Writing Studies, major

Owned by Jenni Piper
Last updated: Feb 05, 2024 by Amber Tobey
2 min read

Contacts: Kirsten Beachy and Chad Gusler
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Semester Hours: 36
Core Intensives: Fulfills 2 WI/CI and CE. May fulfill TI.

The writing studies major involves the study of writing in various creative genres, writing for particular professions, English grammar, English literature, and practical experience in peer teaching, publishing, and internship settings. Students will study with faculty members who are published writers and will have further opportunities to interact with visiting writers through workshops and summer retreats.

The writing studies major is by intention small and flexible. Majors are encouraged to double major or minor in their other areas of interest. Simultaneous study will allow writers to broaden their knowledge bases by exploring other subjects in depth. Students will be more informed as writers and, in turn, will be able to use their writing and rhetorical skills to contribute easily to the discourse of other fields.

Writing studies at EMU will prepare students for careers in editing, publishing, journalism, and technical writing. Those who wish to pursue studies in creative writing will produce portfolios of work suitable for graduate school application. In addition, writing studies graduates will have strong and flexible communication skills, enhancing their desirability as employees in any field they may wish to pursue.

Majors are expected to attend all Writers Read events and participate in year-end readings.

Required Courses (12 SH)

  • *LING 250 Introduction to Linguistics (3) OR *LING 260 Grammars of English (3) 

  • WRIT 200 Introduction to Creative Writing (3) 

  • WRIT 210 News and Feature Writing (3) OR *WRIT 380, 381, 383 Professional Writing Series (1 each, 3 total)

  • WRIT 400 Senior Thesis (3) 

Creative Workshops (12-13 SH)
Choose from this list:

  • THR 360 Playwriting (2) 

  • *THR 361 Screenwriting (2) 

  • *WRIT 351 Fiction Writing Workshop (3) 

  • *WRIT 352 Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3) 

  • *WRIT 370 Poetry Workshop (3) 

  • *WRIT 421 Advanced Fiction Workshop (3) 

  • *WRIT 422 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3) 

  • *WRIT 423 Advanced Poetry Workshop (3) 

Literature Course (3 SH)

  • Choose from 300-level ENGL courses and SPAN 301 or 395

Writing Practicum (3 SH)
Choose 3 SH from this list:

  • LARTS 390-391 Peer Tutoring (1-3) 

  • WRIT 390 Literary Arts Journal-Phoenix (1-3)  

  • WRIT 391 Editing and Publishing-Weather Vane (1-3)  

  • WRIT 470 Internship (1-3)  

Electives (5-6 SH)
Choose 5-6 SH from this list for a total of 36 SH in the major. (Note that some courses have prerequisites.)

  • Additional WRIT or LING courses not taken above

  • ENGL courses 300-level or above

  • HUM 200 Foundations of Humanities (2) 

  • LARTS 390-391 Peer Tutoring (1-3) 

  • *SPAN 301 The Art of Storytelling (3) 

  • *SPAN 320 Constructing Identities (3) 

  • *SPAN 325 The Latino Experience (3) 

  • *SPAN 340 Intro to Translation and Interpretation (3) 

  • *SPAN 395 Survey of Hispanic Literature (3) 

  • THR 360 Playwriting (2) 

  • *THR 361 Screenwriting (2) 

  • *VACA 368 Digital Media III: Hybrid Storytelling (4)   

  • *VACA 468 Digital Media IV: Advanced Video Production (4)  

* indicates the course is offered in alternate years