Iowa Writers Learning Community

Iowa Writers Living-Learning Community

What is the Iowa Writers Living-Learning Community?

The Iowa Writers Living-Learning Community offers a unique living/learning opportunity for students who are interested in writing of any type: journalism, fiction, poetry, essays, memoirs, plays/screenplays, speeches, manuals. Students from all majors are invited to apply.

Living-Learning Community Activities

·         On-floor presentations by visiting authors and members of the Writers' Workshop, International Writing Program, and Playwrights Workshop.

·         Community social functions.

·         Special opportunities to explore writing programs and writing-related resources on campus.

·         Opportunities to visit with nationally known authors before or after public readings.

Where is it located?

There are 76 spaces in a residence hall on the east side of campus, located near the Writers' Workshop and the International Writing Program, a short distance from the heart of campus and downtown Iowa City.

Why is living in the Iowa Writers Living-Learning Community unique?

Members of this community will form a close bond as they live together and share their common interests in writing. In this quiet-house environment, students will be able to focus on writing, form informal workshop groups, learn the ropes of the writing world from professionals, and make lasting friendships.

Our Sponsors

· Department of Communication Studies

· Department of English

· Department of Rhetoric

· School of Journalism & Mass Communication

· The University of Iowa Honors Program

· International Writing Program

· Playwrights Workshop

· Prairie Lights Bookstore

· Writers' Workshop

How do I apply?

We are looking for 76 students who want to be active, involved participants in the writing community. Applicants must be members of the entering first-year student (freshman) class. Interested applicants must request the Iowa Writers Living-Learning Community option on The University of Iowa housing application. In addition, applicants must submit a sample of their writing by March 5, 2010.

The Writing Sample

·         The writing sample can be from any genre: a creative work of poetry or fiction, an article from a school paper, an essay, or a written class assignment. Your sample should be a piece of writing that makes you proud.

·         A short piece (2–3 pages) is preferable to a long piece. If you are submitting a very long sample, please let us know which particular portion of the sample you want us to review.

·         You may submit your sample electronically or as hard copy.

o        Hard copy should be mailed to: Angie Cochran, Iowa Writers Living-Learning Community, The University of Iowa, 111 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242.

o        Electronic copy should be e-mailed as an attachment to angie-cochran@uiowa.edu .The attachment should be either a Microsoft Word Document or a PDF file.

Assignment to this community will be based on the following criteria:

· the quality of your writing sample,

· evidence of interest in and talent for writing, as shown by your high school courses and grades, and

· the date on which the Housing Office receives your housing application.

For more information:

angie-cochran@uiowa.edu or call Angie at 319-335-0148.