High School Curriculum

All Writing and Publishing students begin by taking introductory classes in each of the major genres (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting), which prepare students for writing workshops – the heart of the Writing and Publishing curriculum. This curriculum is modeled on courses offered by Carnegie Mellon University, long recognized as one of the finest writing programs in the country.

In addition to core writing classes, the Lincoln Park Writing and Publishing Department also offers instruction in a variety of special topic areas. Our curriculum includes classes in subjects from philosophy to argumentative writing, from public speaking to film and cultural studies, to help create well-rounded writers and students. These courses are offered on a rotating basis.

Workshops

Workshops are the heart of the Writing & Publishing Department. In these small classes, students write and then submit their work to the class to be read, critiqued, and discussed by their peers. Students receive detailed feedback and are encouraged to revise their work in preparation to seek publication. 

Poetry

Fiction

Creative Nonfiction

Screenwriting

Dramatic Writing

Manuscript Development

Advanced Literary Studies

These advanced classes, modeled after university-level courses, are designed to develop and foster exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills. Students who complete ALS courses find themselves well-rounded writers and thinkers, and often discover themselves with a major advantage at the collegiate level. 

Professional Writing

Critical Reading

Adaptation

Journalism

Archetypes: Spongebob vs. Shakespeare

Violence in Literature

Why We Think What We Think: A Survey of Western Philosophy

Argument and Controversy

50 Poems in 50 Days

Content Generating Courses

Sometimes the hardest thing about writing is just that - writing! These courses are designed to give students a low-pressure time and place to be creative, write, and explore new styles and ideas. 

The Daily Prompt

In The Style Of

Writer’s Improv

Special Topics

In our Special Topics courses, students get the opportunity to dive deep into a specific area of study. Many of these courses are interdisciplinary in design, encouraging students to put their writing skills to work beyond the page. 

The Principles of Public Speaking

The History of Horror

Film Studies: Comedy

Film Studies: Hitchcock

Books You Should Have Read By Now

Bookbinding

Podcasting

Songwriting

So You Want to Write a Musical