Academic Programs Catalog

The Minor in Creative Writing, administered by the Department of English, offers undergraduate students across the university a focused experience in the production of literary texts. The minor curriculum includes an introductory multi-genre course, workshops in a single chosen genre at the introductory and advanced level, as well as a literary studies course focused on broad readings within that genre. The required core courses are designed to provide awareness of larger conversations about creative writing as a discipline, as well as promote literary citizenship through involvement in co-curricular opportunities on campus and within the local writing community. Emphasizing the value of creative writing methods for problem-solving and critical thinking, for understanding diverse views and subject positions, and for clarity of expression, the minor opens up creative writing study to students from a range of colleges.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who are planning careers in creative writing and literary publishing should pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. The bachelor’s degree provides the opportunity for more intensive study in creative writing, including writing in and across multiple genres, participation in internships, and creative writing capstone projects. Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of English or the Director of Creative Writing to apply.

Admission

Students who are interested in the minor are eligible to apply if:

1. they have attained sophomore standing (at least 28 credits).
2. have completed the introductory course requirement (ENG 210, ENG 226, or FLM 230 if in screenwriting track).

To apply, students must:

1. submit a creative writing sample.
2. submit an application packet available online at the program website http://www.english.msu.edu/undergraduate/program-options/creative-writing/ or through the Department of English.

Applications are due January 30 of each year. Applications will be reviewed prior to annual enrollment.

Requirements for the Minor in Creative Writing

Students must complete a minimum of 17 credits from the following:

1.	One of the following introductory courses (3 or 4 credits):
	ENG	210	Foundations of Literary Study I						3
	ENG	226	Introduction to Creative Writing						3
	FLM	230	Introduction to Film						4
	Students who choose the Script Writing for Stage and Screen track below must complete FLM 230 to fulfill this requirement.
2.	Both of the following core courses (5 credits):
	ENG	200	Creative Writing Community						1
	ENG	320D	Methodologies in Literary History: History and Theory of Creative Writing						4
3.	One of the following tracks in a single genre (9 credits):
	Creative Nonfiction Writing
	ENG	223	Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction Writing						3
	ENG	323	Readings in Nonfiction						3
	ENG	423	Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing						3
	Fiction Writing
	ENG	228	Introduction to Fiction Writing						3
	ENG	328	Readings in Novel and Narrative						3
	ENG	428	Advanced Fiction Writing						3
	Poetry Writing
	ENG	229	Introduction to Poetry Writing						3
	ENG	329	Readings in Poetry and Poetics						3
	ENG	429	Advanced Poetry Writing						3
	Script Writing for Stage and Screen
	ENG	227	Introduction to Playwriting						3
	ENG	326	Readings in Drama and Performance						3
	FLM	334	Introduction to Screenwriting (W)						3