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What Is a Major in Creative Writing?

Creative writing is often described as the “grandmother” of all academic degrees, since students have to show a certain level of expertise in the art of storytelling. Even though it has been around for a while, the concept of a “major” in creative writing is relatively new. When it was first proposed, in the 1950s, the idea was to give emerging writers a boost, by providing them with a structured platform that would allow them to show off their talents, as well as give them the chance to grow closer to the field. In recent years, as the industry has shifted, so have the requirements for this major. Nowadays, students must not only display an adequate command of prose and basic creative writing techniques, but also embrace new technologies, explore different styles, and be able to market themselves wisely.

History Of Creative Writing

Although creative writing can be found in many forms, the most recognizable mode, or “genre,” is satire or parody. The first example of this style was the “Satiricum”, a collection of satirical poems composed by Lucius Apuleius, a Latin writer and philosopher, in the 2nd century AD. It is widely considered to be the first work of satirical poetry.

In the Middle Ages, minstrels and other performing troubadours would accompany royal courts, entertaining the audience with satirical poems, known as “causas,” or “excuses,” usually portraying the king or queen as a grotesque, foolish, or evil character. In some cases, these poems would go on to influence major artists, such as William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson.

Key Requirements For A Major In Creative Writing

If you are considering majoring in creative writing, then there are a few things that you need to check off of your list. First of all, you must be committed to a career in the field, since the degree does not provide any job opportunities. Even so, many graduate students in creative writing find that it is a lucrative choice, with many potential employers actively seeking to hire recent graduates. As an alternative, some students choose to supplement their education with online courses, or even one-on-one tutoring, to gain skills that will help them find employment once their studies are complete.

Another thing that you need to consider is whether or not you will be attending school full-time. As mentioned above, the degree does not offer any additional benefits, and many majoring in creative writing students work while they are attending school, to earn money for tuitions, room and board. In some cases, these students are able to secure funding, through scholarships and student loans, so that they do not have to work while attending school.

Most importantly, you must make sure that you are going to be able to meet the academic requirements for a major in your chosen field. In the case of creative writing, this entails being able to write a coherent essay, and demonstrating an understanding of literary devices, such as metaphor and allusion. In the event that you are unable to fulfill these requirements, then you should consider majoring in a different field, or attending school part-time, so as to have more time to devote to your studies.

To summarize, if you are interested in majoring in creative writing, then make sure that you meet the academic requirements for a major in your chosen field. If you do not meet these requirements, then you should consider another major, or attending school part-time, so that you have more time to devote to your studies.