Creative Writing (English, B.A.)
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.
Creative Writing (English, B.A.)
Description
What is Creative Writing at ODU like?
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
What makes Creative Writing at ODU unique?
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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
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Producers
$90,770
MEDIAN SALARY
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.
Editors
$68,230
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
Film and Video Editors
$83,950
MEDIAN SALARY
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Reporters and Correspondents
$51,550
MEDIAN SALARY
Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
ODU, The Virginian-Pilot, Huntington Ingalls, NASA, Norfolk Public Schools
Courses
What are some courses offered in Creative Writing at ODU?
ENGL 454:
Creative Nonfiction
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.
ENGL 456:
The Craft of Fiction
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.
ENGL 352:
Poetry Workshop
Students write, criticize, discuss, and revise poetry. Prerequisites: ENGL 300 and junior standing or permission of the instructor, based on writing samples submitted.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Creative Writing at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Arts program in Creative Writing should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 374
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,039
Active Duty Military Rate
Per Credit:
$ 250
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 407
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
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PROFESSOR
Name:
John McManus
Location:
5020 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-4010
Undergraduate Admissions
Location:
1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-3255
Email:
admissions@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Transfer
I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?
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 transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
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