The English Writing Major includes concentrations in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and journalism. Students choose and focus on a primary genre, but are encouraged to take courses in all genres. A wide variety of readings, topics, and literature courses are essential to the major, and provide the essential link between critical reading and good writing. This broad approach encourages creative writing and critical thinking while preparing students for the job market.

Requirements:

     1. Writing majors must complete at least two of the following introductory courses before enrolling in advanced writing          classes (Note: Advanced courses often have genre-specific prerequisites):

ENGWRT 0520 ……………Introduction to Fiction Writing
ENGWRT 0530 …………...Introduction to Poetry Writing
ENGWRT 0411 ……………Introduction to Creative Nonfiction
ENGWRT 0550 ……………Introduction to Journalism
ENGWRT 0410…………….Introduction to Creative Writing (cross-genre course)

(Note: Introductory courses are usually offered in the fall and summer sessions. Advanced courses are usually offered in the spring and summer sessions. A third introductory course will not count toward the 39 credits required for the major. Students must complete at least one composition course above the level of College Composition 1 before enrolling in a Writing course.)

     2. A total of 39 credits is required for the major – 24 credits (eight courses) in writing, 12 credits (four courses) in literature,          and a three-credit Capstone course.

     3. A minimum of a C grade in all courses in the major.

     4. Four related courses (12 credits) in an area approved by the student’s advisor.

     5. Following the two required introductory courses, the remaining six courses (18 credits) in writing may be taken in any          combination from the list below. After completing the intro courses, students are encouraged to declare a genre (poetry,          fiction, creative nonfiction, or journalism) and complete all courses in that genre.

ENGWRT 1010 ..………….Intermediate Fiction
ENGWRT 1094* ..…………Readings/Topics in Contemporary Fiction
ENGWRT 1170* ..…………Short Story Workshop
ENGWRT 1089…………… The Creative Process
ENGWRT 1210*……………The Poetry Workshop
ENGWRT 1250 ………….…Formal Poetry
ENGWRT 1290 …………….Readings in Contemporary Poetry
ENGWRT 1410* ..………….Topics in Creative Nonfiction/Memoir
ENGWRT 1390*………….…Topics in Contemporary Nonfiction/ Nature Writing
ENGWRT 1310 …………….Newspaper 1/Intermediate Journalism
ENGWRT 1331 …………….Magazine 1
ENGWRT 1380 …………….UPG Press/The Insider
ENGWRT 1381*…………….UPG Press II/The Insider
ENGWRT 1900 …………….Professional Writing/News
Internship (req. for majors with journalism emphasis – 12 or more credits in journalism or creative nonfiction)

     6. English Writing Capstone Course. This rigorous, senior-seminar course is taken during the student’s senior year. Students complete a manuscript in their chosen genres and do a public presentation of their work as part of the course requirements.