Class Structure:

These small classes (creative writing classes are limited to 15 students! )follow a "workshop" model, where, on an alternating basis, students bring original written work to class to be read and discussed by the whole class. Because of this dual responsibility, all creative writing classes have strict attendance policies, as well as classroom participation policies.The student is then asked to revise the work based on peer and professor comments.  Revision plays an important part in every class; only by revising can the student fully discover what he or she wants to say.  In all creative writing classes, conferences are held for discussion about work in progress. Students in creative writing classes are expected to attend the Visiting Writers Series readings.

Exectations:

• In beginning level Poetry, you will complete lots of writing prompts designed to introduce you to diverse poetic styles and techniques. Plan on having to write and revise 6-8 poems. In advanced poetry, your course might include an in-depth investigation of a poet or poetic subject, with poems and revisions focused around that subject. Plan on 6-8 poems with revisions.

• In beginning level nonfiction (memoir, the personal essay, travel writing, journalism), students can expect to do weekly short assignments aimed at developing their craft, along with one longer essay and revisions. In advanced nonfiction expect weekly short essays, a more extended long essay with more intense revision, and a radio or video essay.

• Beginning fiction students can expect to complete weekly writing exercises, along with two short story drafts, one of which you will revise. In advanced fiction students can expect greater emphasis on longer and more carefully revised work.

Senior Reading:

All graduating BFA candidates participate in a senior reading, a special event where every student reads a short piece of his or her best work, where the annual Creative Prize is awarded, and each student is honored by gifts from the Writers Guild. This event, held in the spring of each year, is a celebration for students, their friends, and families.

Exit Interview:  

In the BFA candidate’s exit interview, the student will present his completed portfolio from Seminar in Creative Writing to representatives of creative writing faculty. This exit interview is the last requirement of the degree program. The faculty will discuss the candidate’s work, his progress as a writer, and his ideas for the future of the program. Graduating seniors will be contacted by a creative writing faculty member to arrange a half-hour discussion during finals week. Students who are graduating should leave their names and telephone numbers so they may be contacted.

The Seminar in Writing:

designed to be the capstone course in the student’s writing career, is to be taken during the student’s final year, after all other writing requirements have been taken. The goal in the Seminar is to collect the student’s best writing from earlier classes and to present it (possibly along with new writing) in a portfolio. Work in the portfolio will be revised during the semester the student takes the Seminar, and will be presented along with an artist’s statement, writing samples, and a bibliography of other writing produced at UMF. Students will also learn methods of manuscript submission and, through guest presentations by published writers, how careers in writing take place.

All portfolios are kept with those of other successful B.F.A. candidates, so as to create a resource and archive for future students.