Student Opportunities
In the classroom, students develop communication skills that serve them well for the rest of their lives.
Creative Writing minors also enjoy writing opportunities outside of the classroom, including:
- Student Readings
- Creative Writing Club
- Specialty Workshop Sessions
- Annual Undergraduate Creative Writing Contest
- Internships
Student testimonial:
"I am so glad that I pursued a minor in Creative Writing at UW. Each class offered
a fascinating exploration of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or a surprising combination
of multiple genres. UW's Creative Writing instructors are world-class. Their encouragement
and support helped me grow as a writer and gave me the confidence I needed to continue
on my path to a writing life." Katherine Heller, student
Course Requirements
Intro to Creative Writing (3 credit hours)
CW 1040. (3 credit hours) This course is designed to help you craft various works
of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. In addition to in-class writing exercises, creative
exercises outside of class, and discussions, you will critique each other’s writing
in a constructive workshop atmosphere—thereby developing useful editorial skills that
will help you improve your own writing. Through lecture and discussion, we will explore
the technique and devices involved in creating fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. We
will read and discuss the works of many different writers, using their technique and
content as a guide for your own writing. Prerequisite: None
Two Lower Division Creative Writing Courses (6 credit hours)
CW 2050. Introduction to Fiction (3 credit hours) Students read and write short fiction,
with the purpose of learning the elements that comprise good fiction: setting, character,
plot, point of view, voice, etc. Through discussion, writing exercises, reading, and
workshop, students will practice honing their own fiction-writing skills. Prerequisite:
COM1
CW 2060. Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction (3 credit hours) In general, the course will teach students to research, organize, and express themselves in a nonfiction genre, such as essay, memoir, article, biography, autobiography, etc. Prerequisite: COM1*
CW 2070. Creative Autobiographical Writing (3 credit hours) Students read and explore in writing five autobiographical forms: brief bio for publicity and job application purposes, memoir, personal essay, confession and fictional monologue. Prerequisite: COM1.*
CW 2080. Introduction to Poetry (3 credit hours) Students will read and analyze forms of poetry, and practice writing their own poems. Through discussion and workshop, students will practice honing their own poetry-writing skills. Prerequisite: COM1.*
CW 2125. Writing in Popular Genres (3 credit hours) This course changes theme from semester to semester, depending on the professor. Students will immerse themselves in a specific genre/form through intense reading and writing assignments, class discussion and workshop. Past courses have focused on Noir and Science Fiction.Prerequisite: COM 1* Creative Writing Minors may choose to use this course to fulfill one of the Literature Requirements by informing their Minor Advisor.
*Completion of the COM1 is a Required Prerequisite for the 2000-level courses; We strongly recommend that CW 1040 is also completed before registering for a 2000-level course in Creative Writing.
One Upper Division Creative Writing Workshop (3 credit hours)
CW 4050. Writer’s Workshop (3 credit hours). This is the capstone of the CW Minor.
This course varies depending on semester and professor. In general, this is the course
where students get the most workshop experience and the best opportunity to share
their work with their peers and their professor. Depending on the theme of the course,
students submit manuscripts in the short story, poetry, drama, etc, for criticism
and consultation. Examples of past/future CW 4050 themes: The Novella/Linked Short
Stories; The Camera’s “I”: Experimental Film and Creative Non-Fiction; Book Arts (this
is team-taught by visual artist Mark Ritchie and fiction writer Alyson Hagy). Prerequisites:
One 2000-level creative writing class in the appropriate genre or consent of instructor.
Two Literature Courses (6 credit hours)
These courses can be found primarily through the English department, but there is
flexibility, depending on a student’s major. Students should always check with a Creative
Writing advisor to make sure they are taking the right course.
For more information about the Undergraduate Creative Writing Program, contact Paul Bergstraesser (pbergst1@uwyo.edu).
