Creative Writing

An introduction to the history of modern publishing, the art and business of producing books (including current trends and problems) and the practical knowledge and critical skills needed to pursue employment in the industry. 4 SH.

Specialized courses surveying a particular theme or topic of literary study and fostering in students the capacity for critical thinking. Texts are chosen according to the interest and expertise of instructors. Recent examples are Wilderness Literature, Beat Literature, Living Writers and Travel Literature. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or second-semester students who have successfully completed FYSE-100 or an equivalent course. 4 SH. CC: Literary Expression, Writing Intensive.

An introductory, historical survey of prominent themes in literature including those related to national, transnational and ethnic literatures. Course topics vary and may include coming of age, human-nature relations, war and revolution, technology, and publishing house culture. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or second-semester first-year students who have successfully completed FYSE-100 or an equivalent course. 4 SH. CC: Literary Expression.

Surveys the literature of one or more cultural groups, both within and outside the United States, including African American, Native American, Latina/Latino, Asian American and others. In every case, factors of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and class will be of prime consideration. Course selections and course topics vary according to instructor preference. Prerequisite: English and creative writing major or sophomore standing. Satisfies Multicultural/Non-Western requirement. 4 SH. CC: Diversity, Literary Expression.

Surveys the literature, primarily in translation, of both historical and contemporary world writers, emphasizing the global context of literature. Prerequisite: English and creative writing major or sophomore standing. Satisfies Multicultural/Non-Western requirement. 4 SH. CC: Literary Expression.

A variable topic survey, in English translation, of the texts, writers, histories and languages that describe Jewish literatures. The course is especially concerned with debates over definitions of “Jewish literature;” the significance of Jewish literary and cultural diversity; and Jewish literary navigations between diaspora and homeland, secularism and religiosity. Readings may include Hebrew and Israeli literature, Yiddish literature, Sephardic literature or Jewish literatures of Europe and the Americas. Same as JWST: 255. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Satisfies Multicultural/Non-Western requirement. 4 SH. CC: Diversity, Literary Expression.

Courses designed to examine both the formal characteristics of a particular genre and its historical development. Focus of a particular section may be the novel, the short story, drama, poetry, the essay, memoir, epic or popular writing. Prerequisite: English or creative writing major or sophomore standing. 4 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive, Literary Expression, Writing Intensive.

A descriptive study of American English grammar and the history of the English language. 2 SH.

Intensive and advanced study of reading and writing about literature. Includes close analysis of literary texts in historic, generic and cultural contexts; study of research methods and writing the research paper; and attention to traditional and recent critical theory. Prerequisite: English or creative writing major or sophomore standing. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Interdisciplinary, Writing Intensive.

This course introduces students to academic writing in English studies by exploring varied models of successful scholarly writing. Emphasis is placed on students developing the skills and strategies writers need in order to participate effectively in the diverse conversations that define this field. Prerequisite: FYSE-100 or equivalent course. 4 SH. CC: Writing Intensive.

Students gain hands-on experience in digital publishing and storytelling by contributing to Me/Us/U, a publicly circulated podcast. Working in teams and engaging a variety of analytical and writing practices, students brainstorm, record, edit and publish a series of podcast episodes that circulate on Apple Podcasts and other podcasting platforms. Prerequisites: FYSE-100 or an equivalent course; and ENGL-190. 4 SH.

An introduction to and an intensive, rigorous workshop in the basic forms of book reviewing: the short book review, the review essay and the longer literary critical essay. The course builds on the writing skills students have learned in ENGL-100 and 200-level courses in literature, and it includes intensive reading in the forms listed above. Prerequisite: sophomore standing and FYSE-100 or an equivalent course. 4 SH.

This course offers experience in the theory and practice of professional writing (writing that occurs in the workplace, especially in businesses, in government and for nonprofits). While the course is required for students in the Publishing and Editing emphasis of the Department of English and Creative Writing, students from other majors are welcome. Students will first choose a company or organization for which they would like to write. They will then gain experience writing a wide range of genres such as letters and memos; feature stories, interviews and biographical sketches; press kits; flyers and brochures; and proposals. We will also study the theory of professional writing, including how genres (generally seen as set formulas) evolve over time in response to changing situations; how genres engage power relations; and how genres can be made more open to divergent points of view. Prerequisite: FYSE-100 or an equivalent course. 4 SH. CC: Writing Intensive.

A study of literary works by a single author or perhaps of two writers whose works may be studied in tandem. By reading a number of texts by a single author, students will come to understand individual works better and will gain insight into the author’s particular vision and sense of literary craft. Offerings are likely to include Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Twain, Austen, Dickinson and Morrison. 4 SH. CC: Writing Intensive.

A study of literature written originally in English by writers from countries other than the United States and Britain. The course may include writers from Canada, Ireland, the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean and English-speaking countries in Africa. Satisfies Multicultural/Non-Western requirement. 4 SH.

Advanced courses designed to examine the formal characteristics of a genre as well as the historical factors influencing its development or manifestation at any given moment, and the theoretical approaches to understanding the genre. The focus of a particular section may be the novel, short story, drama, poetry, the essay or autobiography. 4 SH.

Courses exploring such topics as women in literature, literature by women, literature and sexuality, the construction of gender in literature and feminist literary theory. Same as WGST-365. 4 SH. CC: Writing Intensive.

An advanced experiential learning course where students apply editing, design and business theories to hands-on practice. Students work for Susquehanna University Press, a professional publisher that seeks to bridge the gap between the creative and business sides of the industry. Students gain real-world experience in copyediting, proofreading, cover design, typesetting, web development, marketing, management, accounting and strategic planning. They also learn how to market their skill sets toward a variety of career paths. Prerequisites: ENGL-190; and WRIT-270 or ENGL-297. 4SH.

