Hopwood Program
Avery Hopwood graduated from the University of Michigan in 1905. He became a successful Broadway playwright, by most accounts the "richest" of his era, and at his death endowed the prize that bears his name. The first awards were offered—and the inaugural lecture delivered—in the academic year 1931-32. Since that time, the Hopwood Awards Program has continued its mission to promote excellence in collegiate writing—and no other program in the nation equals it; no other system of institutional reward has recognized so many with so much and for so long.
Bear River Writers' Conference
The Bear River Writers' Conference is defined by its own particular geography, situated as it is at the intersection of the natural and creative worlds. Populated by an eclectic collection of writers of all levels of experience, it offers community members a hiatus from daily routine and the chance to find a space for themselves and their words.
Find your place at Bear River.
New England Literature Program (NELP)
NELP is a University of Michigan academic program that takes place off-campus during the Spring half-term. UM faculty and other instructors teach the courses, and students earn nine regular UM credits in upper-level English classes.
The program takes place at Camp Kabeyun on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. For six and a half weeks, 40 students and 13 UM instructors live and work together closely, reading New England authors, writing, and exploring the New England countryside, its people, culture, and history.
In addition to formal academic work in literature and writing, the intellectual experience of the program often includes art, camping, nature-study, canoeing, music, cooking—and many other interests brought each year by students and staff. Student-teaching, where students work with instructors to teach classes on topics they choose, is another important part of the program.
Michigan Quarterly Review
Michigan Quarterly Review is an interdisciplinary and international literary journal, combining distinctive voices in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, as well as works in translation. Our work extends online as well, where we publish cultural commentary alongside reviews and interviews with writers, artists, and cultural figures around the world. The flagship literary journal of the University of Michigan, our magazine embraces creative urgency and cultural relevance, aiming to challenge conventions and address long-overdue conversations. As we continue to promote an expansive and inclusive vision, we seek work from established and emerging writers with diverse aesthetics and experiences.
Great Lakes Arts, Cultures, and Environments (GLACE)
GLACE is a new, interdisciplinary humanities program held in Northern Michigan during the Spring half-term. UM faculty and other instructors teach the three interconnected, two-credit courses: one in English, one in English/Anthropology, and one in English/American Culture.
Other Programs
Biological Station
The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) was founded in 1909. UMBS students and faculty have been studying environmental change since day one. Today, UMBS students engage in and learn about biology and environmental science by studying directly in the field and by developing relationships with some of the world's most respected experts. UMBS is a highly interactive community where students, faculty and researchers come together to learn about the natural world, to examine environmental change, and to seek solutions to the critical environmental challenges of our times. UMBS inspires collaboration and cross-disciplinary interactions, both of which help foster a greater understanding of the natural world.
Camp Davis
Nestled in the mountains just south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and tucked between the Hoback River and Bridger Teton National Forest, the Department of Geological Sciences Rocky Mountain Field Station has provided an unparalleled learning experience each summer, since 1929. Camp Davis hosts courses in Introductory Geology, Geological Mapping, Ecosystem Science and the History and Literature of the West. Located within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and nearby Grand Teton National Park, our location provides a wealth of instructional opportunities. Students from the University of Michigan as well as other colleges and universities are invited to attend.
Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP)
The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) brings those impacted by the justice system and the University of Michigan Community into artistic collaboration for mutual learning and growth. We are a program of the LSA Residential College. Founded in 1990 with a single theatre workshop, PCAP has grown to include courses, exhibits, publications, arts programming, and events that reach thousands of people each year.
The Hopwood Writing Program—offering some of the most prestigious financial awards available to students at the University—has helped launch the careers of many successful authors including Marge Piercy, Arthur Miller, Nancy Willard and X.J. Kennedy.
Outreach programs like the New England Literature Program and the Bear River Writers' Conference continue to lead to curricular innovations, productive community alliances, and deep learning experiences for our students.
Literary journals such as the Michigan Quarterly Review publish cultural commentary alongside reviews and interviews with writers, artists, and cultural figures around the world.
Other programs like Camp Davis and the Biological Station offer English students the opportunity to supplement their English studies through unique and interesting alternatives to the typical classroom environment.
