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English: Creative Writing (ENGW) Courses

Academic Unit: Eng Languages & Literature

ENGW 1101V - Honors Introduction to Creative Writing [LITR WI]
(4 cr; A-F only; offered Every Fall)
Equivalent courses: ENGW 1101W (starting 20-JAN-15, was ENGW 1101 until 05-SEP-00)
In this course, we will explore the fundamentals of creative writing. We will start by looking at the building blocks of good imaginative writing: image, voice, character, setting, story, and revision. We will then move on to a more in-depth examination of three forms: literary nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Students will learn how to read as writers, obtain an understanding and appreciation for imaginative writing, and gain a sense of themselves as creative writers. We will be trying many exercises and assignments, from brainstorming experiments to final drafts, so come ready to write. Since this is an Honors course, it is designed to be challenging and to immerse students in the literary landscape. The literary citizenship requirement will take students beyond the normal classroom environment and into the community to attend and respond to readings. We will also supplement the textbook with classroom visits and additional readings by the most exciting and innovative poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers working today. Students will also contribute to the course readings by presenting a poem of their choosing to the class, explaining its techniques and importance. This will tie in with larger discussions of what works gain popular and academic attention and how this happens, including investigations of the role of anthologies and social media.
ENGW 1101W - Introduction to Creative Writing [LITR WI]
(4 cr; Prereq-Students may not audit this course; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was ENGW 1101 until 05-SEP-00, ENGW 1101V
In this course, we will explore the fundamentals of creative writing. We will start by looking at the building blocks of good imaginative writing: image, voice, character, setting, story, and revision. We will then move on to a more in-depth examination of three forms: literary nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Students will learn how to read as writers, obtain an understanding and appreciation for imaginative writing, and gain a sense of themselves as creative writers. We will be trying many exercises and assignments, from brainstorming experiments to final drafts, so come ready to write.
ENGW 1102W - Introduction to Fiction Writing [AH WI]
(3 cr; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer)
Equivalent courses: was ENGW 1102 until 15-MAY-23
This is an introductory course in the art and craft of reading and writing fiction. Students will read and analyze contemporary and classic works of fiction while also constructing and revising their own fiction. Assigned works will include Black, Brown, Indigenous, and queer writers along with other writers reflecting a diversity of voices and perspectives throughout literary history. Students will be responsible for crafting original fiction, commenting on student work, workshop participation, attendance at a literary reading, short presentations and/or papers, and a final portfolio of fiction.
ENGW 1103W - Introduction to Poetry Writing [AH WI]
(3 cr; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer)
Equivalent courses: was ENGW 1103 until 15-MAY-23
This is an introductory course in the art and craft of reading and writing poetry. Students will read and analyze contemporary and classic works of poetry while also constructing and revising their own poetry. Assigned works will include Black, Brown, Indigenous, and queer writers along with other writers reflecting a diversity of voices and perspectives throughout literary history. Students will be responsible for crafting original poetry, commenting on student work, workshop participation, attendance at a literary reading, short presentations and/or papers, and a final portfolio of poetry.
ENGW 1104W - Introduction to Literary Nonfiction Writing [AH WI]
(3 cr; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was ENGW 1104 until 15-MAY-23
This is an introductory course in the art and craft of reading and writing nonfiction. By the end of the semester, you should be familiar with nonfiction's many different forms: literary journalism, memoir, personal essay, and blendings of the three. You will read and analyze contemporary and classic works of nonfiction while also constructing and revising your own essays. Assigned works will include Black, Brown, Indigenous, and queer writers along with other writers reflecting a diversity of voices and perspectives throughout literary history. Students will be responsible for crafting original nonfiction, commenting on student work, workshop participation, attendance at a literary reading, short presentations and/or papers, and a final portfolio of nonfiction.
ENGW 1913 - Writing and Reading the YA Social Justice Novel [DSJ]
(3 cr; A-F only; offered Every Fall)
What young adult novel would you write? In this course you will write short stories that you can turn into a novel over time. While the readings and class discussions will focus upon young adult novels involving social justice, it is up to you what kind of novel you would envision. We will also consider the role of art in society during a time when book bans are on the rise, including against many of the authors whose texts you will read. To keep your project going when class ends, you will also learn how to create a mood map, world-building document or another creative map that allows you to expand your vision.
ENGW 1914W - Spellcraft: The Magic of Poetry [AH WI]
(3 cr; A-F only; offered Every Fall)
One definition of a spell is: ?Words that make something happen.? Another definition of a spell is: ?Words arranged in a particular order to manifest power.? These definitions could also describe poetry. Because of these overlaps, many poets practice a form of divinatory poetics or imagine/invoke connection to more-than-human forces as inspiration, as part of their writing process and as an expression of their politics. In this class we will read and write poems that are diverse, powerful, and, yes, magical.
