Page 31 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL6

In literary society, we lack young critics who can develop into editors and are skilful enough to recognize valuable writing. Our society is now filled with non-constructive criticism, especially in politicsIt is not often that a publisher, financial institute and international school collaborate to emphasize the importance of literature and analytical thinking in society. A recent literary criticism camp organized by Praphansarn Publishing in cooperation with Bangkok Bank and Shrewsbury International School, how- ever, did just that. The youth retreat in mid-March, called “Read, Write, Learn: The Literary Criticism Camp”, promoted in-depth reading and review of liter- ary works for Mathayom 4-6 and university students.Thirty participants were selected from over 600 applicants from around the country who had submitted a summary of a book from the Chommanard Book Prize list. Experienced critics, writers and educational scholars at the camp then helped guide the finalists through the literary criticism process.“Unlike other campaigns teaching students how to write or translate, this camp is meant specifically to create new critics in Thailand and is one of the first literary criticism camps in the country,” said Arthorn Techatada, managing director of Praphansarn Publishing and initiator of the project.“In literary society, we lack young critics who can develop into editors and are skilful enough to recognize valuable writing. Our society is now filled with non-constructive criticism, especially in politics. I believe nothing can be judged as completely black or white but logical criticism can help point out what is right or wrong. This kind of analytical thinking leads to social development.”During the three-day camp, participants learned about the concept of criticism and made their first three-page critical essay of the book they summarized in the first round. Their essays were then evaluated by instructors who decided which piece of criticism would qualify for which award.“Normally scholarships are meant for those who get good grades or lack financial support,” said Weerasak Chansongsan, a camp instructor and widely read essay writer. “This is a new chapter in Thai education, since the award is meant for good writers.”All 30 participants received a scholarship sponsored by Bangkok Bank. While the 10 best reviews won 100,000 baht each, the 10 first runners-up andElite+ 29