In this course you will study the book as a material object, a concrete text that is produced, sold, circulated and read. More broadly, we will address the wider social and political pressures that have shaped book production as well as the social and political consequences of producing books and other media. We will first examine manuscripts and manuscript culture through a consideration of the New Testament’s publication history. We will then shift our attention to the medium of print. As a class, we will study the wider implications of the invention of the printing press. What effect, for instance, did print have upon literacy, the rise of natural science, the transformation of religion and the twin concepts of authorship and literary property (copyright)? How did censorship constrain what writers, printers and booksellers were able to publish? Finally, we will study the internet as an engine of change. In many scholars’ estimation, the internet will have a more profound impact upon society than did the printing press. We will try to gauge this impact and to appraise the ways in which hypertext is changing literature, journalism, and, what’s more, how we read and write. Early Period. 4 SH.

An interdisciplinary workshop course focusing on the environment. Students explore the way scientists’ knowledge, methods and values have informed public rhetoric and scholarly rhetorical criticism, as well as the ways that rhetorical criticism and awareness have in turn had an impact on scientific discourse. Fundamental to the course is the crafting of students’ written arguments in response to readings and personal involvement with environmental issues. The process of writing these arguments is informed by research from the field of composition and models the best practices of that field, making this course useful for future teachers and professional writers, as well as to those who are interested in environmental issues. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. 4 SH. CC: Interdisciplinary, Writing Intensive.

Students explore the ways that difference impacts everyone’s experiences of reading, writing, teaching and learning. “Difference” includes gender, race, class, religion, ability, sexuality, and national origin, among other factors. This interdisciplinary course uses readings and concepts from the fields of education, literature and composition and rhetoric. Students will apply these concepts and readings to their own or to others’ reading, writing and learning experiences inside and/or outside of the traditional classroom. Prerequisite: sophomore standing and FYSE-100 or an equivalent course. 4 SH. CC: Interdisciplinary, Diversity Intensive.

This class introduces students to the theory, research and practices of writing tutoring by engaging with scholarship in writing studies while providing practical experience by providing tutoring support in the Writing Center at The Center for Academic Success or in embedded placements in First Year Seminar or Writing Intensive classes across the curriculum. Students will explore theories of learning writing, supporting student writers and developing their own mentoring and leadership styles. Prerequisites: FYSE-100 or equivalent course and instructor permission. 4 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive.

In these polarized times, how can citizens learn to cooperate or communicate across political camps and parties? We will use the field of politics to understand the evolution of democratic ideals from ancient Greece to Contemporary America and to provide empirical means to explore actual trends in political behavior. We will also learn rhetorical concepts that help us create better dialog and more carefully judge the political claims made by others. Students will engage in hands-on community projects to help them implement what they learn outside of the classroom. Prerequisites: sophomore standing and FYSE-100 or an equivalent course. 4 SH.

This course explores the cultural, political and commercial functions of publishing. We explore how published texts ask us to take on certain ethical roles as art critics, citizens and consumers. We start by reading Addison and Steele’s Spectator; next we examine Jurgen Haberma’s theory that newspapers’ publication of literary criticism helped enable democratic government; finally, we consider the ways changes in marketing, new formats like the internet and increases in profitability have obscured the political purposes that may have been served in publishing. Pre-requisite: junior standing; publishing & editing majors and minors; ENGL-190; at least 8 SH at 200-level or above; FYSE-100 or equivalent course. 4 SH. Capstone. CC: Ethics Intensive, Writing Intensive.

Occasional offerings of specialized courses exploring subjects of serious interest to faculty members and to students. 4 SH. CC: Writing Intensive. When the topic being offered is Race and Identity in U.S. Literature, the course is Diversity Intensive and Ethics Intensive but not Writing Intensive.

This course provides an introduction to the theories, platforms, and tools of digital publishing. Students will learn about the various formats and technologies used in digital publishing, including e-books, audiobooks, and web publishing. They will explore the tools and techniques used to create, design, and distribute digital content. Prerequisites: ENGL 297 or WRIT 270. 4 SH.

The capstone course for the major focuses on post-graduate preparation and applying knowledge and skills to projects related to core subjects in the discipline: reading, writing, critical thinking and producing and transmitting cultural knowledge. Prerequisites: senior standing for literature track; junior or senior standing for secondary-education track; and at least eight hours at 200 level or above. 4 SH. Capstone. CC: Writing Intensive

Independent research and writing under the supervision of an appropriate member of the department. Prerequisites: 24 semester hours in ENGL-200 and 300-level courses, 48 total semester hours with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major and department approval. 2-4 SH.

Independent research and writing under the supervision of an appropriate member of the department. Prerequisites: 24 semester hours in ENGL 200- and 300-level courses, 48 total semester hours with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major, and departmental approval. 2-4 SH.

Applied projects in language, literature or craft, including supervised work in literacy projects, in writing projects, at public and school libraries, in shelters and in public institutions. The Susquehanna University Office of Volunteer Programs provides contacts. May apply for major or minor credit to a maximum of four semester hours, depending on the nature of the project. Prerequisites: 24 semester hours in ENGL 200- and 300-level courses, 48 total semester hours with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major, and departmental approval. S/U grade. 2-4 SH.

Research, writing and editing for various public and private organizations, and various off- and on-campus publications. Open only when positions are available. May apply for major or minor credit to a maximum of four semester hours, depending on the nature of the internship. Prerequisites: 24 semester hours in ENGL 200- and 300-level courses, 48 total semester hours with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major and department approval. 2-4 SH.