The Creative Writing Concentration

The Concentration in Creative Writing does not change graduating requirements for students majoring in English, but is a prerequisite for honors with a focus in creative writing.

For students in the Class of 2023 and beyond, the Concentration consists of four courses taken as part of the eleven course English major plan as follows:

1. One introductory course, CRWT 10, CRWT 11, or CRWT 12. (Only one introductory creative writing course may count toward the Concentration in Creative Writing.)
2. One intermediate course, CRWT 20, CRWT 21, or CRWT 22.
3. One course from the range of creative writing special topics seminars, CRWT 40 and CRWT 41. (Substitute courses with a focus on creative writing from other departments may be considered. Please consult with the Director of Creative Writing.)
4. One advanced workshop, CRWT 60, CRWT 61, or CRWT 62. The advanced workshop (CRWT 60, 61, or 62) is a requirement for the completion of the Concentration in Creative Writing and is a prerequisite for Honors in Creative Writing.

These courses offer workshops in fiction, poetry and literary nonfiction. They are designed for students who have little or no previous experience in creative writing. Students are introduced to each genre via a range of technical and imaginative exercises, extensive readings of contemporary literature, and lively class discussions. Students eventually produce their own writing for class critique.

CRWT 10.  Introduction to Fiction

An introductory workshop and reading course in fiction, designed to allow students to work in all fictive modes. Each week students will consider different aspects of writing, and the various elements integral to the genre. Seminar-sized classes meet for discussion and include individual conferences. Dist: ART.

Permission of the instructor is required. Students must submit their application by the LAST DAY OF CLASSES of the previous term (last day of spring term for fall term). CRWT 10 application

CRWT 11. Introduction to Creative Nonfiction

An introductory workshop and reading course in creative nonfiction— a hybrid genre of journalism, memoir, and fictional and poetic techniques, also known as the art of fact. Each week students will consider different aspects of writing, and the various elements integral to the genre. Seminar-sized classes meet for discussion and include individual conferences. Dist: ART. 

CRWT 12. Introduction to Poetry

An introductory workshop and reading course in poetry. Each week students will consider different aspects of writing, and the various elements integral to the genre. Seminar-sized classes meet for discussion, and include individual conferences. Dist: ART.

Permission of the instructor is required. Students must submit their application by the LAST DAY OF CLASSES of the previous term (last day of spring term for fall term). CRWT 12 application

Students who wish to enroll in an intermediate creative writing course must complete the CRWT 20, 21, or 22 application form, also available in the Department of English and Creative Writing office. They should also submit a five to eight page writing sample, as stated in each of the course descriptions below. Materials should be submitted, electronically, to the instructor. Deadline for equal consideration for admittance is the last day of classes in the term preceding the course. Late applications will be accepted, but held until the add/drop period and reviewed if vacancies occur. Students should then register for three other courses, not including the Creative Writing course. Students accepted into Creative Writing 20, 21, or 22 will be notified before the first day of class. To secure their spot in the class, students must be present at the first meeting.

CRWT 20. Intermediate Workshop: Fiction

Continued work in the writing of fiction. The class proceeds by means of group workshops, individual conferences with the instructor, and reading across the genre. Students will read with the eye of a writer to explore how a work is constructed and how the elements of craft come together to create a successful whole. The process of revision is emphasized.

Permission of the instructor is required. Students must submit a 5-8 page writing sample along with their application by the LAST DAY OF CLASSES of the previous term (last day of spring term for fall term). These materials should be submitted electronically to the instructor. Dist: ART. CRWT 20 application

CRWT 21. Intermediate Workshop: Creative Nonfiction

Continued work in the writing of creative nonfiction, including literary journalism, investigative memoir, the lyric essay, and documentary. The class proceeds by means of group workshops, individual conferences with the instructor, and reading across the genre. Students will read with the eye of a writer to explore how a work is constructed and how the elements of craft come together to create a successful whole. The processes of research and revision are emphasized.

Permission of the instructor is required. Students must submit a 5-8 page writing sample along with their application by the LAST DAY OF CLASSES of the previous term (last day of spring term for fall term). These materials should be submitted electronically to the instructor. Dist: ART. CRWT 21 application

CRWT 22. Intermediate Workshop: Poetry

Continued work in the writing of poetry, focusing on the development of craft, image and voice. The class proceeds by means of group workshops on student writing, individual conferences with the instructor and reading across the genre. Students will read with the eye of a writer to explore how a work is constructed and how the elements of craft come together to create a successful whole. The process of revision is emphasized.

Permission of the instructor is required. Students must submit a 5-8 page writing sample along with their application by the LAST DAY OF CLASSES of the previous term (last day of spring term for fall term). These materials should be submitted electronically to the instructor. Dist: ART. CRWT 22 application form

CRWT 60, 61, and 62. Senior Workshops in Creative Writing (Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Poetry)

An advanced workshop for seniors who wish to undertake a manuscript of fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry. The advanced workshop (CRWT 60, 61, or 62) is a requirement for the completion of the Concentration in Creative Writing and is a prerequisite for Honors in Creative Writing. Students must submit an 8-12 page writing sample to the instructor by the LAST DAY OF CLASSES of the term preceding the term in which they wish to enroll (last day of spring term for fall term). Please include your name, class year, and major. Prerequisite: CRWT 20, 21, or 22 depending on the genre of the workshop offered. Dist: ART. CRWT 60, 61, 62 application

Please refer to the Honors page for more information.

• CRWT 10, CRWT 12 application
• How to Apply to CRWT 20, 21, or 22
• CRWT 60, 61, 62 application
• CRWT 89 application