ENGW 1915W - Imagining History: Fact & Fiction [LITR WI]
(3 cr; A-F only; offered Every Spring)
What fictional plot would you write within the setting of a real event? In this class you will investigate a historical incident (whether recent or in the distant past), draft a work of fiction taking place in relation to this incident, and revise it twice to a final piece of work. Along the way you will consider how much of your past is unknown and how memory as well as history may be more fluid than we assume.
ENGW 3102 - Intermediate Fiction Writing
(3 cr; Prereq-[EngW 1101 OR 1102 OR 1103 OR 1104], students cannot audit course; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Exercises, experiments, assigned readings, discussion of student work.
ENGW 3104 - Intermediate Poetry Writing
(3 cr; Prereq-[1101 or 1102 or 1103 or 1104], students cannot audit course; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Exercises, experiments, assigned readings, discussion of student work.
ENGW 3106 - Intermediate Literary Nonfiction Writing
(3 cr; Prereq-[1101 or 1102 or 1103 or 1104], students cannot audit course; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Exercises, experiments, assigned readings, discussion of student work.
ENGW 3110 - Topics in Creative Writing (Topics course)
(3 cr [max 4]; Prereq-1101 or 1102 or 1103 or 1104 or dept consent; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 12 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
ENGW 3885V - Honors Capstone Seminar in Creative Writing [WI]
(4 cr; A-F only; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: ENGL 3885W, ENGW 3960W (inactive, starting 16-JAN-18, was ENGW 3960 until 04-SEP-01), ENGL 3960W (inactive, starting 17-MAY-21, was ENGL 3960 until 04-SEP-01), ENGW 3885W
Honors students who wish to graduate magna cum laude or cum laude write an Honors thesis, 13-17 pages in length, in ENGL or ENGW 3885V that contains substantive and original analytical insights. Students must discuss their plans with their instructor by the end of the second week of the term. Student and instructor must decide together what additional or enriched work will be required to have the capstone paper count as an honors thesis. Examples of such work include covering the topic in greater depth, using primary sources more robustly, or incorporating more creativity, more synthesis, and/or advanced analysis. Consult with your honors adviser for more details. This course also functions as a capstone experience for the English major and the Creative Writing minor. To graduate with a BA in English, students with an interest in creative writing may choose to produce a substantial manuscript of poetry, literary fiction, or literary nonfiction rather than an extended, scholarly essay. In this advanced creative writing workshop, students receive instruction on writing this manuscript from tenured and tenure-track faculty in English. Class sessions typically include in-class writing exercises, which are then expanded into more finished works of poetry or prose reviewed by the faculty and discussed in workshops by the students themselves. Writing exercises and assignments lead, at the end of the semester, to a finished, thoroughly revised manuscript. Faculty teach students to produce a significant body of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction though discussions of method, craft, and development; instruction in specific writing techniques; workshopping and revising drafts; solving problems; and creating a coherent and elegant final product. While the subjects about which students write vary depending on student interest and faculty expertise, at least 50 percent of the course grade is determined by students' writing performance. Prerequisites for Admission: (1) Ho
ENGW 3885W - Capstone Seminar in Creative Writing [WI]
(4 cr; A-F only; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: ENGW 3885V, ENGL 3885W, ENGW 3960W (inactive, starting 16-JAN-18, was ENGW 3960 until 04-SEP-01), ENGL 3960W (inactive, starting 17-MAY-21, was ENGL 3960 until 04-SEP-01)
This course is devoted to the writing of the senior paper in creative writing. To graduate with a BA in English, students with an interest in creative writing may choose to produce a substantial manuscript of poetry, literary fiction, or literary nonfiction rather than an extended, scholarly essay. In this advanced creative writing workshop, students receive instruction on writing this manuscript from tenured and tenure-track faculty in English. Class sessions typically include in-class writing exercises, which are then expanded into more finished works of poetry or prose reviewed by the faculty and discussed in workshops by the students themselves. Writing exercises and assignments lead, at the end of the semester, to a finished, thoroughly revised manuscript of at least 2,500 words. Faculty teach students to produce a significant body of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction though discussions of method, craft, and development; instruction in specific writing techniques; workshopping and revising drafts; solving problems; and creating a coherent and elegant final product. While the subjects about which students write vary depending on student interest and faculty expertise, at least 50 percent of the course grade is determined by students? writing performance. The seminar also functions as a capstone experience that fulfills many of the Student Learning Outcomes for the English major and the capstone course for those who are pursuing a Minor in Creative Writing. Prerequisites for Admission: (1) English major status and completion of a Critical Theories and Methods course (ENGL 3001W, ENGL 3002, ENGL 4003) or approved transfer course with a minimum grade of C-minus; (2) completion of at least six credits of creative writing courses, including one intermediate (ENGW 3xxx-level) or advanced creative writing workshop, preferably in the genre of the ENGW 3885W workshop to which you are applying; and (3) submission of a creative writing sample. Admission is by permi
