The Writing Concentration invites students to risk new forms for telling stories,
for witnessing and describing the contemporary, and stretching the limits of language.
Workshops are intimate, egalitarian and open spaces where students may experiment
with expression and technique, and use the study of literature to further their creative
practice.
Beyond coursework, the Writing Concentration is flush with co-curricular opportunities to engage with the literary community both at MCLA and in wider spheres. Students submit creative writing to the literary and arts journal, Spires (and might join the student-run editorial team); they train to become a Writing Associate at the Writing Studio; read their work at open mics, or—as annual winners of the Senior Writing Contest do—present creative writing alongside esteemed authors at campus-wide events. Nationally acclaimed authors visit each semester to mentor students and give literary readings. Students also have opportunities to intern with Tupelo Press, a nationally recognized poetry press based in North Adams.
Students majoring in English may select a Writing Concentration.
Take at least six Writing courses. Courses range from creative writing and craft workshops to those on rhetoric and linguistics, editing and publishing, and writing pedagogy.
Everyone takes:
Take two of the following:
Take one of the following (that you haven’t already taken):
Take two of the following:
