The Department of English offers a minor in Creative Writing, drawing on the strength of its faculty and programming in the literary arts and related fields. The minor is designed to be progressive, moving from an introductory multi-genre course through a series of genre workshops, and then culminating in a Creative Writing senior seminar (or independent study project) in which students produce and revise a well-developed manuscript of poetry, fiction, or creative prose. The minor is also interdisciplinary, in that three of the six courses will draw from forms, disciplines, and materials outside the student’s chosen genre of writing. Students may choose relevant course offerings in related departments and programs (e.g., Journalism). Other enriching and broadening experiences will come through our Lannan Program’s visiting writer reading and seminar series, the annual Lannan Symposium, the Caine Prize Writer residency, and the various writers who visit classes each year.
The minor in Creative Writing requires six courses: an introductory multi-genre course, an introductory genre course, an advanced genre course, two electives, and a Creative Writing senior seminar or independent study project.
Requirements for the Creative Writing Minor
- One introductory multi-genre course: Intro to Creative Writing, ENGL 2800
- One introductory genre course: ENGL 2810–2900, ENGL 4260, or a selected MHUM course that is x-listed with Creative Writing
- One advanced genre course: ENGL 4265–4300
- One English elective: ENGL 1091–4999
- One additional elective in the student’s field of interest: ENGL 1091–4999, JOUR 1000–4999, or other courses as approved by program director
- Creative Writing Senior Seminar1 (ENGL 4968) or independent study project2
Note: Course substitutions to any of the above requirements must be reviewed and approved by the program director. Minors are encouraged to discuss their interests with the director and plan their course choices accordingly.
The minor in Creative Writing is by application, capped at 20 students per year. Application process: before fall or spring registration periods, students who have taken (or are taking) at least one creative writing workshop or equivalent may apply for the Creative Writing minor by submitting a brief statement of purpose, a short writing sample, and an unofficial transcript to the Director of the Creative Writing Minor. Exceptions can be made for junior transfer students with a strong background in creative writing.
For more information and exact deadlines, please visit the Creative Writing webpage on the Department of English website.