ENGW 3993 - Directed Study - Honors Thesis in Creative Writing
(2 cr [max 4]; Prereq-Honors candidacy in English, consent of English honors advisor; A-F only; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 4 credits)
ENGW 3993 is a directed study that supports summa cum laude degree students beginning their honors theses in the Department of English, with a focus on creative writing. Students will complete ENGW 3993, the non-WI version, in the first semester for 2 credits followed consecutively by ENGW 3993W for 2 additional credits in the second semester, when the polished product is evaluated. Summa candidates also must register for HCOL 3101H or HCOL 3102H, which counts as the classroom experience required for the completion of the Honors thesis. The thesis must be approximately 30 pages in length and may be scholarly, critical, or creative in nature. If the candidate elects to submit a topic, such as poetry, that poses a problem with this length, they must obtain permission from the English honors adviser and from all of his or her readers to adjust the length of the completed thesis. Summa candidates must apply for permission to register for ENGW 3993 one year before their expected graduation term. They will work with their faculty advisor to complete the University's directed study contract to clarify expectations and form a written agreement about expected workload, credits, and basis for grading.
ENGW 3993W - Directed Study- Honors Thesis in Creative Writing [WI]
(1 cr [max 4]; Prereq-Honors candidacy in English, consent of English honors advisor; A-F only; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 4 credits; may be repeated 4 times)
ENGW 3993W is a directed study that supports summa cum laude degree students completing their honors theses in the Department of English, with a focus on creative writing. Students will complete ENGW 3993, the non-WI version, in the first semester for 2 credits followed consecutively by ENGW 3993W for 2 additional credits in the second semester, when the polished product is evaluated. Summa candidates also must register for HCOL 3101H or HCOL 3102H, which counts as the classroom experience required for the completion of the Honors thesis. The thesis must be approximately 30 pages in length and may be scholarly, critical, or creative in nature. If the candidate elects to submit a topic, such as poetry, that poses a problem with this length, they must obtain permission from the English honors adviser and from all of his or her readers to adjust the length of the completed thesis. Summa candidates must apply for permission to register for ENGW 3993W one year before their expected graduation term. You will work with your faculty advisor to complete the University's directed study contract to clarify expectations and form a written agreement about expected workload, credits, and basis for grading.
ENGW 4205 - Screenwriting
(3 cr; Prereq-EngL 3001W or 3001V or EngW 3102 or 3104 or 3106 or 3110, or jr or sr in SCMC major or minor ; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was ENGW 5205 until 19-JAN-16
An introductory workshop to screenwriting basics, including formatting, style, and structure. In-class and take-home exercises will assist the students in learning techniques for developing engaging characters, writing concise description and vivid dialogue, and outlining a usable plot.
ENGW 5102 - Graduate Fiction Writing
(4 cr; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall; may be repeated for 12 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Advanced workshop for graduate students with considerable experience in writing fiction.
ENGW 5104 - Graduate Poetry Writing
(4 cr; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall; may be repeated for 8 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Advanced workshop for graduate students with considerable experience in writing poetry. Students will explore new poetic possibilities while studying contemporary poetry and poetics.
ENGW 5106 - Graduate Literary Nonfiction Writing
(4 cr; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall; may be repeated for 12 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Advanced workshop for graduate students with considerable experience in writing literary nonfiction.
ENGW 5130 - Topics in Graduate Creative Writing (Topics course)
(4 cr; Prereq-instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 16 credits; may be repeated 4 times)
Workshop. Might include work in more than one genre.
ENGW 5310 - Reading as Writers (Topics course)
(4 cr; Student Option No Audit; offered Periodic Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 12 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Special topics in reading fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
ENGW 5401 - Introduction to Editing
(4 cr; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer)
Equivalent courses: was ENGL 3704 until 18-JAN-22, was ENGL 4711 until 08-SEP-20, was ENGL 5711 until 08-SEP-15, was ENGL 5401 until 02-SEP-03
Beginning editing, from nature of the editor-writer relationship to manuscript reading, author querying, rewriting, style. Some discussion of copy editing. Students develop editing skills by working on varied writing samples.
