Creative Writing Minor

The creative writing minor is dedicated to helping students develop the skills necessary to write high-quality poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Courses within the minor offer intensive study of the craft of poetry and prose writing, while focusing on the elements common to all literature, regardless of genre: specificity in detail and description, precision with regard to diction, clarity of thought, and the development of a strong and unique voice. Most classes are taught in a workshop setting, where students generate their own poems, stories, and essays in addition to reading and critiquing pieces written by their peers and by published authors. By learning to make, discuss, and defend writing choices, students will become artful writers, analytical readers, and thoughtful critics.

In order to select courses that meet the program requirements, students pursuing the minor must consult with their major adviser and with the coordinator of creative writing in the English department. Only two courses from a student’s major requirements may be applied to the creative writing minor requirements.