We want students to use their talents in a way that engages the world outside of the classroom and beyond the written page. The Literary Practicum (CWLA 695) offers students practical experience in writing, publishing, teaching, or arts administration—any pursuit that encourages creativity and initiative.

Dave Bauer

Students undertake the practicum in their second year, after satisfactorily completing 20 credits of coursework. Projects could include such activities as: working on literary magazines; attending or presenting at literary writing conferences; collaborating with other artists or scholars on projects; producing or editing a publication; teaching writing workshops or courses; developing curricula for classroom use; or undertaking extensive research projects related to their creative work.

Students will plan, organize, and submit proposals to the program director, who will approve the project and evaluate the results. The practicum is flexible enough to allow students to parcel the 5.0-credit requirement among different options, including attendance at the annual Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference in Homer (1.0 credit), and participation in a wilderness weekend activity following the program’s summer residency (1.0).

 The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference attracts important writers, editors, and agents from all over the country to Homer for several intensive days of workshops and readings in an unparalleled setting. In addition to excellent teaching by fine writers, the conference offers our students the opportunity to learn more about the publishing industry, meet with an agent, or pitch ideas to an editor. Students will earn one credit of CWLA 695. The cost of conference registration and housing are in addition to tuition.



The wilderness weekend courses will allow students and select faculty to take their literary sensibilities into Alaska’s backcountry. Each year we’ll explore a different area of Alaska, examining relevant questions and writings about the relationships among people, wildlife, culture, and landscape. Most excursions will be moderately demanding physically. Extra fees will be necessary for transportation, food, and any housing that will be necessary.