Writing, B.A.

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In addition to taking the core curriculum, all writing majors take at minimum of 12 credits of advanced writing courses in one of our three areas of concentration: (1) Journalism, (2) Professional Writing, Publishing & Rhetoric, or (3) Creative Writing. Writing majors also take 6 credits of advanced literature coursework and 6 credits of advanced writing outside their area of concentration. Students often complete a professional writing internship and several 1-credit writing or publishing roundtable workshops.

The Core English Curriculum (21 credits)

All English majors complete a 21-credit core curriculum that includes 6 credits in literary traditions, 3 credits in rhetoric and poetics, 3 credits in computer publishing technologies, 6 credits in literary and writing theories, and a senior capstone course. The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in literary rhetorical, and cultural traditions. The core also ensures that all English majors graduate with expertise in contemporary approaches to writing and publishing.

Capstone Coursework (3 credits)

Students may choose either of the following that best serves as the culminating course in their major and supports their career goals.

EN 410 - Senior Capstone Credit(s): 3

Advanced Writing Concentration (12 credits)

Students majoring in writing are required to develop an area of advanced writing expertise. Writing majors take at least four advanced writing studies courses (12 credits) in one of three tracks: (1) Journalism, (2) Professional Writing, Publishing & Rhetoric, or (3) Creative Writing. Students who wish to complete more than one writing concentration must complete the minimum number of advanced writing courses in both concentrations.

Advanced Writing Journalism courses include:

EN 215 - Journalism: Newswriting I Credit(s): 3
EN 280 - Journalism Laboratory Credit(s): 1
EN 315 - Newswriting II: Beat Reporting Credit(s): 3
EN 316 - Feature Writing Credit(s): 3
EN 317 - The Art of Opinion Credit(s): 3
EN 318 - Sports Writing Credit(s): 3
EN 319 - Investigative Reporting Credit(s): 3
EN 380 - Studies in Journalism Credit(s): 3
EN 480 - Professional Writing Internship Credit(s): 1-3 (in Journalism)

Advanced Professional Writing, Publishing & Rhetoric courses include:

EN 200 - Writing Seminar Credit(s): 3
EN 210 - Professional and Technical Writing Credit(s): 3
EN 212 - Environmental Writing Credit(s): 3
EN 300 - Advanced Writing Credit(s): 3
EN 304 - Digital Writing & Rhetoric Credit(s): 3
EN 305 - Web Publishing Credit(s): 3
EN 306 - Freelance Writing Credit(s): 3
EN 307 - Professional Editing Credit(s): 3
EN 308 - Beyond the Page Credit(s): 3
EN 382 - Advanced Writing and Publishing Projects Credit(s): 1-3
EN 384 - Art of Publishing Credit(s): 1-3
EN 386 - Letterpress Publishing: Blue Satellite Press Credit(s): 1-3
EN 388 - Publishing Roundtable Credit(s): 1 (1 credit, may be taken more than once)
EN 480 - Professional Writing Internship Credit(s): 1-3 (in professional writing, rhetoric, or publishing)

Advanced Creative Writing courses include:

EN 201 - Introduction to Creative Writing Credit(s): 3
EN 301 - Advanced Creative Writing Credit(s): 3
EN 309 - Critical Storytelling Credit(s): 3
EN 384 - Art of Publishing Credit(s): 1-3
EN 480 - Professional Writing Internship Credit(s): 1-3 (in creative writing or literary publishing)

Elective Literature Course at the 300 Level (6 credits)

See topics offered

Advanced Writing Outside Your Concentration (6 credits)

Take at least two 3-credit courses outside your area of advanced writing concentration from any of the courses listed in the other areas of advanced writing studies.

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