Department of English

This first-year seminar focuses on the key fundamental of any successful creative writing practice: using strong and surprising language that makes readers want to keep reading. Drawing on concepts from poetry writing, this course will help students writing in any genre (fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, etc.) write in ways that make every word count, using concrete and specific imagery, precise and inventive diction, and more. Every week students will read selections from contemporary writers and write in response both creatively and critically. A key focus of the course is on workshopping student writing within the class community to get feedback that leads to editing and improvement. We will also benefit from class visits from contemporary writers, where students can ask questions and learn even more about the fundamentals of successful creative writing.