Writing Studies Major (36SH)
The writing studies major involves the study of writing in various creative genres, writing for particular professions, English grammar, English literature, and practical experience in peer teaching, publishing, and internship settings. Students will study with faculty members who are published writers and will have further opportunities to interact with visiting writers through workshops and summer retreats.
The writing studies major is by intention small and flexible. Majors are encouraged to double major or minor in their other areas of interest. Simultaneous study will allow writers to broaden their knowledge bases by exploring other subjects in depth. Students will be more informed as writers and, in turn, will be able to use their writing and rhetorical skills to contribute more easily to the discourse of other fields.
Writing studies at EMU will prepare students for careers in editing, publishing, journalism, and technical writing. Those who wish to pursue studies in creative writing will produce portfolios of work suitable for graduate school application. In addition, writing studies graduates will have strong and flexible communication skills, enhancing their desirability as employees in any field they may wish to pursue.
*course offered alternate years
Core Writing Courses (12 SH)
- WRIT 200 Introduction to Creative Writing
- LING 260 Grammars of English
- WRIT 380-382 Professional Writing Series* OR COMM 241 News and Feature Writing
- WRIT 400 Senior Thesis (Independent Study)
Creative Workshops (9 SH)
Take 3 workshops in at least 2 genres. (Courses are designed to be taken more than once.)
- WRIT 350 Creative Prose Writing (Alternates between fiction and nonfiction, sometimes with special topics.)
- WRIT 370 Poetry*
- THR 310 Playwriting*
Literature Courses (9 SH)
Three courses elected from LIT courses. Must include at least one Global Literatures course and one Approaches course.
Writing Practicum (3 SH from any of the below)
- LARTS 390-391 Peer Tutoring Practicum (1 SH)
- WRIT 470 Internship (1-3 SH)
- COMM 342 Campus Communications: Weather Vane (writing/editing focus) (1-3 SH)
- WRIT 390 Literary Arts Journal: Phoenix (1 SH) (Independent Study)
Elective (3SH)
Elected from any courses in literature, writing, or grammars course above the 200 level. May also be fulfilled through News and Feature Writing, practicum, Kairos, or transferrable writing retreat credits. (For example, Oregon Extension).
In addition, majors are expected to attend all Writers Reads and participate in year-end readings.
Suggested Yearly Progression
First Year
WRIT 200 Introduction to Creative Writing
LING 260 Grammars of English
Global Literatures course (LIT 200s)
Second and Third Year
Creative Workshop (Poetry, Prose, or Playwriting)
Creative Workshop (Poetry, Prose, or Playwriting)
Creative Workshop (Poetry, Prose, or Playwriting)
WRIT 380-382 Professional Writing Series* OR COMM 241 News and Feature Writing
Practicum (3 SH)
Approaches to Literature Course (LIT 300s)
Fourth Year
WRIT 400 Senior Thesis
Third LIT course
Elective (see description)
*course offered alternate years