The minor in creative writing gives students a rigorous
background in the fundamentals of creative work by providing them with the
opportunity to study with established poets, prose writers, and dramatists. At
the same time, the minor also ensures that students pursue creative work within
the larger context of academic study. The curriculum (21 credits) begins with a
foundational course in creative writing, followed by a series of electives in a
variety of genres and media, culminating in an advanced workshop. Concurrently
with their course work in creative writing, students are also required to elect
a total of two courses from the English department's offerings in literature
(358), theory and methods (359), or film (354), thus further coordinating their
creative pursuits with critical study.
Creative Writing Minor Program Learning Goals
Students who minor in creative writing will demonstrate
1) knowledge of the traditions and conventions of literary
expression in a variety of genres and media;
2) the ability to engage deeply with the process of
composition, and with the work of other writers and critics; and
3) the ability to write persuasively and precisely in
creative and scholarly forms.
If English majors would like to minor in creative writing, NO creative writing minor courses can count toward the English major. There can,
however, be overlap for literature classes.
In addition, if a student double-minors in creative writing and English, NO creative writing minor courses can count toward the English minor. There can,
however, be overlap for literature classes.
Students also cannot complete the creative writing minor and
the creative writing certificate at the same time. They must choose one or the
other.
Minor Requirements
The minor consists of 21 course credits (seven courses).
Grades of C or better must be earned in all courses used to fulfill the minor
requirements:
One (1) required introductory course:
351:211 or 351:212 Introduction to Creative Writing
Any three (3) of the following courses:
351:209 Introduction to Multimedia Composition
351:303 Screenwriting for Film
351:304 Screenwriting for Television
351:305 Creative Nonfiction
351:306 Form and Technique in Poetry
351:307 Form and Technique in Fiction
351:308 Form and Technique in Playwriting
351:309 Digital Composition (Digital Storytelling)
351:314 Documentary Filmmaking for Writers
Any one (1) of the following courses:
351:405 Advanced Workshop: Multi-Genre
351:406 Advanced Workshop: Poetry
351:407 Advanced Workshop: Fiction
Any two (2) courses in literature (358) and/or theory
(359)
