COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Creative Writing provides students with a balanced education in literary studies and the practice of original writing, combining historical literary analysis with intensive creative development. Students begin with foundational courses in writing, critical thinking, and literary surveys that cover major periods from early Atlantic literature to modern and contemporary works. This grounding is strengthened through advanced composition and writing workshops that develop academic and analytical skills. A central feature of the program is its emphasis on global and comparative literature, requiring students to engage with texts from diverse regions including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, as well as studies in Shakespeare and American literature with a focus on cultural and ethnic diversity. The Creative Writing concentration itself allows students to focus on the craft of writing through repeated workshop courses in genres such as fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and nonfiction narrative, giving them sustained practice in developing voice, style, and technique. Students may also participate in editorial and publishing work through opportunities like literary magazines, gaining real-world experience in curating and reviewing creative work. The program encourages exploration across multiple forms of writing while fostering revision skills, creativity, and critical feedback. Alongside the concentration, students complete general education, upper-division humanities requirements, and electives or a minor, ensuring a broad liberal arts foundation. Overall, the degree is designed to produce graduates who are both strong literary analysts and skilled creative writers, preparing them for careers in writing, publishing, media, communications, teaching, and other creative industries, as well as for advanced study in creative writing or literature.