The Writing Seminars > Undergraduate > Requirements

Major Requirements

Major requirements within the department:

  • Introduction to Fiction and Poetry I (220.105) and Introduction to Fiction and Poetry II (220.106). These courses are commonly called “IFP I and II.”
  • One course of 220.200, The Craft of Fiction (previously called Introduction to Fiction)
  • One course of 220.201, The Craft of Poetry (previously called Introduction to Poetry)
  • One additional course of fiction (numbered above Craft of Fiction, 220.200) at the 200-400 level, often named “Readings,” “Survey” or “Intermediate.”
  • One additional course of poetry (numbered above Craft of Poetry, 220.201) at the 200-400 level, often named “Readings,” “Survey” or “Intermediate.”
  • One course of either Advanced Fiction Workshop (220.401) or Advanced Poetry Workshop (220.400)
  • Any three additional, elective courses beyond IFP I and II within the department. Any Writing Seminars course numbered above “The Craft of Fiction” (220.200) or “The Craft of Poetry” (220.201) may be used to fulfill this requirement.  Courses cross- listed with The Writing Seminars may count here with approval from the DUS; approval is given for courses with a strong creative writing component (e.g., 061.205, Introduction to Screenwriting).

Major requirements outside the department:

  • Four classes of literature.
    • For students matriculating before 2023, at least two of these courses must be in the Department of English (courses numbered 060.xxx) or other literature departments, and up to two of these courses can be “Readings” courses in the Writing Seminars Department.  
    • For students matriculating in or after 2023, two of these courses must be in the Department of English (courses numbered 060.xxx) or other literature departments and two must be “Readings” courses in the Writing Seminars. 
  • Two courses in the Department of Philosophy. An introductory-level course is recommended.
  • Two courses in the Department of History. May include courses from History of Art or from History of Science and Technology.
  • Foreign language proficiency through the second semester of the intermediate level. Language waivers are granted by the language departments and should be delivered to the Registrar’s office.

Students must take a minimum of 15 credits at the 300-level or higher towards the Writing Seminars major.  These fifteen credits can come from any combination of Writing Seminars courses and courses towards the outside requirements (literature, history, philosophy). 

Courses cross-listed with The Writing Seminars may count toward history, philosophy, or literature requirements in the major as appropriate.  Creative writing workshops taken abroad will not fulfill department requirements unless approved by the department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Minor Requirements

  • Introduction to Fiction and Poetry I (220.105) and Introduction to Fiction and Poetry II (220.106). These courses are commonly called “IFP I and II.”
  • One course of 220.200, The Craft of Fiction
  • One course of 220.201, The Craft of Poetry
  • Any three additional courses within the department. Any Writing Seminars course numbered above “The Craft of Fiction” (220.200) or “The Craft of Poetry” (220.201) may be used to fulfill this requirement. A maximum of one course outside The Writing Seminars may count here with approval from the DUS; approval is given for courses with a strong creative writing component (e.g., 061.205, Introduction to Screenwriting).

Concentration in Writing for Medicine, Science and the Humanities (MSH) majors

A track in Writing Seminars for MSH majors requires students take the following four courses:

  • 220.105 Introduction to Fiction and Poetry I (220.108 Introduction to Fiction and Nonfiction can substitute)
  • 220.106 Introduction to Fiction and Poetry II
  • 220.200 (Craft of Fiction) OR 220.201 (Craft of Poetry)
  • Any 300-400 level course offered by the Writing Seminars (AS.220.xxx). While not all upper-level course have prerequisites, upper-level fiction workshops require having taken 220.200 and upper-level poetry workshops require having taken 220.201.