writ290

THE writers room
experience

InstructorS: Lauren Lowe &
Carol Richardson McCullough

Meetings: Wednesdays 5-7:50pm

Offered with the Department of English & Philosophy in Fall and Spring

How can writing and storytelling empower us to build community? This experiential studio class is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the self in context with the world around them, cultivating the skills necessary to relate—and act—with others across differences. This year's course centers on local contexts in Philadelphia, with a focus the joint histories of Chinatown and Mantua, two deeply rooted communities facing parallel issues around development and displacement.

CONVERSATION: HOW TO WIN

CONVERSATION: HOW TO WIN

CONVERSATION: HOW TO WIN

CONVERSATION: HOW TO WIN

HOW TO WIN 1-2.jpg
NO ARENA TAILGATE, PHILADELPHIA 76ers STADIUM

NO ARENA TAILGATE, PHILADELPHIA 76ers STADIUM

NO ARENA TAILGATE, PHILADELPHIA 76ers STADIUM

NO ARENA TAILGATE, PHILADELPHIA 76ers STADIUM

NO ARENA TAILGATE, PHILADELPHIA 76ers STADIUM

NO ARENA TAILGATE, PHILADELPHIA 76ers STADIUM

WORKSHOP: THE CITY WE FIGHT FOR

WORKSHOP: THE CITY WE FIGHT FOR

WORKSHOP: THE CITY WE FIGHT FOR

WORKSHOP: THE CITY WE FIGHT FOR

WORKSHOP: THE CITY WE FIGHT FOR

WORKSHOP: THE CITY WE FIGHT FOR

WORKSHOP: THE CITY WE FIGHT FOR

WORKSHOP: THE CITY WE FIGHT FOR

YANNICK LOWERY EXHIBITION, FLEISHER ART MEMORIAL

YANNICK LOWERY EXHIBITION, FLEISHER ART MEMORIAL

YANNICK LOWERY EXHIBITION, FLEISHER ART MEMORIAL

YANNICK LOWERY EXHIBITION, FLEISHER ART MEMORIAL

events &
field trips

the city we fight for

november 6, 2024

In The City We Fight For: An International Dialogue, youth and elders from West Philly and Chinatown came together to share personal stories, reflect on shared values, and imagine a future rooted in community. The workshop explored the No Arena Movement as part of a larger fight against displacement and profit-driven development in Philadelphia.

how to win

december 4, 2024

How to Win: Radical Strategies for Housing Justice brought together Karen Harvey, Andrew Lee, and Cheri Honkala for a conversation on urgent housing issues in Philadelphia and radical approaches to organizing. Panelists shared strategies like occupying abandoned government buildings, organizing tenants, and collaborating with the No Arena in Chinatown Solidarity Group. Moderated by Stephanie Dorenbosch.

  • “Something that surprised me about this class is how comfortable and open the environment is. It makes discussions and writing more enjoyable. Some things people should know: this class is nothing like any other class here at Drexel. There are fewer lectures, more discussions, and lots of creative writing.”

    MICHELLE CHHOEUN

    Drexel ‘25

  • BRYNN LINTNER

    Drexel ‘26

  • “From the discussions on issues that are happening within the city, to actively encouraging students to get involved in the community, and also strengthening personal writing skills, the lessons and knowledge I took away from the course have been invaluable.”

    MORGAN JACKSON

    Drexel, 2025

  • VICTORIA HUGGINS-PUERIFOY

    Community Member

  • "I find this class to be very engaging and enlightening. i love being with the diverse students to hear diverse opinions, and it helps me interrograte the literature even more. the mix of individuals is wonderful."

    SANDRA GILLIARD

    Community Member

COURSE
instructors

IN CONVERSATION

UnMapping Fellow, Taryn Flaherty, and UnMapping Instructors, Lauren Lowe and Carol Richardson McCullough, met with Lillian Fenzil to discuss the overlapping topics of love in Philadelphia, oral histories, and intergenerational organizing.