Creative Writing
Why take courses in Creative Writing?
The Creative Writing Department prioritizes an inclusive workshop climate where creative expression, experimentation, and collaboration thrive. Our program offers an in-depth and rigorous course of study with instruction, studio training, and coursework in a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and hybrid forms.
What kinds of questions does Creative Writing explore?
-
What are the conventions and possibilities of different genres (e.g., fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction)?
- What are the challenges of language in artfully expressing certain ideas, emotions or experiences, and how can writers push against these challenges?
- What role does feedback and criticism play in the creative writing process, and how can writers effectively incorporate feedback while maintaining their artistic vision?
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Creative Writing?
Our courses are open to students who may not have any prior formal creative writing training or practice. We aim to foster young writers of diverse aesthetics and backgrounds in the interrelated practices of writing, revision, close reading, constructive critique, and building an engaged, supportive community.
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
- First-year students are encouraged to take any 100-level to explore their interest in creative writing. 200-level courses are open to students beginning in the student’s second semester.
Getting started in the major
Admission to the major requires an application after the completion of two 200-level courses. Alternatively, students who have taken a 100-level course can apply while enrolled in a second 200-level course.
Advanced Placement Credit
Creative Writing does not accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit toward major requirements. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in Creative Writing
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | CRWR 1XX | CRWR 2XX |
| Y2 | CRWR 2XX ENGL 2XX |
|
| Y3 | CRWR 3XX AAST 2XX |
CRWR 3XX |
| Y4 | CRWR 3XX CINE 2XX |
CRWR 490 AAST 3XX |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | ||
| Y2 | CRWR 2XX | CRWR 2XX CMPL 2XX |
| Y3 | CRWR 3XX | CRWR 3XX CMPL 3XX |
| Y4 | THEA 3XX CMPL 3XX |
CRWR 3XX CRWR 490 |
Related Areas of Study
Africana Studies; Cinema Studies; Comparative Literature; Languages; English; Theater.
Learn More
Creative Writing Major Requirements
Creative Writing Department