Indian Literary Practicum: Cross-cultural Engagement and Everything Books
Our flagship fieldwork trip sees students travelling to cities across India to meet with the agents, editors, writers, translators and poets of the country’s thriving literary scene. They engage with practitioners working in different languages and regions, including collaborators from some of the nation’s best design schools, NGOs, museums, and archives.
India is a country where more than 25 languages are spoken and is one of the most thriving publishing markets in the world. As part of the MFA in Creative Writing’s requirement to complete field work or an internship, students may travel there on the Indian Literary Practicum, which offers the chance to dive into the intricacies of the publishing industry of this flourishing multilingual country.
By visiting two different Indian cities (one in the North and one in the South), students will experience two radically different places, culturally and linguistically. “Being based in Paris is a great thing, but we don’t want people to only experience Paris and nothing beyond it,” explains Professor Biswamit Dwibedy, who leads the practicum.
Students will not only gain a thorough understanding of the literary industry—taking India as an example; they will also fine-tune their storytelling skills through this rich cultural experience.
Over three weeks, students will engage with literary agents, professors, editors, writers, translators, and fellow graduate students from Indian universities during a vibrant season for art and literature, enriched by local art festivals and book fairs. This immersive experience offers unique opportunities for discussion and networking on-site.
Students will not just be observers during this immersive experience of another culture's approach to literature and creation. Through direct connections and inside exposure to the industry, students will develop lasting contacts with important actors in the literary field; and they will, of course, write about it by keeping a travel log.
The Indian Literary Practicum is part of AUP’s commitment to experiential learning and to helping students bridge their education and future careers. “Students will not only gain a thorough understanding of the literary industry—taking India as an example; they will also fine-tune their storytelling skills through this rich cultural experience. And there is a real demand for good storytelling,” explains Professor Dwibedy. “When you know how to tell a story across different mediums, and maybe in different languages, it makes you more qualified to work in different industries and fields.”