Program of Study

We offer an array of courses in Creative Writing, beginning with the Introduction to Creative Writing (Engl 1210), which is a prerequisite for all upper-level (2000 and above) Creative Writing courses. Engl 1210 itself has no prerequisite; it satisfies Columbian College’s G-PAC requirement in the Creative and Performing Arts.

Note that in addition to Engl 1210, two literature courses are required in order to study Creative Writing at the 2000-level. One of those courses must be an introductory literature course, such as Engl 1310 or 1410, but the second course may be an upper-level (2000 and above) literature course. Also, the second literature course may be taken concurrently with an upper-level (2000 and above) Creative Writing course.

Engl 2460 is prerequisite to 2560, which is prerequisite to 3360.
Engl 2470 is prerequisite to 2570, which is prerequisite to 3370.
Engl 2250 is prerequisite to 3250.
One upper-level (2000) Creative Writing course is prerequisite to 3380 or 3390.

For full descriptions of the Minor in Creative Writing and the B.A. with a Major in English and Creative Writing, please consult the current Bulletin.

Major in English and Creative Writing

Admission to the selective English and Creative Writing major is by application, normally made after the beginning of a student’s 6th semester; Engl 4220, the senior thesis, may be completed in either the 7th or the 8th semester. To apply, submit a one-page statement of interest and a writing sample (10-15 pp. of poetry, 15-20 pp. of prose fiction or playwriting) by the annually-announced deadline (typically, near the end of February); also, arrange for two letters of recommendation (normally from instructors in the GW Creative Writing program).

This 39-hour major combines the 24 hours of required specific-category courses of the regular English major (as well as the major's foreign language requirement) with 15 hours in Creative Writing at the 2000 level or above, including a Senior Thesis (Engl 4220, a project involving the completion of a manuscript of poetry or fiction under the close supervision of a member of the full-time creative writing staff). All majors must take at least one course in fiction, and one in poetry, at the 2000 level.  Admission to the major, restricted to a small number of students, is determined before the senior year, typically in the second semester of a student’s junior year. Students interested in applying for this major should speak with the Director of Creative Writing, currently Professor Mallon, at their earliest opportunity.

Students interested in this program should probably declare an English major and a Creative Writing minor, hoping to gain entry into the combined major during their junior year.

Students wishing to have more information about the minor should consult with Professor Thomas Mallon (tvmallon@gwu.edu).

Minor in Creative Writing

The minor in creative writing consists of the following courses: Engl 1210, any of the "1300" introductory courses or an introductory literature sequence (e.g., Engl 1410-1411), and five upper-level courses offered by the department, of which at least four must be in creative writing, including at least three in poetry (Engl 2470, 2570, and 3370 or 3380) or three in fiction (Engl 2460, 2560, and 3360 or 3380) or two in playwriting (Engl 2250, 3250).

Creative Writing Course Offerings

Fall 2011

For information about Creative Writing courses for Fall 2011, see the current schedule of classes. From this page you will also be able to access CRNs for Creative Writing classes and information about days and times of class meetings. Please continue to check the Schedule of Classes and GWeb listings for the latest information.

Please note that ENGL 1210, Introduction to Creative Writing, no longer satisfies a WID requirement.

For questions about Creative Writing course offerings, please email Prof. Thomas Mallon (tvmallon@gwu.edu).