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WHIDBEY WRITERS WORKSHOP
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
CATALOGUE, 2007-2009
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a program intended for those who have already demonstrated advanced ability in the writing of fiction, poetry, or non-fiction written for adults or for children. Our program offers a mix of workshops, courses in craft, and directed readings, culminating in the preparation of a manuscript of publishable quality in one of the genres. An additional elective five-credit course in methods of teaching creative writing is available. To provide an immersion experience, students must take fifteen credits in the first semester, consisting of English 500: The Profession of Writing and a workshop and a craft course in the genre of specialization. After the first semester, students may take anywhere from 5 to 15 credits per semester.
Admission to the program is based primarily upon the creative writing sample submitted as part of the admissions process, though transcripts and recommendations are also taken into consideration. The writing sample will vary according to the genre in which application is made: 12-20 poems for poets; 1-2 short stories or chapters for fiction; and 1-2 short pieces or chapters for non-fiction (twenty page maximum). Applicants must focus on a single genre for the admission process. Changes in genre after admission may be made only with the permission of the Faculty Committee.
The Whidbey Writers Workshop is a low-residency program. Each term (Fall and Spring) is preceded by a ten-day Intensive Residency on Whidbey Island. Courses begin at the Residency and continue online for sixteen weeks. Graduating students will attend an additional Residency following the final semester; graduation will be celebrated at that Residency. Computer and online literacy prior to beginning the program, a computer with MS Word, and an online connection are required for participation in the program. Being a self-starter and self-maintainer are essential for success. Failure to maintain at least a 3.00 ("B") average in program courses will result in probation within the program for one term; a second failure will result in permanent suspension.
Requirements for the Degree
| 60 semester credits | |
| English 500, Professional Semester | 5 credits |
| English 520, Craft (major genre) | 5 credits |
| English 520, Craft (other genres) | 5-10 credits |
| English 550, Directed Readings (at least two in major genre) | 10 credits |
| English 550, Directed Readings (other genre) | 5 credits |
| English 580, Graduate Workshops (at least 2 in major genre) | 15 credits |
| English 599, Thesis | 15 credits |
| A 3.00 ("B") average or better in all courses taken as part of the degree program. | |
Teaching Focus
| 65 semester credits | |
| Add English 590, Methods of Teaching Creative Writing | 5 credits |