Three Electives Concentrations
The program offers students the unique opportunity to choose a particular combination of literature, history, journalism, or performance arts courses which directly supports and informs their creative work in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. They may choose an electives concentration at the beginning of their matriculation or in the second semester of their first year.
Literature/Book Arts Students may choose to complete two more 3-credit courses in literature, or they can choose to do a Rutgers–Newark M.F.A. Real Stories Publication Project. Those engaged in publication projects will work to produce a chapbook of their own work. Real Stories Chapbooks will include approximately 10-15 poems, or 20-25 pages of fiction or nonfiction. The text will be digitized, while the binding and covers will be of fine arts quality. Rutgers–Newark will provide funding for an initial one-of-a-kind chapbook, and the student may provide funding for additional copies. This program, a unique capstone feature of the Rutgers–Newark M.F.A., allows students to graduate with a published example of their work to show to editors/agents.
Performance/Media Studies Students can choose to complete two courses in, for example, performing arts, dramatic writing, film studies, journalism, or jazz studies. Those drawn to theater may take the opportunity to take a course in playwriting, etc.
Cultural/Political/Ethnic Studies Students can choose to complete courses in urban or political studies that actively broaden their knowledge and contribute to the novel, book of poetry, or nonfiction work they will turn in as a thesis. Students may choose courses in American studies, urban education, political science, global affairs, African-American studies, or women's and gender studies.
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