Creative Writing (B.F.A.) - J

In this program, aspiring writers learn the craft of fiction, poetry and prose nonfiction in literature courses and in writing workshops. Small classes and individualized instruction are key features of this student-centered program. A student and professional reading series and internships with the department’s nationally recognized literary magazine, Green Mountains Review, complement the academic course work.

Learning Outcomes for Creative Writing Majors

The B.F.A. in creative writing will:

Enable students to produce their own poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction and to become proficient readers and interpreters of imaginative literature;
Enable students to identify the major genres of literature, to recognize the features of each genre and to explore and evaluate different approaches to literary criticism and interpretation;
Develop students’ abilities to analyze and explicate literary texts so that they can identify themes and ideas as well as recognize how formal literary devices affect meaning; and
Develop students’ skills in editing and revising so that they will be prepared for graduate school in creative writing and/or for careers in publishing.

Required Courses

Core Courses (9 credits)

ENG 1310 - Introduction to Literature (J) Credit(s): 3
ENG 2031 - History and Art of Publishing Credit(s): 3
ENG 3032 - Literary Publishing in the 21st Century: Green Mountains Review Credit(s): 3

Writing Workshops Part I (3 credits)

ENG 2101 - Creative Writing Credit(s): 3

Writing Workshops Part II (9 credits)

(Complete 9 credits from at least two different genres; students may repeat one genre.)

ENG 3120 - Poetry Workshop Credit(s): 3
ENG 3130 - Fiction Workshop Credit(s): 3
ENG 3140 - The Creative Essay Credit(s): 3

Lower-level Literature Survey Courses (9 credits)

(Take three courses)

ENG 2171 - World Literature I Credit(s): 3
ENG 2172 - World Literature II Credit(s): 3
ENG 2281 - Survey of English Literature I Credit(s): 3
ENG 2282 - Survey of English Literature II Credit(s): 3
ENG 2321 - Survey of American Literature I Credit(s): 3
ENG 2322 - Survey of American Literature II Credit(s): 3
ENG 2510 - Women & Literature Credit(s): 3

Upper-level Literature Survey Courses (9 credits)

(Take three courses)

ENG 3270 - Myth & Myth Making Credit(s): 3
ENG 3320 - The English Novel Credit(s): 3
ENG 3345 - Contemporary Canadian Literature Credit(s): 3
ENG 3380 - British Romantic Literature Credit(s): 3
ENG 3390 - Literature of the Grotesque Credit(s): 3
ENG 3395 - Satire in Literature Credit(s): 3
ENG 3405 - Literary Journalism Credit(s): 3
ENG 3435 - Practical Grammar Credit(s): 3
ENG 3480 - Modern Literature Credit(s): 3
ENG 3510 - Contemporary Literature Credit(s): 3
ENG 3520 - American Poetry Credit(s): 3
ENG 3525 - Victorian Literature Credit(s): 3
ENG 3530 - The American Novel Credit(s): 3
ENG 3565 - Shakespeare Credit(s): 3
ENG 3580 - African American Literature Credit(s): 3
ENG 3680 - Linguistics & Language History Credit(s): 3
ENG 4510 - Literary Research Tutorial Credit(s): 3
ENG 4720 - Seminar in Literature Credit(s): 3

Upper-level Coursework (6 credits)

(Take two courses)

ENG 4110 - The Form & Theory of Fiction Credit(s): 3
ENG 4120 - The Form & Theory of Poetry Credit(s): 3
ENG 4130 - The Form & Theory of Nonfiction Credit(s): 3
ENG 4150 - Literary Criticism & Theory Credit(s): 3

Thesis (3 credits)

ENG 4920 - Senior Thesis Credit(s): 3
(creative project in genre of specialization)

Total: 48 credits

Secondary Teaching License in English

Students pursuing licensure endorsement to teach English in grades 7-12 must successfully complete either the English (B.A.) - J or the Creative Writing (B.F.A.) - J as well as specific teacher-education coursework and requirements. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher License Endorsement - J section for details.

Important:

In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum and NVU Graduation Standards .

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