Student Organ of the University of the South
Sewanee Anticipates Creative Writing Major
Grace Truett Contributing Writer
The resounding statement regarding the creative writing major at Sewanee is that it has been a long time coming. While students have enjoyed the opportunity to pursue a certificate in creative writing since 2011, the major has yet to be solidified.
“Change comes slowly to Sewanee,” said Dr. Elizabeth Grammer, Assistant Professor of English, but the University is now on the cusp of the full realization of a new creative writing major, set for the Fall of 2022.
Obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic have naturally delayed the process of bringing this major to fruition. Most notably, a hiring freeze has prevented the expansion of the creative writing department through the end of the year.
Associate Professor of English and Coordinator of the Certificate in Creative Writing Kevin Wilson, who has been deeply involved in the development of the major, emphasizes the unique aspects of studying creative writing at Sewanee.
“While many peer institutions may have creative writing as a concentration within an English major, this will be a major of its own,” Wilson said..
Wilson lists poetry, fiction, and playwriting as the genres that students will be able to pursue. These tracks were designed by faculty in the English department, and in the case of playwriting; the theatre department.
Providing a sense of what the coursework will entail, Wilson describes “form courses” in which students will critically examine form in other writings while, in conjunction, experimenting with it in their work.
Apart from the structure of the major, Sewanee also is distinctive from other programs in that it boasts the presence of literary institutions such as The Sewanee Review, the School of Letters, Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference (SYWC).
As Director of the SYWC, Grammer is excited to have more to offer young writers as they consider where to further their education.
“Since 1994, this has been a dream–being able to tell these extraordinarily talented young people that we want them, that they have a home here, and that they will be nurtured here, in a place known for its creative writing tradition”she explained.
Derby Carlson (C’23) can attest to the influence of the Sewanee Young Writers’ conference. As someone who attended as a high school student, she notes that her participation in the conference was instrumental in her choice to attend Sewanee.
Carlson, currently an English major intending to continue her involvement in the creative writing program, describes herself as “ecstatic” about the development of the major.
“I am someone who ultimately fell in love with Sewanee because of their creative writing program, so I am very excited about the possibility that I might get to major in it,” Carlson expressed, “I believe that this a great opportunity for Sewanee’s future.”
In anticipation of the major’s official inception, Wilson welcomes anyone interested in pursuing the major to speak with him.
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Creative Writing at Sewanee - The University of the South
Creative writing degrees available at sewanee, sewanee creative writing rankings, popularity of creative writing at sewanee, sewanee creative writing students, sewanee creative writing master’s program.
Of the 5 students who graduated with a Master’s in creative writing from Sewanee in 2021, 20% were men and 80% were women.
The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from Sewanee - The University of the South with a master's in creative writing.
| Ethnic Background | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| Asian | 0 |
| Black or African American | 0 |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 |
| White | 4 |
| Non-Resident Aliens | 1 |
| Other Races | 0 |
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MFA in Creative Writing
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Our MFA is designed for the writer interested in an immersive writing experience while expanding their knowledge of literary traditions.
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Our program is designed to be flexible, yet rigorous. MFA students complete coursework that includes two to four residential summers in Sewanee, Tennessee, based on their decisions to takes online courses in the fall or spring. We work with you to create a degree path based on your needs.
MFA students will take eight courses total. Curriculum consists of a combination of writing workshops and courses in forms, craft or literature.
Following their final semester coursework, MFA students complete their thesis project in fulfillment of their final two credits. Working closely with their advisor, students will complete a manuscript of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or dramatic writing.
Meet Amanda, L'17
Amanda Shires, Singer-songwriter | Nashville, TN
After spending much of her life on vans and tour buses, Amanda, a singer-songwriter, fiddle player, and poet, craved the stimulation of school. In an interview with Southern Living , the Grammy Award-winning artist said of her decision to pursue an MFA at the School of Letters, "I am fascinated by words, down to the letters that make them up. I wanted to learn more about poetics and how to get better at writing."
Now with seven solo albums (and an MFA) under her belt, Amanda is a seasoned storyteller and performer. She credits what she learned at the School of Letters for making her a more precise and intentional songwriter.
"Before attending Sewanee, I was writing from instinct alone. Now, I have reasons for word choices and reasons that I go one way or another with phrasing."
Her summers in Sewanee also reframed her perspective on writer's block.
"I learned that there's no such thing as writer's block. If writer's block really existed, no one would ever graduate or pass classes. Writer's block is an excuse. If you are not writing anything good at the moment, that's something different and something you have to work through."
Shires' most recent album was named one of the New York Times best albums of the year.
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To receive a bachelor’s degree, a student must declare and complete the requirements for a major field of study. A major consists of more than a collection of courses. Each department or committee offering a major helps students plan a coherent program of study. Having the deadline for declaring a major allows this planning. In addition, before graduation, a student must pass a comprehensive examination in the major, demonstrating critical and creative abilities as well as an understanding of the principles of the subject. Comprehensive examinations are graded either using the usual pattern (A+, A, A-, B+, etc.) or Pass/Fail, as each major department or committee chooses. Those using Pass/Fail grading may also choose the category “Pass with Distinction.”
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COMMENTS
[email protected]. Gailor Hall 24, Ext. 1236. Building on great literary tradition, Sewanee offers a certificate program in creative writing to couple with any major. Whatever style of writing you prefer, Sewanee will foster your craft and teach you to communicate with grace and clarity—all while finding relevance between the pages.
