Creative Writing
English - Emphasis in Creative Writing (58-60 Credits)
Download the English - Creative Writing Emphasis, BA plan of study
About
The Creative Writing program focuses on writing courses: creative writing in fiction, drama, poetry, or nonfiction prose and includes coursework in literature to supplement the creative writing courses. Students in the upper-divisional courses are expected to interpret and analyze literature in thoughtful, organized, and clear essays that are free of mechanical errors. If you think you need help with your reading and writing, we strongly encourage you, in addition to your work in English courses, to consult the Hacherl Research & Writing Studio and other University resources.
Introductory and advanced critical writing genre courses form the core of the major, giving students an opportunity to develop their craft and aesthetics through intensive writing, reading, and workshops. Students must take courses in at least two different genres. Aside from the core courses, creative writing majors take 25 credits in literature (which may include literary/cultural, rhetorical, and literacy theory and film studies) at the 300- or 400-level. Special modes courses (456, 457, 458, 460) introduce advanced students to distinct forms within their major genres.
Major Requirements
- 25 credits in literature
- May include literary/cultural theory, film studies, and rhetorical and literacy theory at the 300 or 400 level, including a writing proficiency course. Literature electives include: ENG 307-311, 313, 314, 332-347, 364, 365, 371 and/or ENG 401, 406-417, 442, 464.
- ENG 350: Introduction to Creative Writing
- Two Genre Courses: ENG 351, 353, 354, THTR 384, FAIR 354v
- Four Creative Writing Electives: ENG 451, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 466; THTR 485, FAIR 454y
Note: Eras taken as a seminar cannot be repeated as a survey, and eras taken as a survey cannot be repeated as a seminar. Repeated eras will not count toward this major.
Resources
Download the English - Creative Writing Emphasis, BA plan of study
Review the English - Creative Writing Emphasis, BA in the university catalog.
Ready to Declare an English Major?
Please see the English Advising and Declaration page for more information!
Advisors & Office Hours
Please use your Western email and include your W# in all emails to English advisors. Office hours are updated every quarter and do not include holidays and breaks.
General English Advisor
Elle Starr
Advisor to prospective and new English majors. Assistance with English major and minor declaration, major changes, and general undergraduate inquiries.
Elle.Starr@wwu.edu | 360-650-6846
Major Advisor: Creative Writing
Students with last names A-K:
Noam Dorr
Advisor to declared English majors with Creative Writing Emphasis. Assistance with major advising and major and minor evaluations.
Major Advisor: Creative Writing
Students with last names L-Z:
Kelly Magee
Advisor to declared English majors with Creative Writing Emphasis. Assistance with major advising and major and minor evaluations.