Creative Writing (BA)

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Major Credits

60

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Languages and Literature

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Major Common Core

An introduction to writing poetry and short prose. This course does not assume previous creative writing experience on the part of the student.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Study and explain the relationship between form and content in prose genres. Create own works applying the craft elements studied.

Prerequisites: none

Study and explain the relationship between form and content in poetry. Create own works applying the craft elements studied.

Prerequisites: none

Writing personal essays and literary journalism with an emphasis on workshop and revision.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to writing short stories with an emphasis on the workshop.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to writing poems, with an emphasis on the workshop.

Prerequisites: none

Revise and polish creative work into a professional portfolio with publication and presentation in mind.

Prerequisites: none

Major Unrestricted Electives

Choose from CW, ENG, FILM or THEA - Choose 12 Credit(s).

Prerequisites: none

Prerequisites: none

Introduces fundamentals of film production: writing, producing, directing, lighting, shooting, and editing, through lecture, critiquing the work of other filmmakers, and hands on production. By the end of this course students will be ready to puruse their own film projects.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Writing the short and long play.

Prerequisites: THEA 100. Permission of instructor.

CW 300 - 499

Other Graduation Requirements

Choose 8 credit(s): take one series Language

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Spring - 15 Credits

Second Year

Fall - 14 Credits

An introduction to writing poetry and short prose. This course does not assume previous creative writing experience on the part of the student.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Spring - 17 Credits

Study and explain the relationship between form and content in prose genres. Create own works applying the craft elements studied.

Prerequisites: none

Third Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Study and explain the relationship between form and content in poetry. Create own works applying the craft elements studied.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to writing short stories with an emphasis on the workshop.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 14 Credits

Introduction to writing poems, with an emphasis on the workshop.

Prerequisites: none

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Writing personal essays and literary journalism with an emphasis on workshop and revision.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 15 Credits

Revise and polish creative work into a professional portfolio with publication and presentation in mind.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Admission to Creative Writing is open. Contact the Program Director or Creative Arts Department to declare the major. 

GPA Policy: Majors must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in addition to the 2.0 overall GPA required by the University for graduation.

P/N Grading Policy: A course leading to a Creative Writing major may not be taken on a P/N basis.

Transfer Credit: The program accepts no more than 16 credits from other colleges and universities as transfer credits to be applied toward the major. They must be taken in courses that match or are the equivalent of courses that are offered in the program. Please consult the Program Director regarding any transfer issues.

Student Advising: Students are encouraged to consult the Program Director on a regular basis for advice about course selection and career planning.