Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing: Curriculum

Writing workshop in poetry, fiction, non-fiction or other genre offered during the summer residency at the Fishtrap Gathering or Wilderness, Ecology, and Community retreat.

An intensive 5-day course of study in residence, during which the student participates in a graduate writing workshop taught by a faculty mentor in a chosen genre (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting, Graphic Novel, etc.). Prerequisites: Acceptance into MFA program.

An intensive 5-day course of study in residence, during which the student participates in a graduate craft seminar taught by a faculty mentor in a chosen genre (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting, Graphic Novel, etc.). Prerequisite: Acceptance into MFA program.

Class by arrangement, WR 552 is an opportunity for pursuing graduate level individualized studies in the writing of fiction, poetry, non-fiction or other genres, with systematic direction through regular tutorials with a faculty mentor. Prerequisite: Acceptance into MFA program.

Graduate study of a subject, author, genre, or period in rhetoric, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, journalism, and or multi-genre writing. Repeatable with different topics. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA program.

ENGL 536 Themes in Lit/Film (4)

Upon completion and approval of the student thesis, all students will prepare a craft lecture and public reading from their theses, which they will present at their third and final residency. Prerequisite: Completion and approval of thesis, second-year graduate standing.

And/or

WR 536 Themes in Writing/Rhetoric (3)

In-depth study of a major theme in on or more genres, historical periods, or authors. Repeatable with different topics. Prerequisites: Admission to MFA.

Class by arrangement, WR 552 is an opportunity for pursuing graduate level individualized studies in the writing of fiction, poetry, non-fiction or other genres, with systematic direction through regular tutorials with a faculty mentor. Prerequisite: Acceptance into MFA program.

Course is designed to help students conceive, craft, and deliver suitable literary arts programming and workshops to host communities, and or work as interns. Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in arts administration, professional editing and publishing, or serve in local community groups, agencies, etc. For students enrolled in the Wilderness, Ecology, and Community concentration appropriate field and service learning projects will be designed in consultation with faculty and cooperating agencies. Prerequisites: Acceptance into MFA program.

The creative thesis is prepared under the supervision of faculty mentors. The thesis is a book-length original work in the student’s major genre and is based on creative work undertaken during the previous residencies and mentorship periods. Prerequisite: acceptance into MFA program, second year status, consent of instructor, a clear written plan of study and statement of a proposed project.

Upon completion and approval of the student thesis, all students will prepare a craft lecture and public reading from their theses, which they will present at their third and final residency. Prerequisite: Completion and approval of thesis, second-year graduate standing.