One of the coolest things about classes at CAPA is the opportunity to explore the city as part of the curriculum and learn from the city around us. Classes and learning at CAPA extend far past the four walls of the CAPA building; making London our living, breathing classroom.
Both of my non-internship classes explore the role of the city in different ways. My journalism class, “Dateline: London” explore journalism and the city’s role in shaping the news. My creative writing class, “Writing the City: London” has been one of the most London-immersive class to date and has seamlessly incorporated writing skills with the city.
The past two classes have involved exploring different areas of the city, familiarizing ourselves with the history, famous works of writers past and the ways in which the city of London has influenced the art of creative writing. Professor Kate Norbury (an accomplished author herself), has shown us around specific parts of the city and prompted us in exercises aimed to help establish the sense of place in a piece of creative writing.
Last week, we took a tour of the Thames’ south bank and explored the ways the river shaped the city as it exists today. In specific places, Kate read the class selections from famous London authors who were inspired by the very spot place we were. This exercise really helped me understand the vast historical significance of the city. In contrast to the way the US is so new and ever-changing, London and its significant places have grown to adapt to the times, while preserving and celebrating their historical significance.
In yesterday’s class, we observed a thoroughfare on Warren Street, where seemingly nothing was going on. After a few minutes of writing and observing, we came back together as a group and Kate explained some clues that give a person more insight into the area that surrounds them. I was amazed by all the information you can learn, just by carefully observing and making notes of your surroundings. These details, she explained, can make such a difference in helping a reader fully envision the story as it takes place on paper.
We explored business districts of different industries, tourist populated regions and working class neighborhoods. One thing that struck me was how quickly one area morphed into another. In the period of a few hours, we saw so many different demographics in the same city that all blended together. Just walking around a corner leads to a totally different slice of London. This exercise really helped me make more detailed observations about my surroundings. I also loved learning more about London’s history and how little pockets of the city have been preserved for hundreds of years.
The ability to more carefully observe is something that will help my writing for the rest of the semester as we continue to “write the city,” but will extend past my time at CAPA and help me observe my surroundings and have a new understanding of the world around me.