The English: Creative Writing Minor is designed for students interested in pursuing an MFA in creative writing or students who wish to continue their creative activity after graduation. Since MFA degrees specialize in poetry, playwriting, creative nonfiction, or fiction, students will complete 21 credits of coursework concentrating on one genre while also establishing knowledge of the creative writing workshop, the drafting/revision process, and the business of writing.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Read literature as a writer with particular attention to style, context, and elements of craft.
2. Practice writing and revision in multiple genres with attention to elements of craft and style.
3. Develop the critical, analytical, and editing skills necessary to evaluate works in progress and participate in a creative writing community.
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the literary, cultural, and historical contexts within which creative writing occurs including the influence of the past and present on artistic choices.
5. Generate an original body of creative writing culminating in a manuscript-length work of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or a hybrid genre.
6. Demonstrate basic knowledge of literary publishing.

Outcomes Assessment Activities

• The Coordinator of the Creative Writing Minor reviews student portfolios to evaluate student performance levels in conjunction with Program Goals, tracks student placement in graduate programs, and record student and former student publications, reporting the result annually, specifically in English 114 and English 414 courses

Specific Program Requirements