We enc
ourage writers to study at the level at which you feel most comfortable. Here is a basic guideline to help you choose:
Level I
- You have never taken a creative writing class before, you have never taken a class in the genre (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry) for which you will register, or you are still in your first year
of writing study in this genre. You may not yet have decided whether you are most interested in fiction, nonfiction, poetry or other genres like screenwriting or writing for children, so a general course like Introduction to Creative Writing is best for you. You will spend some of your class time engaged in writing exercises and some time discussing work you have drafted at home.
Level II - You have spent a year in our introductory creative writing classes in your chosen genre, or you have taken a year of writing workshops in that genre at another institution. You have ideas for writing projects that you wish to draft at home and then bring in for both positive feedback and suggestions for revision. Writing exercises will be given in class occasionally, as time permits. This level may also be suitable for those of you who have produced advanced work or published, and now you are interested in a new genre.
Level III
- You have studied in your genre for at least two years, and you are beginning or working on a book-length manuscript or a collection of essays, poems, or stories intended for publication. Most class time will be spent discussing writing you bring in from home. Writers who have published in another genre may also find this level appropriate.
Note:
Classes for which a level is not specified are open to anyone, and the instructor will adapt her or his feedback to your level. Don't be afraid!