English, Creative Writing Track, B.A.

Program Learning Outcomes

1)  The ability to read texts closely

2)  The ability to write clear and effective prose in accordance with conventions of standard English

3)  The ability to write analytically about texts in accordance with the conventions of textual criticism

4)  An understanding of how criticism as a practice gives rise to questions about how to conduct that practice, questions that are constitutive of the discipline: e.g., questions concerning what we should read, why we should read, and how we should read.

5)  The ability to read texts in relation to history

6)  An understanding of how texts are related to social and cultural categories (e.g., race, ehtnicity, gender, sexuality, class, ability), enterprises (e.g., philosophy, science, and politics), and institutions (e.g., of religion, of education)

7)  An understanding of how language as a system and linguistic change over time inform literature as aesthetic object, expressive medium, and social document

8)  The ability to “join the conversation” that is always ongoing among critics and scholars regarding texts, authors, and topics engaging with secondary sources

9)  An in-depth understanding of a single author, a small group of authors, or a narowly-defined topic, theme, or issue

10)  An understanding of the differences between and the requirements of genre (Creative Writing Track)

11) Knowledge of craft and technique in genres under study (Creative Writing Track)

12) Proficiency at critiqueing peer and published work (Creative Writing Track)

13) Knowledge of elements, modes, and forms of chosen genre (Creative Writing Track)

14) The ability to incorporate criticism into revision of creative work (Creative Writing Track)

15)  Proficiency at presenting work to readers in public readings, publication, or exhibits (Creative Writing Track)

16)  An understanding of the process of revision, submission, publication (Creative Writing Track)

17)  Knowledge of contemporary writers and literary journals (Creative Writing Track)

General Education Requirements (30-46 Credits)

Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 44

Footnotes

1. Students must take at least 4 creative writing course with “workshop” in the title (selected from poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction) at the 300 level.
2. ENGL 426 ; Editing and Production Workshop, may be substituted for one of the required 300-level workshops.

Minimum Competence Requirement

A grade of C- or better is required for each of the following courses: all courses submitted in fulfillment of the 44 hour requirement for the English major.

Department Writing Requirement

For the English Major, at least 16 Credits must be at the 300-level or above All courses in English emphasize the skills of effective writing. In addition, all 400-level Literature courses teach students how to join the conversation.

English majors are strongly urged to study a foreign language and literature.

Outline/Advising Guide