The workshop explored the academic essay not just as a formal requirement but as a space for dialogue between the writer and scholarly sources. Students were encouraged to develop their voices as they engaged with complex legal and academic material.
A core component of the workshop was the use of the freewriting method, promoted by Bard College as an effective technique for enhancing clarity, structure, and personal expression in academic work. This method proved especially valuable in helping law students approach writing as a dynamic, creative process rather than a mechanical task.
The series began with an online session on May 9 and continued with in-person writing workshops on May 22 and 23. Students came prepared with scholarly sources and creative illustrations, ranging from films to photographs, which they used as a springboard for developing original essay proposals.
By combining critical thinking, legal reasoning, and creative expression, the workshop offered a unique space for students to refine their academic writing skills and engage more deeply with the nuances of legal language.
