Course List (Creative Writing)

Training in teaching introductory creative writing at the university level. Emphasis is on the theory and practice of teaching creative writing, preparing materials and class sessions, and responding to student writing. P/F only. Pre-requisite: Graduate standing in the MFA program in the Department of English and appointment as a GTA.

Students learn to analyze the forms and theories which underlie the development of the genre. Students will be asked to critique the theoretical assumptions which have been applied to the genre and study the history and conventions that have shaped the writing of fiction. 

Students learn to analyze the forms and theories which underlie the development of the genre. Students will be asked to critique the theoretical assumptions which have been applied to the genre and study the history and conventions that have shaped the writing of poetry. Students will analyze prosody, imitate metrical forms, and adapt techniques used by poetic masters. 

Introduction to the process of editing a literary journal. As editors for the MFA Program's online journal of poetry, fiction, and essays. Developing critical skills as the basis for editorial decisions. Understand the dominant literary aesthetics informing contemporary writing, accept or reject submissions, maintain correspondence with authors, and meet deadlines. May be taken up to 3 times for a maximun of 9 credits. Graduate standing required.

This advanced course in fiction writing provides those who wish to pursue careers in creative writing with the tools they need to develop as novelists and short story writers. Primary focus is on the writing and critiquing of original short stories and longer pieces of original fiction, while close attention is paid to the work of established fiction writers who are acknowledged masters of their genres. This course may be repeated up to the maximum credit hours (15). Previous workshop experience is required.

This advanced course in poetry writing provides those who wish to pursue careers in creative writing with the tools they need to develop as poets. Primary focus is on the writing and critiquing of original poems, while close attention is paid to the work of established poets who are acknowledged masters of their genres. This course may be repeated up to the maximum credit hours (15). Previous workshop experience is required.

This advanced course in playwriting provides those who wish to pursue careers in creative writing with the tools they need to develop as playwrights. Primary focus is on the writing and critiquing of original plays, while close attention is paid to the work of established dramatists who are acknowledged masters of their genres, and to the aspects of playwriting that relate to theatrical production. This course may be repeated up to the maximum credit hours (15). Previous workshop experience is required.

Advanced course in creative non-fiction writing providing those who wish to pursue careers in creative writing with the tools that they need to develop as essayists and memoirists. Primary focus is on the writing and critiquing of original creative nonfiction, while close attention is paid to the work of established creative nonfiction writers who are acknowledged masters of their genres. Course may be taken up to 6 times for a maximum of 18 hours of credit. Previous workshop experience is required. Graduate standing required.

Advanced course in New Media writing that provides students with the knowledge and skills required to develop in this area of creative writing. Primary focus is on the writing and critiquing of original New Media works. Course may be repeated for up to a total of 12 credits.