Undergraduate Minor

Minor in Creative Writing

Program:
Minor in Creative Writing
Plan Code:
CREAT_MNUN
Program Level:
Undergraduate
Award Type:
Minor Undergraduate
College:
College of Arts and Letters
Department:
English


Excerpt from the official Academic Programs Catalog:

Listed below are the approved requirements for the program from the official Academic Programs Catalog.
Students must consult their advisors to learn which specific requirements apply to their degree programs.


College of Arts and Letters

Department of English

Undergraduate Program
Minor in Creative Writing

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