English B.A., Creative Writing Concentration

The primary purpose of the major in English is to introduce students to their own literary and linguistic heritage and to acquaint them with representative works of major world writers.

Such an introduction is made possible by offering them a wide range of courses in English and American literature, including survey, genre, and major-figure courses, as well as survey courses in world literature. Courses in creative and expository writing, the history and structure of the language, critical theory, and composition theory help students sharpen their critical awareness, encourage clarity of thought and expression, and stimulate and develop the creative imagination. In short, the degree in English develops critical thinkers and effective communicators, people whose skills are applicable in a wide range of careers including education, publishing, writing, information and research, media, politics and public service.
As a student with a Creative Writing concentration, your time in the program will be dedicated to the practice of imaginative creation, reflective revision and intellectual engagement with both published literary works and the works of one’s peers. English majors in the Creative Writing concentration develop not only the critical skills of the traditional English and Literature major but also the creative artistic skills of the literary author.

Undergraduate creative writers can participate in the Red Earth Reading Series, the Black Market Radio Show, and a senior end of the year reading.

Each year, the program brings upperclassmen (Seniors) to the AWP (Association of Writers & Writing Programs) Conference.

The program focuses on the new undergraduate literary publishing scene; our Peacock’s Feet journal is entered each year into the best of Plain China anthology competition.

There is also our Visiting Writers Series which brings nationally renowned authors to campus.

Students who wish to pursue the English major with a concentration in Creative Writing may want to discuss their plans with Creative Writing faculty or the Department Chair. While all students are welcome to pursue this major/concentration, it's important to understand the challenges of writing literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction or dramatic scripts. Both the creative writing and literature concentrations require substantial reading and literary analysis.

1. ENGL 2208: Introduction to Creative Writing (Area F); prerequisite to…

2. Intermediate (Major) Creative Writing courses (choose two): Scriptwriting (3011), Creative Nonfiction (3012), Poetry (3021), and Fiction (3022); each Intermediate genre course is prerequisite to…