Support for Writing, Speaking and Language Study

The Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing (CPCW) brings together all of Penn's writing programs, entities, and projects to form a collaborative whole. The Center presents writing courses, workshops and a reading circle. In addition, it offers students an opportunity to perform their writing or to become involved as a tutor, mentor or editorial apprentice.

The Creative Writing Program offers workshops in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, journalistic writing, screenwriting, and playwriting. It also offers minors in Creative Writing and Journalistic Writing, publishes a literary journal highlighting; the work of students, faculty and eminent alumni writers; and provides qualified English majors the opportunity to earn honors in English by submitting a creative thesis. Throughout the year, the program invites visiting writers to Penn for readings and talks, and sponsors a University-wide writing contest each spring.

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Students should satisfy the Writing Requirement by taking a writing seminar sometime in their first year. Writing seminars are offered through the Critical Writing Program.

The Kelly Writers House is a historic house on Penn's campus that serves as a center for writers from Penn and the Philadelphia region at large. Each semester the Writers House hosts approximately 150 public programs and projects: poetry readings, film screenings, seminars, art exhibits and musical performances. Each week about 500 people work, write and collaborate in its many rooms and in the "Arts Cafe." Writers House also has a strong virtual presence through live interactive webcasts and dozens of listservs, web magazines and email discussion groups.

The Marks Family Writing Center offers friendly, expert writing help to Penn undergraduate and graduate students. Writing tutors are trained to help students write with greater skill and confidence.