Laura Brent ’18
CO-EDITOR
LVC is set to introduce a creative writing major for the fall 2018 semester.
Dr. Holly Wendt, assistant professor of English and director of creative writing, described the major as a formalization of a program of study that the English department had implied through the multiple courses already offered.
“I think it draws attention to the English department in something that we’ve already been doing,” Wendt said. “Some people who are interested in creative writing never got deep enough into the catalog to see that we were offering these courses.”
Once the Writing: A Life series was introduced, the English department thought it would be a great time to present the new major. It also coincides with the student creative writing group that discuss and generate new ideas on writing.
“I am excited about the students who will take some of the new courses and consider adding creative writing to the things that they are already doing,” Wendt said. “Not necessarily just the folks in the humanities building. All writers need a content area and it’s really great to write about the other knowledge that you have.”
Wendt believes that the creative writing major will speak directly to graduate schools and employers who are specifically looking for that category of English on job descriptions, degrees and transcripts.
The major introduces new courses in poetry and two workshops in fiction and novel writing. Most of the courses will be taught by Wendt, Sally Clark, assistant professor of English and a few adjunct professors.
“Education in creative writing not only teaches innovative writing and communication skills, but also provides further understanding of the craft behind literary texts and cultural contexts, as well as fundamentals of writing processes and construction,” Jackie Chicalese, a senior English major with a concentration in creative writing, said.
As the program grows, Wendt hopes that other professors will teach the courses in order to give students a great diversity of perspectives of styles and writings.
Wendt encourages all students from any major to try creative writing either by taking a class, joining the creative writing group or attending a Writing: A Life event.
“You can write creatively no matter where you are,” Wendt said. “It’s a really great skill to pick up.”
Anyone who is interested in declaring a creative writing major or minor is encouraged to do so. For more information on the creative writing major contact Holly Wendt at wendt@lvc.edu.