Creative Writing

    The creative writing major offers a highly individualized pathway for aspiring writers and other people who have a strong interest in creative writing. The foundation of the major is a series of workshops in three genres: fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Alongside courses that center on the production of original writing, creative writing majors take courses in literary studies that involve writing from various nations, cultures, and historical periods. Like the other majors offered by the English Department, the creative writing major offers a solid foundation for a variety of careers in journalism, publishing, business, the nonprofit sector, and many other fields.

    Typical First-Year Schedule

    Fall
    • FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
    • World Language
    • ENGL 185/ENGL 150 OLE Core
    • OLE Core/Elective*
    january term
    • ENGLE course/OLE Core/Elective
    Spring
    • FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
    • World Language
    • ENGL 185/ENGL 150/Other ENGL course/OLE Core
    • OLE Core/Elective*

    *Many, though not all students interested in the creative writing major take an English course in their first year. Prospective creative writing majors are encouraged to consider enrolling in ENGL 185 (our introduction to literary studies; a required course for all majors in English, English education, and creative writing). All majors should plan to take this course during their first year or sophomore year.

    Prospective creative writing majors should also consider ENGL 150. This course is our introduction to creative writing. Though taking this course is not required for further study in creative writing, it offers the best opportunity for students to explore creative writing in their first year. It can also fulfill a major requirement, as all creative writing majors are required to take three 200-level creative writing workshop courses (ENGL 291, 292, and 293) or two 200-level creative writing workshop courses and ENGL 150. Note that seats in ENGL 150 are usually restricted to students in their first year or sophomore year.

    In addition to or as an alternative to the above, first-year students are welcome to enroll in other 100- and 200-level English courses, if they have satisfied any prerequisites. Once students have satisfied the WRR requirement (with a course on our campus, or through transfer credit or AP/IB credit), they are welcome to take most of our offerings at the 200-level. Some prospective majors take a 200-level course prior to enrolling in ENGL 185. Along with ENGL 150 and 185, we offer a few other 100-level courses. 100-level courses in our department do not carry any prerequisites, and, aside from ENGL 150 and 185, are usually offered during January.

    200-level creative writing workshops (ENGL 291, 292, and 293) are normally restricted to students who are in their sophomore year or above. These workshop courses tend to be quite popular and seats are limited. For this reason, we recommend that students who are serious about creative writing declare the major early in their academic career–ideally, prior to registration for their sophomore year. This is because we allow creative writing majors to reserve seats in creative writing workshops in advance of registration.

    Note that the English Department offers three distinct majors. These majors include two different versions of the English major–a standard major and an English education major (for students who want to earn a teaching license for teaching at the secondary school level)–as well as our major in creative writing. The two versions of the English major and the creative writing major share many common requirements. The best plan for students who are undecided among these options is to focus on ENGL 185 and other requirements that these majors have in common.

    Students who are interested in a teaching license should consult with faculty in the Education Department as well as the English Department early in their college careers, as this major has a more rigid set of requirements than the standard English major.

    CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS COURSEWORK
    • Students are given credit for WRR if they score a 5 on the AP English Literature or English Language test or if they score a 5-7 on the IB English Language test.
    • Credit for AP or IB does not count toward the requirements of the English major.
    • Completion of Enduring Questions (all five courses) counts as the equivalent of one English elective.

    Placement

    Director of Writing (for questions related to WRR placement): Diane Leblanc (leblanc@stolaf.edu), 507-786-3438

    Informational Events

    Department information sessions will be held during Orientation Week, and occasional information sessions for students will be held during fall or spring.

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Chair, Department of English – Elisabeth Alderks (alderk1@stolaf.edu)

    Academic Catalog

    Department

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