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CREATIVE WRITING

In the Department of English.
 

Colby students may study the craft of imaginative writing in one of two ways—through a concentration within an English major or by electing a minor in creative writing if their major is a discipline other than English. English majors wishing to concentrate in creative writing should read the requirements for the concentration described separately under the heading for the English major in this catalogue.

The minor is designed to enhance existing major programs, to add structure and a sense of purpose to those students already committed to creative writing, and to encourage the consideration of serious graduate programs in writing.

A creative writing concentration within and in addition to the English major is offered as another option in development of skills in creative writing. The requirements for the concentration are specified in the “English” section of this catalogue.

REQUIREMENTS +

Requirements for the Minor in Creative Writing

The minor consists of seven courses total: four writing workshops and three courses in literature.
 
The four writing workshops should include creative writing courses at the 200-level or above. These courses currently include English 278, 279, 378, 379, 380, 382, 385, 386, 478, and 480. Students may count Beginning Playwriting (Theater and Dance 141) as one of their creative writing courses.
 
In addition, the creative writing minor requires the student, in consultation with the minor advisor, to complete three courses in English and American literature at the 300 or 400 level. For example, a fiction writer might take courses on the American short story, the modern American novel, 18th-century novels, Victorian or African-American literature, or contemporary fiction; a poetry writer might elect courses on Renaissance poetry, British Romantic poetry, 19th-century American poetry, modern American poetry, or contemporary American poetry.

First priority for admission to English 278 and 279 is given to sophomores. Admission to advanced writing workshops is by manuscript submission only.

No requirement for the minor may be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

 
Learn more about the program »

Faculty

Director, Assistant Professor Adrian Blevins
Advisory committee: Professors Jennifer Finney Boylan, Michael Burke, Peter Harris, and Debra Spark; Associate Professor Natalie Harris; Assistant Professor Adrian Blevins
 

Colby College reserves the right in its sole judgement to make changes of any nature in its program, calendar, academic schedule, fees, deposits, or any other matters in this catalogue.