Modern literary societies typically promote research, publish newsletters, and hold meetings where findings can be presented and discussed.
The oldest formal societies for writing and promoting poetry are the chambers of rhetoric in the Low Countries, which date back to the Middle Ages.
Usually they existed in pairs at a particular campus, and would compete for members and prestige, and supplemented the classical studies of the curriculum with modern literature and current events.
Activities include but are not limited to: The weekly presentation of papers written by society members, and a debate on its merits; Readings of members work and others', followed by discussion; literary Productions, which are practices in oratory skill; intramural sports teams; service events; and social gatherings.
As an example, Beta Theta Pi fraternity was started by 8 students of the Union Literary Society at Miami University in 1839.