This writing workshop to the American West offers students the opportunity to engage with a region of the country that resists definition–what and where is the West? –and which has been foundational in defining American national identity and in inspiring the American Dream. Through our travels, we will interrogate, challenge, and revise the myths and tropes of the region. Using literature and literary study as our point of entry, students will write across forms (short story, creative nonfiction, poetry) as we enlarge our understanding of this vast and complex American landscape and the people who call it home.
We will begin in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an eclectic city home to a vibrant community of artists and artisans, from the modernist paintings of Georgia O’Keefe to Meow Wolf, an immersive, multimedia modern art installation. Next, we will travel north to Montana, where we will explore the natural wonders of Yellowstone–the first national park–and immerse ourselves (and get to work!) in local ranching communities to understand the opportunities and challenges facing this way of life. While in Montana, we will also connect with local tribal members to learn about the Native American history and culture of the region. Throughout the program, we will use writing as a mode of reflection, creative engagement, and resistance as we immerse ourselves in the lives and (hi)stories of the American West.
May 31 – June 14, 2024
This program is open to all students with a preference towards students who have a demonstrated interest in American History and Literature. All interested students are encouraged to apply by November 5. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.
Alexandra Carter; Heidi Valk
Deerfield Academy’s Center for Service and Global Citizenship strives to make all of our travel programs affordable and accessible for all students while ensuring a high-quality global education experience. While the costs of travel around the world have been rising steadily over the past several years, all of our trips are subsidized, and thanks to the generosity of many we are able to provide robust financial aid for qualifying students.
* This itinerary is subject to change
May 31: Travel Day
June 1:
June 2:
June 3:
June 4:
June 5: Travel Day – Santa Fe to Yellowstone
June 6 – June 9: Yellowstone
June 9: Travel Day – Yellowstone to Bozeman, MT
June 9 – June 14: Bozeman – While in Bozeman students may participate in the following activities:
*Families are responsible for transportation from the Bozeman, MT airport to the student’s destination for the remainder of the summer break.
7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 87, Deerfield, MA 01342
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: Deerfield Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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