English: Creative Writing, B.A.

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The Creative Writing major hones students’ abilities to write and think imaginatively and critically. Students select workshops in creative nonfiction, drama, fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. Students learn strategies for crafting original expression while courses in literary study further allow them to contextualize their art. Students are expected to attend and give public readings of creative works, assist with literary publications, read extensively in their chosen genre(s), and complete a senior portfolio of polished pieces.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Creative Writing B.A. students will be able to:

   • demonstrate competence to write and/or speak clearly in a variety of frameworks and genres.
   • demonstrate the ability to think critically, creatively, and/or construct coherent arguments using claims and reasons supported by credible sources.
   • demonstrate drafting, editing, and publishing skills and practices of a writer and critic.
   • participate in writing activities that support the campus, local, and greater writing community through their work and various literary arts activities.

Program Requirements

Gateway Courses: 8 Credits

COMP 201 - Writing Arguments 4 Credit(s)
COMP 202 - Introduction to Creative Writing 4 Credit(s)

Creative Writing Courses: 12 Credits

May substitute one applied writing course from the Writing Major for one upper-division creative writing course with adviser approval.

select three

COMP 302 - Fiction Workshop I 4 Credit(s)
COMP 303 - Poetry Workshop I 4 Credit(s)
COMP 306 - Playwriting: Short Plays 4 Credit(s)
COMP 307 - Creative Nonfiction Workshop I 4 Credit(s)
COMP 308 - Writing Fiction for Children 4 Credit(s)
COMP 309 - Screenwriting Workshop I 4 Credit(s)
COMP 310 - Playwriting: Full-length Plays 4 Credit(s)
COMP 312 - Writing in New Media 4 Credit(s)
COMP 395 - Special Topics 1-12 Credit(s) (Creative Writing)
COMP 495 - Special Topics 1-12 Credit(s) (Creative Writing)

Literature Courses: 6 Credits

LITR 200 - Literary Traditions 3 Credit(s)
or
LITR 201 - Patterns of Literature 3 Credit(s)
Literature Elective at the 300- or 400 level

Theory Course: 3 Credits

LITR 300 - Literary Analysis & Research 3 Credit(s)

Senior Writing Course: 3 Credits

COMP 490 - Writing Supervision 3 Credit(s)

Note(s)

In addition to formal instruction, each student in the Creative Writing major will be expected to attend public readings of creative works, give public readings of creative works, assist with literary publications, and read extensively in their chosen genre(s).
Ordinarily, no more than two courses may be used to satisfy the requirements for both the English and the Communication majors. No more than 6 credits in the minor can be used to satisfy other college major or minor requirements. No more than one reduced-time course (e.g. Winter or Summer Session course lasting fewer than six weeks) may be used to satisfy the requirements for the major. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for all courses counted toward the major, minor, or specialization.