When a poem or lyric moves you, how does it make you feel what you’re feeling? When a story scares you, what’s happening on the level of structure and syntax to usher you toward surprise? In the creative writing emphasis, students won’t only read and write, they’ll learn the very mechanics of prose and poetry, in order to be able to reproduce the effects of literature they love. During their course of study they’ll read and interpret the work of contemporary writers, study the history and conventions of various genres, attend literary readings, and share their prose and poetry with classmates. The creative writing emphasis offers concentrated study in the practice and craft of writing as a creative art. Students will study the art and craft of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and take workshops devoted to one or more of those three genres. Students in this emphasis will develop the skills of critical thinking, creative problem solving, close reading, editing, and logical analysis.
Program Highlights
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Workshop setting
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Literary readings
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Critiquing of peers' work
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Focus on contemporary literature
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Chance to study with published working writers
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Annual poetry and fiction competitions with cash prizes
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Editors
Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
Reporters and Correspondents
Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.
Producers
Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.
Film and Video Editors
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
A course in the techniques of writing nonfiction imaginatively within a factual context. Emphasis is placed on regard for reader psychology, selection of significant detail, and the development of a style at once lively and lucid. Assignments are made individually with regard to the student's field of interest---history, biography, science, politics, informal essay, etc. Advice is given on the marketing of promising manuscripts. Prerequisites: ENGL 327W or ENGL 351 and junior standing or permission of the instructor, based on writing samples submitted.
A detailed study of fictional technique in the novel and short story, with emphasis on character development, conflict, point of view, plot, setting, mood, tone, and diction. Especially designed for, but not limited to, creative writing students; supplements the creative writing workshops. Prerequisites: Six semester hours in literature or ENGL 300W plus three semester hours in literature; junior standing or permission of the instructor.
Students write, criticize, discuss, and revise poetry. Prerequisites: ENGL 300W or permission of the instructor, based on writing samples submitted.
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
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Contact
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