Camille Rankine: Words in Action

Can language be a catalyst for change? Can speech constitute action? In this workshop we will examine the ways in which the work of writing can be a space of political action and social engagement. Through reading and discussion, we'll investigate ideas of literary activism, and consider what responsibilities a writer may (or may not) have to their communities; and to address issues like injustice, inequality, violence, and the pressing concerns of our society today. We will explore how writers use form, voice, sound, and syntax to respond to political and social issues; and to create a stirring landscape that inspires, chills, and provokes.

To register, please visit the Academy section in our online store. If you have any questions, or would like any additional information, please write managing editor Megan Cummins at [email protected].

Camille Rankine is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants. Her first full-length collection of poetry, Incorrect Merciful Impulses, was published in 2016 by Copper Canyon. She is the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and The MacDowell Colony, and was named an Honorary Cave Canem fellow in 2012. She is a visiting professor at The New School and lives in New York City.

Course Schedule
Thursdays
October 18 & 25; November 1 & 15 (skips November 8)
6:30 PM–9:00 PM
4 sessions