INTERTERM AT THE JACOBSON CENTER FOR WRITING, TEACHING AND
LEARNING
All workshops are taught by the professional teaching staff of the Jacobson Center and held
in Seelye 307.
No pre-registration is necessary EXCEPT for Make Your Case: Become A Stronger Public
Speaker
Kick Start Your Fiction
Peter Sapira
This workshop is based on Bonnie Friedman’s quote, “Successful writers are not the ones
who write the best sentences. They are the ones who keep writing.” In keeping with this
sentiment, this workshop will use a variety of texts and video clips as jumping off points
to create new stories. The goal of this workshop is to give students an inspiring, effective
approach to create new writing, along with the tools to revise their own work.
Tuesday, January 19
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Grammar but Were Afraid to Ask
Holly Davis
If you suffer from grammar phobia—if you are unsure about grammatical usage and terms, this
workshop will ease your fears. In this workshop you will learn the ten most frequent grammar
and usage errors made by student writers and tips on how to avoid them.
Wednesday, January 20
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Do It Now: Five Simple Strategies to Reduce Academic Stress
Gail Thomas
Many Smith students often feel overwhelmed by coursework and commitments, lose motivation,
procrastinate or strive for perfection. This workshop will demonstrate simple strategies that you
can begin using now to reduce academic stress this semester.
Wednesday, January 20
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Writing From Experience: Personal Essay and Memoir
Naila Moreira
What is the best way to tell your own story? Mining your personal experiences to create
written work offers both prizes and pitfalls. The manipulation of character, setting, and
emotion to match real events can be delicate work, but can also provide a special
poignancy. In this age of “I,” we’ll discuss effective memoirs and essays by well-known
authors, then try our hand at our own personal writing.
Thursday, January 21
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m
Write It Again—in Plain English
Brian Turner
In this workshop, we’ll review techniques to clarify and strengthen sentences. We’ll look
at some poorly written sentences, take those sentences apart, and then put them together
again – in plain English.
Thursday, January 21
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Make Your Case: Become A Stronger Public Speaker
Debra Carney
This workshop will present techniques for writing and delivering effective public presentations.
We’ll discuss how to structure speeches, handle stage fright, rehearse, and use visual aids—
among other speech-related topics. Participants will receive a public speaking assignment (a brief
elevator pitch-style speech) prior to the workshop. Enrollment limited to 15 participants.
EMAIL dcarney@smith.edu to register.
Friday, January 22
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.