Anglo American Literature and Creative Writing

College: Social Programs

This multidisciplinary major combines Anglo-American literature studies with creative writing, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions and the craft of writing. Students explore key periods and movements in British and American literature, as well as various genres and techniques in creative writing. The program emphasizes literary analysis, creative expression, and the development of writing skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in writing, editing, publishing, teaching, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of Anglo-American literature and creative writing.
• Develop skills in literary analysis, critical thinking, and creative expression.
• Learn writing techniques across various genres, including fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
• Explore key periods, movements, and authors in British and American literature.
• Understand principles of literary criticism and theory.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in literary studies and creative writing.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for literary and writing projects.

Core Outline:

1. Introduction to Anglo-American Literature
   • Overview of British and American literature, key periods, and major authors.
   • Basics of literary analysis and critical thinking.
2. British Literature
   • Explore major periods and movements in British literature, from the Middle Ages to the present.
   • Analyze major authors, works, and literary trends.
3. American Literature
   • Explore major periods and movements in American literature, from the Colonial era to the present.
   • Analyze major authors, works, and literary trends.
4. Creative Writing: Fiction
   • Principles of fiction writing, including character development, plot structure, and narrative techniques.
   • Techniques for crafting short stories, novels, and other forms of fiction.
5. Creative Writing: Poetry
   • Principles of poetry writing, including form, meter, imagery, and symbolism.
   • Techniques for crafting poems in various styles and forms.
6. Creative Writing: Nonfiction
   • Principles of nonfiction writing, including memoirs, essays, and journalistic writing.
   • Techniques for crafting compelling nonfiction works.
7. Literary Criticism and Theory
   • Basics of literary criticism and theory, including various intellectual schools and analytical approaches.
   • Techniques for applying literary theory to text analysis.
8. Research Methods in Literary Studies
   • Principles of research methods in literary studies, including text analysis, historical context, and theoretical frameworks.
   • Techniques for conducting literary research and writing academic papers.
9. Workshop in Creative Writing
   • Practical workshops for developing and refining creative writing skills through peer feedback and review.
   • Techniques for enhancing writing craft and preparing works for publication.
10. Capstone Project in Literature and Creative Writing
    • A comprehensive project to apply acquired skills in literary analysis, creative writing, or research.
    • Techniques for presenting a polished literary or creative work.

Assessment Methods:

• Literary analyses, critical essays, fiction writing, poetry writing, nonfiction writing, literary criticism papers, research methodology projects, workshop presentations, capstone projects, group projects, and internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "The Norton Anthology of English Literature" edited by Stephen Greenblatt.
• "The Norton Anthology of American Literature" edited by Nina Baym.
• "Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft" by Janet Burroway.
• "The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry" by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux.
• "Telling True Stories: A Nonfiction Writers' Guide" edited by Mark Kramer and Wendy Call.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of literature and writing. Suitable for students interested in literature, creative writing, editing, publishing, and teaching.

Duration of the Major:

Typically 4 years to earn a Bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, workshops, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in Anglo-American literature and creative writing and proceed to specialization or acquire professional certifications in writing, editing, or publishing.

Target Audience:

Aspiring writers, editors, publishers, teachers, and professionals seeking specialization in literature and creative writing. This major equips students with literary analysis, creative expression, and writing skills necessary to excel in literature and creative writing, fostering a deep understanding of literary traditions and the craft of writing.