Academic Bulletin 2023-2024 
    
    Nov 19, 2024  
Academic Bulletin 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English Major–Emphasis in Creative Writing


Faculty: Bakken, Buckner, Caballero, Christmas, Ferrence, Hart, Holmes, J. Miller, Votava

The English Major–Emphasis in Creative Writing is a program in the Languages, Literature, and Culture Area of Study. English majors may not minor in Writing.

English Major–Emphasis in Creative Writing Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete an English Major–Emphasis on Creative Writing will:

  • Utilize close reading as a primary skill of literary analysis
  • Encounter and deploy interpretive methods that build upon the principle of close reading
  • Recognize and use the conventions of different genres
  • Develop analytical arguments and creative expression both in writing and discussion
  • Understand the significance of historically underrepresented perspectives and traditions and practice cultural competence

The English Major–Emphasis in Creative Writing

The English Major–Emphasis in Creative Writing, consisting of 44 credits, leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. At graduation, English majors are required to have a GPA of at least 2.0 in the major. The calculation is based on all English courses taken at Allegheny on a letter-grade basis. Only the most recent grade is considered for courses that have been repeated. At least 10 courses, including the Junior Seminar and Senior Project, must be taken on the letter-grade basis; additional courses may be taken Credit/No Credit, though the department recommends that the number of such courses be kept to a minimum.  A maximum of 8 transfer credits may be counted toward the major; exceptions must be approved by the department chair.

Core (12 Credits)


  • One course (4 credit hours) from courses numbered ENGL 110 through ENGL 118.

Emphasis in Creative Writing (32 Credits)


Take two of the following courses (8 credits):


Take one of the following courses (4 credits):


Take one course (4 credit hours) at 400-Level Advanced Workshop:


Elective (4 credits):


Take any one additional course in English at any level. ENGL 231 , American Literatures, or another American-focused literature class strongly recommended. FSENG 201  does not count.