Literature

Read to write.

Literature and writing at Bennington are grounded in the idea that good writers are good readers. Writing is an extension of and response to reading, and because the faculty are all renowned novelists, nonfiction writers, essayists, poets, and playwrights, you are regularly invited into a writer’s perspective on classic and contemporary literature. Literature classes are generally small seminars centered on animated discussion.

The biweekly Literature Gathering is held in a house living room, and features readings of student and faculty work, discussions, and guest readings and lectures. Field Work Term, the annual winter internship period, allows you firsthand experience in the world of book publishing, journalism, literary magazines, or an entirely different field to enrich your writing and your reading. On-campus print publications like SILO and The Bennington Free Press, and plain china, Bennington College's online student literary magazine, provide outlets for student writing and editing.