ENGW 5402 - Advanced Editing
(4 cr; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was ENGL 5712 until 02-SEP-14, was ENGL 5402 until 02-SEP-03
For students with advanced editing competence to further advance their skills. Workshop/seminar; editing long text and fiction, children's literature, translations and indexes.
ENGW 5570 - Minnesota Writing Project Directed Studies
(1 cr [max 3]; A-F or Audit; offered Every Summer; may be repeated for 3 credits)
Equivalent courses: was WRIT 5570 until 17-MAY-21
Current theories of writing and writing pedagogy. Topics vary. Workshop.
ENGW 5606W - Literary Aspects of Journalism [WI]
(3 cr; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Equivalent courses: was ENGW 5606 until 06-SEP-16, JOUR 5606W
Journalism isn't fiction. Yet the relationship between what is true and what is artfully constructed toward a "larger truth" -- beyond the facts -- has a complex and intriguing history. This writing-intensive course explores that relationship through close readings of some the best writers of long-form nonfiction, starting with the birth of the novel from journalistic roots in the 18th century and ending with postmodern forms that challenge the notion of what we can ever know. Discover the literary devices used by Stephen Crane's reported street scenes or Nellie Bly's first-hand investigations into conditions for the mentally ill in the 19th century, and, later, Truman Capote's nonfiction novel about a Kansas farm family's murder. Readings include works by pivotal 20th-century writers such as John Hersey, Joseph Mitchell, Lillian Ross, Michael Herr, Norman Mailer, Gay Talese, Joan Didion, Tom Wolfe, and Hunter S. Thompson, and will trace how their pioneering methods influenced contemporary journalism as well as the documentary films of Errol Morris and contemporary nonfiction writers expanding into new forms.
ENGW 5701 - Great River Review
(4 cr; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: ENGL 5701, ENGL 4701
Students will be assigned roles, both editorial and managerial, to assist in production of The Great River Review journal. They will explore and present on the history of the small magazine in American literature and meet with Twin Cities publishing professionals.
ENGW 5993 - Directed Study in Writing
(1 cr [max 4]; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 18 credits; may be repeated 18 times)
Projects in writing poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction, or study of ways to improve writing. Prereq-instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
ENGW 8101 - Reading Across Genres
(4 cr; Prereq-Students may not audit this course; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall)
Contemporary writing in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction. Primarily reading course rather than writing course.
ENGW 8110 - Seminar: Writing of Fiction (Topics course)
(4 cr; Prereq-dept consent; Student Option; offered Every Spring; may be repeated for 16 credits; may be repeated 4 times)
Focuses on full-length book (e.g., novel, short story collection). Assignments in common. Individual project.
ENGW 8120 - Seminar: Writing of Poetry (Topics course)
(4 cr; Prereq-dept consent; Student Option; offered Every Spring; may be repeated for 8 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Focuses on exploration and practice of various styles. Assignments in common and individual project.
ENGW 8130 - Seminar: Writing of Literary Nonfiction (Topics course)
(4 cr; Prereq-dept consent; Student Option; offered Every Spring; may be repeated for 12 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Advanced workshop. Assignments in common and individual projects.
ENGW 8140 - Thesis Seminar: Poetry
(4 cr; Prereq-Creative writing MFA student, instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall; may be repeated for 12 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
For students working on their creative project.
ENGW 8150 - Thesis Seminar: Fiction
(4 cr; Prereq-Creative writing MFA student, instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall; may be repeated for 8 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Students work on creative project.
ENGW 8160 - Thesis Seminar: Nonfiction
(4 cr; Prereq-Creative writing MFA student, instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall; may be repeated for 8 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Students work on their creative project.
ENGW 8170 - MFA Practicum: EngW 1101W
(1 cr [max 3]; Prereq-Creative writing MFA student, instr consent; S-N only; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Teaching Practicum for Teaching Assistants assigned to EngW 1101W.
ENGW 8180 - Thesis Seminar: Multi-Genre
(4 cr; Prereq-MFA creative writing program grad student; A-F only; offered Every Fall)
Thesis preparation course for advanced graduate students in the creative writing MFA program.
ENGW 8310 - Topics in Creative Writing (Topics course)
(4 cr; Prereq-[English or creative writing] grad major or dept consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 8 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Special topics in fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
ENGW 8333 - FTE: Master's
(1 cr; Prereq-Master's student, adviser and DGS consent; No Grade Associated; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; 6 academic progress units; 6 financial aid progress units)
(No description)
ENGW 8990 - MFA Creative Thesis
(2 cr [max 8]; Prereq-8140, 8150, 8160, creative writing MFA student, instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 48 credits; may be repeated 24 times)
For students working on their creative project.

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