an act of imagination built from the raw materials of life and language. In this course, you'll learn to approach writing as a craft and discover processes and techniques that writers in all genres use, from generating story ideas to deciding on voice and point of view. You and your classmates will read and discuss essays, short stories, and works of poetry with a focus on the author's intentions and creative choices. Your instructor for this course will be an experienced writer who guides you and your classmates through the creative writing and revision process. During writing workshops, you'll submit works to be reviewed by your instructor and peers, who will offer detailed feedback geared toward making your writing stronger. You will also read works by your classmates and offer feedback. Through this collaborative revision process, you'll develop confidence in your own writing, editing and creative abilities.
Typical Class Size: 14-16
Learning Objectives
- Analyze and discuss essays, short stories, works of poetry, and other writing genres with an eye toward the process and techniques of effective writing
- Explore tools for generating ideas and incorporating literary elements into your writing
- Draft and develop 4-5 creative and analytic or reflective writing projects
- Collaborate in writing workshops, giving and receiving feedback, and incorporating feedback in revisions of at least two major assignments
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Speyer School
New York, NY
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros
Neighborhood Odes, by Gary Soto
Past Perfect, Present Tense: New and Collected Stories, by Richard Peck
Register by: May 11, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros
Neighborhood Odes, by Gary Soto
Past Perfect, Present Tense: New and Collected Stories, by Richard Peck
UC-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Filling up fast! 2 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros
Neighborhood Odes, by Gary Soto
Past Perfect, Present Tense: New and Collected Stories, by Richard Peck
Ursinus College
Collegeville, PA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros
Neighborhood Odes, by Gary Soto
Past Perfect, Present Tense: New and Collected Stories, by Richard Peck
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid