The question is pretty common: what classes should I take for a creative writing degree? The basic answer is any poetry or fiction class you can get your hands on. But it’s more complicated than that. There are a large number of classes that you can take that will better position you to become a successful writer. In this article we are going to tell you about four of them.
Business Administration
If you want to be a successful business person, you have to learn a lot about business. A degree in business administration will teach you the fundamentals of business – how to run an enterprise, how to keep track of finances, etc. But more importantly, it will teach you to think like a business person. That will dramatically boost your creative potential and help you become a better writer. Keep in mind that if you want to be a successful business person, you have to be able to write a business plan. So, if you are thinking about getting a degree in business administration, make sure you are ready to write a business plan. Otherwise, you are wasting your time – and the university’s, too.
English
When we think about a creative writing degree, we usually think about writing fiction or poetry. But there is actually so much more you can do with English. If you are a creative person, you can take a creative writing class and learn how to use your fiction skills to write short stories, plays, or screenplays. On the other side of the spectrum, you can also take an English class and learn how to analyze literature. Again, you are going to learn a lot about fiction and non-fiction writing, but you will also be expanding your creative potential. English is extremely important and useful for any writer. Even if you decide not to pursue a creative writing degree, learning how to write and analyze literature will make you a more well-rounded person – and that, in turn, will make you a better writer.
Psychology
Speaking of making you a more well-rounded person, taking a psychology class also has that effect. Not only do you get to learn about the human brain and how it works, but you also get to explore your creative side through art. A lot of psychology classes are based on art and painting – and who doesn’t like to paint or draw? It’s pretty common for artists and psychologists to get along. Not only that, but you will also be able to apply what you have learned to real life. Say you have a very sensitive brain, you might not be able to handle certain situations or people. By learning about psychology, you can determine what you are capable of and what you need to avoid. Psychology is a very important subject, not just for artists but for anyone who wants to be a better overall person.
Art History
Another subject that can make you a better writer is art history. You are going to learn the history of art, how it all started, famous painters, etc. This is not a subject that can simply be skipped over or taken for granted. Learning about the history of art can open up a whole new world of creativity for you. What is more is that you are going to see a lot of art – in museums and other places – so you can practice your drawing and painting skills. In other words, you get to spend lots of time in schools and libraries, surrounded by books and art supplies. If you are a creative person who also loves to read, this is probably the class for you. Art history is also important for anyone who wants to know more about how art is developed and used today. Not only that, but it will also make you a more well-rounded and educated individual.
A Few Closing Tips
Before we end this article, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, if you want to become a writer, you should get a creative writing degree. There are other degrees out there that will also help you become a successful writer. But a creative writing degree will give you the best shot at it. Writing is a useful skill to have – whether you are a journalist, an author, or whatever else you want to be when you grow up. And remember: you don’t have to be a creative writing major to be a successful writer. It just helps.
Also, it is essential to develop an actual writing habit. It isn’t enough just to have a good plot or outline for a story. You have to write every day, whether it’s a rough draft or complete story. The more you write, the better you’ll become. And the more you write, the more you’ll discover about what you can and can’t write. So don’t be discouraged if your work isn’t perfect the first time you write something. There is no such thing as perfect writing. Just keep at it and you will soon begin to see the benefits.