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Nov 28, 2024
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2010-2011 Graduate Bulletin [Archived Bulletin]
Writing (MFA)
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 Return to: >Programs
The Master of Fine Arts in Writing is a terminal degree for students who wish to pursue careers as writers and/or who want to teach writing at the college level. Hamline’s MFA program, established in 1994, was the first MFA degree in creative writing in Minnesota. It is distinguished from many writing programs around the country by its interdisciplinary emphasis and its encouragement of multi-genre explorations.
Students join a community of writers and scholars within an intensive, book-driven program of liberal studies. They can choose from an array of interdisciplinary electives, including courses in literary publishing.
Many students will focus primarily on one genre in the advanced stage of the program as they move toward thesis. Students can choose from poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction (e.g., the essay, memoir, biography, etc.), children’s literature, or any combination of genres. Courses in playwriting and screenwriting also are offered.
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MFA Degree Requirements (Total 48 credits):
Core Seminar (4 credits):
The MFA journey begins with a core seminar course, “Writers and Readers: Creators Both.” The course is a reading-intensive examination of the relationship between reading and writing. Students expand their knowledge of the craft of writing and the use of literary texts as guides for their own work. They also learn the value of giving and receiving constructive feedback, and increase their understanding of the creative process and of the relationship between writer and reader. After successful completion of the Core Seminar, and with the recommendation of the core professor, the student becomes a degree candidate. The next phase includes six writing courses and three electives. Groundings Course (4 credits):
MFA students complete a total of six writing courses. One must be a fundamentals course covering craft techniques in depth in one of the genres. (Groundings in the Craft: Elements of Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, or Poetry). Another must be an advanced course in the genre in which the student does his/her thesis (Advanced Workshop: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, or Poetry). Students choose from an array of other writing courses that are offered each term. Writing Courses (16 credits):
Advanced Course (4 credits):
Electives, one of which must be an interdisciplinary Seminar (12 credits):
MFA students choose three elective courses to complement their exploration of the writing craft and expand their knowledge of other areas. One of these courses must be an interdisciplinary seminar. Mid-Point Advising:
After completion of six courses, MFA students meet with their faculty advisor to discuss their goals and progress in the program. Under consideration are the student’s plans for thesis, including the choice of genre(s), prospective thesis advisors, and timeline for completion of degree requirements. Capstone (8 credits):
The MFA capstone is a two-part process, Thesis 1 (GLS 8491) and Thesis 2 (GLS 8492) respectively. Each is one semester long. If necessary, Thesis 1 or 2 can be extended to two semesters.
- Thesis 1 requires a completed draft of the envisioned work. During this phase, students work with their primary advisor on content, craft, and process. At the end of Thesis 1, the student and primary advisor meet to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the work and to discuss revisions.
- Students then register for Thesis 2 in which they revise the draft into a book-length work of acceptable literary quality that shows mastery of the craft. Both primary and secondary advisors read and critique the final draft. Students also are required to write an artist’s statement in which they discuss their process and goals in writing the thesis and explore the subjects and themes contained therein.
MFA Application Requirements:
- Describe your background and experience with writing, including any published works and awards or honors received in writing. Describe your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Discuss personal and/or professional goals you hope to attain through this program. Include mention of additional work or experience that seems relevant to this application.
- What book or writer has had significant influence on you? Please include reference to key stylistic or content elements which you believe to be of special importance.
- Writing sample
MFA in Writing: Attach a 20-page creative writing sample. Prose should be double-spaced. Choose whatever you regard as your best work.
- Official, sealed transcripts from your undergraduate degree-granting institution.
- Two letters of recommendation. Request these letters from two people familiar with your academic and/or professional qualifications.
- Any supplemental materials you wish the admission committee to consider.
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