The First Annual Capstone Reading for Creative Writing graduating majors will take place on Monday, April 22, in Convocation Hall from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. ... is currently teaching The Beginning Narrative Nonfiction Workshop for Sewanee's Creative Writing Program. The event is free and open to the public. Details. April 25. Come to a Talkback with ...
1 . The comprehensive exercise for Creative Writing majors includes the following: the creation of a capstone project in a specific genre, working with a faculty advisor; a formal essay placing that capstone within a larger understanding of contemporary creative writing, focusing on both form and content; and an oral presentation of the capstone.
The Creative Writing major at Sewanee allows emerging poets to begin to understand the long history of poetic tradition in global societies across time—from Homer to Li Bai; from Federico García Lorca to Terrance Hayes; from Anna Akhmatova to Natalie Diaz; and, to situate and define themselves within this tradition.
The School of Letters is a summers-focused MFA in creative writing in Sewanee, Tennessee, home to a long-standing literary tradition. Our students come from different backgrounds, locations, and professions, but they all have one thing in common—a desire to be a part of a community of writers.
Grace TruettContributing Writer The resounding statement regarding the creative writing major at Sewanee is that it has been a long time coming. While students have enjoyed the opportunity to pursue a certificate in creative writing since 2011, the major has yet to be solidified. "Change comes slowly to Sewanee," said Dr. Elizabeth Grammer, Assistant Professor…
We are the University of the South's innovative MFA in creative writing, the Sewanee School of Letters. ... 70 graduate students from 18 states and the District of Columbia in summers-only MA and MFA programs in English and Creative Writing; ... M.Div. students represent 39 dioceses. Undergraduate Academics. 36 majors, 43 minors, and 15 ...
1 . The comprehensive exercise for Creative Writing majors in the Playwriting track includes the following: the creation of a play, working with a faculty advisor; a formal essay placing that play within a larger understanding of contemporary creative writing, focusing on both form and content; and a reading of the play with actors.
1 . The comprehensive exercise for Creative Writing majors in the Poetry track includes the following: the creation of a capstone project in a specific genre, working with a faculty advisor; a formal essay placing that capstone within a larger understanding of contemporary creative writing, focusing on both form and content; and an oral presentation of the capstone.
This is a one (1) credit colloquium focused on professional development, publishing opportunities, craft talks, submit-a-thons, meetings with visiting authors/editors/agents, and anything else that falls under the broad rubric of "the writing life.". The School of Letters offers a robust and varied series of public programs, class visits ...
English majors at Sewanee receive an unsurpassed training in Shakespeare, English literature before 1750, and other traditional elements of British and ... creative-writing-major-poetry-track/) Certificate Although a major or minor is not currently offered in creative writing, students, regardless of the major field of study, may earn a ...
In the intermediate workshop, students expand their skills writing, reading, and critiquing short stories, as well as share their writing with peers in a workshop setting. The course builds upon the basics of craft learned in the Beginning Fiction Workshop and explores more complex ways of utilizing that craft.
The home for the study of English literature and creative writing for undergraduates at Sewanee. Renowned teachers and scholars work with students on works ranging from the classical period to the present day, and develop writerly talents in fiction, playwriting, creative nonfiction and poetry.
Building on Sewanee's great literary tradition, the University offers a major in creative writing with a concentration in playwriting. Playwriting classes are designed to address the individual needs of the writer, while introducing a variety of different styles and voices.
We've gathered data and other essential information about the program, such as the ethnicity of students, how many students graduated in recent times, and more. In addition, we cover how Sewanee ranks in comparison to other schools with creative writing programs. Jump to any of the following sections: Available Degrees; Popularity
A foundation of Sewanee's liberal arts curriculum, the English major can transform you into a closer reader, a more insightful critic, and a superior writer. Under the instruction of faculty and noted visiting writers, you'll be immersed in the University's historic and esteemed literary tradition.
Sources are selected from 100 major publishers, such as ABC Clio, Bloomsbury, Cambridge University Press, Elsevier, Greenwood, Penguin, Routledge, Sage, Thames and Hudson, Wiley, and more. Widely regarded as the most authoritative and comprehensive dictionary of English in the world. In addition to providing present-day meanings, the OED is a ...
Courses and Faculty. Students and Alumni. Our faculty are distinguished writers established in the literary field. Through workshops and craft classes, they encourage students' literary abilities. Visiting scholars teach criticism and seminars on American and British literature.
There, they worked with Nathan Maxwell, a Sewanee Writers' Conference alum, in the college workshop. The students were given a writing prompt and tasked with writing a play in 24 hours, which was then performed on the closing night of the Southern Writers Festival. Carson's won the Critic's Choice Award!
Amanda Shires, Singer-songwriter | Nashville, TN. After spending much of her life on vans and tour buses, Amanda, a singer-songwriter, fiddle player, and poet, craved the stimulation of school. In an interview with Southern Living, the Grammy Award-winning artist said of her decision to pursue an MFA at the School of Letters, "I am fascinated ...
Websites: Creative Writing, English The study of English language and literature has long held a prominent place among Sewanee's educational offerings. English majors at Sewanee receive an unsurpassed training in Shakespeare, English literature before 1750, and other traditional elements of British and American literary history.
To receive a bachelor's degree, a student must declare and complete the requirements for a major field of study. A major consists of more than a collection of courses. Each department or committee offering a major helps students plan a coherent program of study. Having the deadline for declaring a major allows this planning.