Writing is a powerful means of knowing—as a practice it forces us to see, to make, to reflect. In the midst of a culture that increasingly uses language to manipulate or deaden our experience, becoming a good writer—of a poem, an essay, a memo—is a challenge. This program provides a way for writers to explore many kinds of literature and work on both expressiveness and craft in a supportive community.
The design of the major is based on several crucial assumptions. One is that writers need to be avid and incisive readers. Most courses combine the study of literature with the practice of both creative and critical writing, and specific courses emphasizing critical reading of literature are required. Our curriculum encourages students to investigate both “popular” and “classical” literature.
Today most writers need to practice in more than one genre. The major offers craft courses in non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and screenwriting, and is designed to provide breadth as well as depth. As students move into advanced courses, they may focus on one genre, like poetry or screenwriting, or work across genres. Self-designed learning activities may be substituted for electives in order to give students the opportunity to add depth and refinement to their craft or to experiment with the boundaries between genres.
Writing is a way into the world-- a means of both thinking and communicating. We expect students to learn to write in clear and reasoned prose, even as they may be working on wild experiments or writing a comic screenplay. All students learn researching skills and ways to transform information and ideas into thoughtful writing. Readings and publishing opportunities happen on a regular basis. Required internships also encourage students to explore how they can be “writers in the real world.”
Graduates of the program often go on to further study and/or careers in teaching, publishing, the non-profit sector, screenwriting, or media.
