Shalem College Launches First-of-Its-Kind Writing Center in Israel
As part of its goal of graduating citizens who can think critically, communicate persuasively, and write effectively, Shalem has launched a College Writing Center, the first such program of its kind in Israeli higher education. The center, which will be led by noted author, scholar, and journalist Dr. Avi Garfinkel, will strive to place writing at the center of students’ educational experience.
Modeled after writing centers at the leading universities and liberal arts colleges in the United States, the Shalem College Writing Center will provide personalized support to students at every stage of their academic progress, helping them to develop skills in academic, expository, and creative writing; analytical reading; and public speaking. It will offer targeted assistance to first-year students in developing theses and structuring arguments, and to juniors and seniors on their independent research projects. It will also introduce students to a range of writing-based careers outside of academia, such as journalism, and demonstrate how strong writing abilities enhance professions as varied as law and business.
Dr. Ido Hevroni, Educational Director of the college, stressed that the center is designed to be “extremely user friendly,” with help available to students on both an appointment and drop-in basis. Moreover, the center will be pro-active, identifying students in need of assistance and providing them with intensive guidance. “At Shalem, we aim to create a culture of writing, in which students are constantly receiving feedback on their written performance, and constantly working to improve their skills in expressing ideas in coherent, compelling ways. For that to happen, assistance with writing can’t be limited to a few specific hours per week. It needs to be available at all times, as an integral and organic part of students’ learning.”
Writing Center Director Dr. Garfinkel, who will also teach a course on writing as part of the Shalem Core Curriculum, himself has a versatile writing background. He has authored several works of fiction, headed the financial desk at Haaretz, and founded the now-obligatory writing course for IDF reporters. Having taught subjects such as comparative and modern literature at various universities throughout Israel, Garfinkel also appreciates the process—and ultimate result—of advancing students’ writing abilities. “The Writing Center’s mission supports the key aims of a Shalem education,” explained Garfinkel. “Developing skills in writing means developing one’s intellectual capabilities, as well as the discipline required to leverage those capabilities into effective action in the world. Excellent writing,” concludes Garfinkel, “enriches all aspects of life.”
