 Department of English Language and Literature |
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English 501.001: Introduction to the Profession for Creative Writers Fulfills core MFA requirement. What is the writing life, anyway? If you believe Annie Dillard, “it is colorless to the point of sensory deprivation.” Of course, she also describes it as “life at its most free, if you are fortunate enough to be able to try it, because you select your materials, invent your task, and pace yourself.” This course is about selection, invention, and pacing. It’s also about reading, reviewing, and teaching. The first task will be to answer the question, “Why I write?” Once we solve that puzzle, we’ll move on to more practical concerns. Students can expect to review a new book in their field—and submit that review for publication; to write an essay on some aspect of craft—and submit that essay for publication; to analyze the prose style of a favorite or admired writer; to participate in community outreach. In addition, class members will also be expected to observe writing workshops and conduct an interview with a writer. Texts may include various literary magazines; The Gutenberg Elegies, by Sven Birkerts; The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers, by Betsy Lerner; and excerpts from The Elephants Teach: Creative Writing Since 1880 |
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