B.A. in Creative Writing

Program Overview

The B.A. in Creative Writing at Saint Mary's College of California cultivates literary artists within a supportive academic environment. The program aims to develop students' voices and technical skills across multiple genres, preparing them to produce compelling narratives and poetry that reflect the diversity and complexity of the world. Students benefit from mentorship by nationally recognized writers, including permanent faculty and distinguished visiting authors, ensuring exposure to current trends and established literary practices. The program culminates in the production of original creative work, equipping graduates with the skills and confidence for a life engaged with the literary arts.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Creative Writing at Saint Mary's is comprehensive, blending literary analysis with practical writing workshops. Core courses include "Intro to Literary Analysis," "Creative Practice in Literary Arts," and "Issues in Literary Study." Students then engage with a broad range of literature through courses like "Voices of American Diversity" and various period-specific and genre-specific literature courses (e.g., British Literature, American Literature, Development of English Fiction, The Short Form). A significant emphasis is placed on workshop courses in different genres, such as "Writing Fiction I & II," "Writing Poetry," "Writing for Performance," and "Writing Prose-Non Fiction," allowing students to develop their personal style and apply craft techniques learned in a supportive, critical environment. The curriculum also addresses "Professional Expertise and Knowledge" related to contemporary literary publishing and editing.

Research Focus: While a B.A. in Creative Writing is primarily focused on the production of original artistic work, Saint Mary's College integrates a strong emphasis on the critical analysis and understanding of literature, which serves as a form of research for writers. Courses like "Intro to Literary Analysis," "Issues in Literary Study," and extensive literature courses train students to read, analyze, and evaluate literary texts deeply. This analytical rigor, particularly with a focus on diversity and varied lived realities, informs their own creative practice. Students are expected to understand the value of different experiences, especially from marginalized groups, and to critically engage with their own positionality in relation to texts. This approach fosters a form of inquiry that is crucial for developing authentic and insightful creative work, preparing students as informed readers, writers, critics, and scholars. Opportunities for publishing in the undergraduate literary magazine, Riverrun, also provide a practical research and publishing experience.

Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College of California fosters industry engagement for its Creative Writing students through various avenues. The program emphasizes "Professional Expertise and Knowledge," teaching students about contemporary literary publishing and editing. Faculty members, being nationally recognized writers, often have active connections within the publishing world, bringing real-world insights into the classroom and potentially facilitating mentorship or networking opportunities. Students have the opportunity to contribute to Riverrun, the undergraduate literary magazine, gaining hands-on experience in the editorial and publishing process. While specific internship opportunities in the literary industry are likely available through the broader college career services, the program's focus on developing publishable work and understanding the professional landscape directly prepares students for roles in writing, publishing houses, literary agencies, and even related fields like film and television where strong narrative skills are valued.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Creative Writing at Saint Mary's College of California implicitly integrates a global perspective by encouraging students to explore diverse voices and lived realities in their reading and writing. The curriculum includes courses like "Voices of American Diversity" and emphasizes understanding different experiences, particularly from traditionally marginalized and underrepresented groups. By studying a wide array of classic and contemporary literature from various cultures and periods, students gain a broader understanding of human experience and narrative traditions beyond their immediate context. Saint Mary's also offers study abroad opportunities, which can further broaden a writer's perspective and provide rich material for creative exploration. This global awareness is crucial for developing a nuanced and impactful creative voice that resonates with a diverse readership.