English: Creative Writing (EGLC)

Program Overview

This creative writing program offers a structured curriculum with gateway and capstone courses. Students choose from sequences in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction writing, culminating in a significant creative writing project. The program emphasizes the development of writing skills, exploration of literary forms, and the completion of a polished portfolio.

Program Outline

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Students begin with ENGL 2000 (Introduction to Creative Writing) as their gateway course.
• They then choose two of three two-part sequences in either Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing, or Creative Non-Fiction Writing.
• The program culminates in the capstone course, ENGL 4820 (Capstone in Creative Writing).

Course Schedule:

• Freshman Year:
• English Composition I & II (6 hours)
• Foreign Languages I & II (8 hours)
• Core courses in Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and Humanities (13 hours)
• Sophomore Year:
• Core Literature (6 hours)
• Core Science I & II (8 hours)
• World History I & II (6 hours)
• Introduction to Creative Writing (3 hours)
• Liberal Arts Careers Preparation (2 hours)
• Minor coursework (3 hours)
• Group 1 course (4 hours)
• Junior Year:
• ENGL electives (6 hours)
• One of the following sequences:
• Fiction Writing I & II
• Poetry Writing I & II
• Creative Nonfiction Writing I & II
• Group 2 course (4 hours)
• Minor coursework (3 hours)
• Electives (6 hours)
• 4000-level Literature course (3 hours)
• Senior Year:
• ENGL electives (6 hours)
• Capstone in Creative Writing (3 hours)
• One of the following sequences:
• Fiction Writing I & II
• Poetry Writing I & II
• Creative Nonfiction Writing I & II
• Minor coursework (6 hours)
• Electives (5 hours)
• Creed to Succeed (0 hours)

Individual Module Descriptions:

• Fiction Writing: Explores the elements of fiction writing, including character development, plot structure, dialogue, and setting.
The sequence culminates in the production of a polished short story.
• Poetry Writing: Examines the fundamental elements of poetry, including form, imagery, sound, and rhythm.
Students experiment with various poetic forms and create a portfolio of original poems.
• Creative Nonfiction Writing: Focuses on techniques used in creative nonfiction, including personal essays, memoirs, and nature writing.
Students explore various approaches to crafting personal narratives and develop their own writing style.
• ENGL 2000 (Introduction to Creative Writing): Introduces students to the fundamental concepts and techniques of creative writing, including brainstorming, freewriting, and revision.
• ENGL 4820 (Capstone in Creative Writing): Provides students with the opportunity to complete a significant creative writing project under the guidance of a faculty member.
• Minor: Students choose a minor in a subject approved by the departmental advisor.

Other:

• No more than 6 hours of coursework may be taken at the 2000-level.
• At least 18 hours must be taken at the 4000-level or above.
• Students must earn a C or better in any course that counts towards the English major.