Writing About Los Angeles Literature

FAIN: FW-50144-10

Scott J. Bryson
Mount Saint Mary's University (Los Angeles, CA 90049-1599)

A few years ago I designed a Freshman English course, "Writing About Los Angeles Literature," in which students read, study, and write about a number of LA texts. What makes the class unique is that in addition to composing traditional academic essays, students also help create a Los Angeles Literature website, which offers them a chance to share what they learn in creative, enjoyable, and meaningful ways. Over the last several semesters the students have produced and expanded on a robust and fascinating website (http://www.la.edu/english/LAliterature) that demonstrates the depths of their growing knowledge of the field, and which has garnered a good deal of attention within and outside of the academic community. Now, with the help of an NEH Teaching Development Fellowship, I hope to deepen and broaden the course by increasing its historical and multi-ethnic elements.