program description

the department of creative writing offers undergraduate and graduate programs. the three degree programs emphasize the primary importance of the study and practice of imaginative writing in the genres of creative nonfiction, fiction, literary translation, playwriting, and poetry. all three degree programs combine an intense workshop requirement and a variety of special topic creative process classes with requirements in the english department. the core literature classes assure that students will continue to absorb and be trained in a study of the best literature of the past. in creative writing classes, students work with an active, publishing faculty. they learn by vigorous practice; by focused studies of craft; and by extensive reading, analysis, and discussion of their work, as well as that of published authors.

the undergraduate major combines the academic specifications of the traditional english major with the experiential needs of the writing student. students who enter this program should do so only under the strongly held assumption that they have abilities as writers that may be fostered and trained by such a discipline as is described here. it is hoped that this combined program of writing and literature will lead students to a cohesive study and discipline that combines breadth with intensity.

accordingly, some greater latitude of choice in literature courses is allowed in the creative writing major. studies will lead them to a degree in english with a creative writing emphasis. ample guidance of the creative writing advisors helps ensure that students will not be deprived of a sense of the history of literature. in this regard they will continue to be fully qualified as potential graduate students in english as well as prepared should they wish to continue as m.a. or m.f.a. candidates in a creative writing program.