Minor in Writing
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?
The Minor is a program designed primarily for non-English Majors, or for Majors who want independent credentials in both literature and writing. The minor evolved from the belief that any major or profession can be strengthened by a person’s ability to write well. Unlike the English Major with an Emphasis in Creative Writing, the Minor allows students to pick courses that do not necessarily bear the CW designation. Although the 5-course requirement can, indeed, emphasize creative writing, other emphases might include journalism or science/technical writing.
The Minor in Writing requires, also, the equivalent of a 2-hour internship and the presentation of a writing portfolio to the Writing Committee the spring of a Minor’s senior year.
It is recommended that students interested in exploring the Minor begin by taking WRIT 220, Introduction to Creative Writing, or the introductory journalism course.
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?
There is an application process for the Minor (requiring the approval of the Writing Committee). The application may be picked up in front of the Writing Center; it requires, among other things, writing samples. This application must be reviewed and approved by the Committee no later than the fall of a student’s junior year.
Minors need to complete WRIT 305 early in their program. They are encouraged to take more than one course from WRIT 304, WRIT 305, WRIT 306, and WRIT 307, and to begin selecting electives that help them build their writing profile. By the end of the second year, they should also have begun to think about the nature of the internship they will complete for their degree.
3. What is the minimum a prospective major/minor must do by the end of their first and second year?
Technically, a Minor in Writing could declare—and begin—the Minor as late as the fall of his or her junior year. Ideally, a minimum of two writing courses should have been completed by the conclusion of a student’s sophomore year. One warning: students are advised to make sure that at least one writing course is taken during the senior year—preferably two courses. As with the Major in English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing, it is not advisable to complete all courses too early (sophomore year) or too late (senior year). The most proficient and successful Minors in Writing are those students who seriously study writing, and write, over the span of their college years.
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?
It’s essential.
Because many Minors in Writing are not English majors, it is crucial that they talk about their plans and intentions with the Director of Writing. It is desirable for Minors to make an appointment to see the director
every advising session
, in addition to seeing the advisor in their major.
5. What are the major pitfalls a student should avoid during their first year and how can an advisor help the student to avoid them?
Do not forget that this Minor requires a formal application, and that this application should be submitted to the director no later than the fall of the junior year.
Do not proceed with this Minor without the benefit of consultation with the Director of Writing. The director will be able to help you design a program compatible with your interests and career ambitions.
Be sure that your internship requirement is completed no later than the end of the summer after your junior year. Work in close consultation with the Director of Writing to select an internship right for you.
Remember that you will be examined in the spring of your senior year on a fifty-page portfolio of your best work (in three genres).