Creative Writing

The goal of the Creative Writing major at New England College is to prepare students for a professional writing career and/or to prepare students for graduate work in the creative arts. Students will approach Creative Writing as a craft-based discipline rooted in the study of literature and writing. Through genre workshops and literature courses students will gain the analytical, critical and creative skills necessary to develop an informed practice of craft and, as a result, produce original works grounded in the historical and theoretical knowledge of  the  discipline.  In this context, the Creative Writing curriculum emphasizes the authenticity and integrity of public voice. All students  in the Creative Writing program begin with a common set of core courses which introduce, examine and facilitate practice in a variety of creative writing genres.  As a student  progresses through this core they will, in consultation with the department faculty and their faculty advisor, identify, develop and pursue a full course of study which best serves to facilitate a close examination and revision of their creative work. As part of the Senior Seminar, all majors are expected to compile a professional manuscript in a specific or blended genre which demonstrates their understanding of and dedication to the practice of their craft.

Learning Outcomes

• Interpret, critique and analyze complex texts written in various genres.
• Employ appropriate and effective participation in peer review workshops.
• Identify, employ and practice a process of revision.
• Articulate the ways in which literature and creative writing relate to historical, cultural and social contexts.
• Practice effective rhetorical strategies appropriate for academic, creative and professional purposes.
• Write creatively while utilizing an individualized perspective andoriginal sense of voice.
• Apply the principles and concepts of the field to new and unexpected situations.
• Identify and articulate the larger aesthetic and cultural value of creative writing and literature.

Experiential Learning Component

Students are encouraged to engage in more extensive learning opportunities such as public readings, internships with regional writing organizations, community literacy projects, and taking on leadership roles with The Henniker Review, The New Englander, or other regional literary publications. The rich literary tradition at New England College provides superior opportunity for engagement in the literary arts.

The Henniker Review: The Henniker Review is an annual literary magazine showcasing regional writers and artists. NEC Students are able to be involved in areas of editing, marketing, design and publication

The New Englander The New Englander is New England College’s student newspaper. Writers, photographers, and editors are current NEC students who research and collaborate on interesting news, sports scores, and all things NEC. The paper is printed locally and distributed throughout campus for the entire community.

Programs

• Creative Writing, B.A.

• Creative Writing Minor

Courses

All undergraduate courses are 4 credits unless otherwise noted.

• CW 1100 - Introduction to Creative Writing
• CW 2000 - Reading as Writer
• CW 2100 - Fiction Workshop
• CW 2110 - Poetry Workshop
• CW 2120 - Creative Nonfiction Workshop
• CW 3100 - Advanced Fiction Workshop
• CW 3110 - Advanced Poetry Workshop
• CW 3120 - Advanced Nonfiction Workshop
• CW 4300 - Senior Seminar and Topics