This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chatham chapter.
In the ’14/’15 academic year, we’re talking with students from every major to find out what their program is actually like.
Background: Creative Writing blends theory, history and practice to produce well-rounded artists. In the BFA program, students learn the tools to craft and refine works of poetry and prose in small, highly interactive classes.
The Coursework: Students begin with Intro to Creative Writing followed by Creative Writing I and II. Advanced Writing Workshop focuses on producing work for publication, and Writing for Children prepares them to reach a younger audience. To further broaden their understanding of the field, students take three literature survey courses, 1 advanced English course and 2 advanced Creative Writing courses. After taking the Seminar in Literary Theory and Scholarly Writing, BFA candidates complete a two-semester Tutorial.
Relevant Campus Programs: Chatham is home to a nationally-recognized MFA program, so undergraduates regularly take advantage of lecture by visiting authors and readings at the graduate student showcase, Word Circus. Students write for the campus literary magazine (Minor Bird), attend workshops hosted by the Creative Writing Club and share their work at the Rea Coffeehouse Reading Series.
What You Can Do With It: Companies hiring in every field value strong writing skills, so there are many potential directions to go in after graduation. Students who opt for primarily artistic careers may work as writers, editors or academics.
We interviewed Shannon Ward ’14 before her December graduation. A double major, you can read her thoughts on Women’s Studies here.
1. Why did you choose to major in Creative Writing?
I chose Creative Writing as my major before I came to Chatham. While I don’t think that anybody needs a degree to write, I love writing as a hobby and wanted every opportunity to get feedback and try out new methods. It only made sense to choose it as a major, since I would be taking the writing classes for pleasure anyway.
2. What are three main lessons you’ve learned from the Creative Writing curriculum?
Aside from grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and mechanics, writing isn’t really something that can be taught, exactly. Nobody takes notes in Creative Writing classes and there are no tests, so there really aren’t lessons to be learned. Creative Writing classes tend to give students the opportunity to (1) try out new genres, (2) receive specialized feedback from professors and other students, and (3) develop a personal style of writing.
3. In your major-related classes, how would you describe the classroom environment?
Every professor is different, of course, but most Creative Writing classes are largely student-led. Many professors have students arrange their desks in a circle so students can see one another and discuss and workshop freely. The professors tend to prompt students with questions or topics, but students do most of the talking.
4. What three characteristics do you think successful Creative Writing majors possess?
The most successful Creative Writing majors… (1) Know how to handle criticism with grace and gratitude. (2) Do not judge themselves as talented or untalented based on other writers in the classroom. (3) Know that, at the end of the day, their own opinions about their writing matter more than anyone else’s.
5. Why do you think Chatham students should consider a major in Creative Writing?
Creative Writing often does not seem like the most practical degree, but writing is everywhere. Even if you do not become a famous novelist or journalist, writing opportunities are everywhere. Good communication skills will take you far in life, especially as we become a society more and more dependent on technology.
Creative Writing majors: What do you love about your program? Tell us in the comments!