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Students and a speaker discussion at a CLA meeting.

Center for Literary Arts

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 issue 152 cover

Reed Magazine

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.

Students discussing in class.

San Jose Area Writing Project

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.
Steinbeck center door

The Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies

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.
A student receiving a Dorothy Wright award.

Dorothy Wright Teaching Awards

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.
Tutoring session at the writing center.

SJSU Writing Center

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.