Get Involved
The Center for Literary Arts (CLA) provides readings, lectures, conversations, and
seminars that allow the San José community to interact with writers of contemporary
literature who have demonstrated exceptional voice and vision. Its mission is to spread
the influence of, and interest in, literature throughout the South Bay and to facilitate
cross-cultural understanding in the region’s ethnically diverse population through
the appreciation of works of literature.
Reed Magazine is California’s oldest literary journal. Tracing its heritage to 1867,
the journal started as a mere pamphlet published by students of the California State
Normal School, the precursor of San José State University. In more than a century
and a half of publication, the journal’s name evolved until the end of World War II.
Then in 1948, we adopted The Reed, which was later shortened to just Reed, the title
we have proudly held ever since.
Founded by Dr. Jonathan Lovell and directed by Dr. Bronwyn LaMay and a site governance
team made up of teacher consultants who work as associate directors, a program manager,
and student administrative assistants, the San Jose Area Writing Project (SJAWP) delivers
school-year and summer programs on writing for teachers as well as for K-12th grade
students.
In operation since 1973, the Cox Center promotes Steinbeck’s goals of empathy and
mutual understanding through public programming, free curriculum for teachers, and
fellowships for emerging writers.
The Dorothy Wright Outstanding Teaching Awards were established in 1987 as a memorial
to a former member of the Department of English who distinguished herself for her
commitment to teacher education. Its recipients are nominated by former students and
hundreds of the questionnaires are collected and tabulated. The award recipients are
honored in a campus ceremony attended by the English Department faculty, students,
and other members of the university community.
The San José State University Writing Center offers a variety of resources to help
students become better writers, and all of our services are free for SJSU students. It's
difficult enough being a college student, so why let a writing assignment add to your
stress? We'll be your guides through the often bewildering world of words, and you'll
emerge with the communication skills necessary to your success as a student.
