English Department/Writing

Major: English Major with an Emphasis in Creative Writing
Minor: Writing

For Course Offerings and Program Requirements see The Hiram College Catalog.

   1. Which courses are for first year students who wish to explore new areas of interest, but have no clear intent to major in this area?

      WRIT 220: Introduction to Creative Writing

      Any 200-level English course, except 206

      First-Year Seminar taught by a member of the English Department
   2. What is the desirable course work a prospective major/minor should complete by the end of their first year and the end of their second year?

      Majors:First year: English 206 and completion of language requirement.

      Second year: One to two creative writing courses (especially from WRIT 304, 305, 306, and 307) and one to two 300-level core English courses (ENGL 319, 322, 323, 326).

      Majors with an Emphasis in Creative Writing should try to have completed 2 of the required 4-5 writing courses by the end of their sophomore year. There will always be enough CW courses offered to allow students to complete the writing requirement for the CW emphasis during any 2 year period. However, taking at least 1 (preferably 2) writing courses during the sophomore year provides students with greater scheduling flexibility and begins to foster the discipline, habits, focus, and commitment to writing that will be essential throughout the rest of the program.

      Minors:Two creative writing courses

      Since the majority of CW courses have a prerequisite of ENGL 206 or WRIT 220, it is recommended that students wait until their sophomore year to take 300-level courses in writing. Exceptions are made occasionally (often through careful portfolio screening), but the strong foundation in exposition provided in the first-year program should be the primary focus of students interested in a serious concentration in writing.
   3. What is the minimum a prospective major/minor must do by the end of their first and second year?

      Majors:First year: English 206.

      Second year: One creative writing course and one 300-level core course

      Minors:One creative writing course
   4. How important is it for a student with some interest in majoring in your area to make contact with a member of your department?

      Please do so by the end of the first year, if possible.
   5. How important is it for a student with some interest in this special major to talk with the Director of Writing?

      All faculty in the English department are familiar with the English Major with an Emphasis in Creative Writing. There is not any need, therefore, to switch advisors to the Director of Writing once a Major with an Emphasis in Creative Writing is declared. It is highly desirable, however, that all students consult closely with the director, especially around advising time, to make sure they are fully aware of current and future course offerings.
   6. What are the major pitfalls a student should avoid during their first year and how can an advisor help the student to avoid them?

      Declare an English Major with an Emphasis in Creative Writing soon enough to be able to take advantage of a wide choice of writing courses.

      Make sure you see the Director of Writing early in your program to avoid missing courses you would ideally like to take. The director will alert you to particulars of course offerings, as well as new courses constantly being developed.