I am an English major with a minor in Creative Writing. I absolutely love reading and writing, but I always found it difficult to find the right course to follow to become a better writer. I mean, there are so many options available and it can get pretty overwhelming trying to choose one.
I was in a bit of a pickle; I either had to pick an English-based or a Creative Writing-based course, but I didn’t want to do either. I wanted something in between. I found my answer when I enrolled in a Creative Writing course for a hybrid English/Creative Writing major. It was exactly what I was looking for.
Why English Departments Have To Adapt
As English departments have transitioned from being taught in a traditional fashion to a more modern one, they have needed to change with the times. This has required them to become more open to new ideas and subject matters, as well as teach their students how to write in a flexible manner.
A good example of this is the Creative Writing course I mentioned earlier. It is designed to allow students to explore different genres and styles, as well as develop new and innovative writing techniques. Therefore, it is essential that English departments open up to these kinds of courses, or else they will become completely obsolete. Otherwise, everyone will be able to write, and there will be no need for English departments at all.
All Genres Are Welcomed
As I said, the Creative Writing course I mentioned above is designed to be a flexible one. This means that it welcomes and encourages students to explore all genres, including non-fiction, creative non-fiction, and novels. It also encourages them to branch out of their comfort zone and try new things. So, even if you aren’t sure what genre your story will fit into, this is the course for you.
Additionally, this course will help you become a better writer by teaching you to break down story arcs into key scenes and characters. This is something that can only be achieved through detailed planning and a firm understanding of character progression. It helps you form a solid foundation on which to build your fiction. This is important for any writer, but particularly for those who wish to write professionally.
Familiarity With Different Literary Devices
A major part of being a good writer is learning how to utilize different literary devices, or ways of expressing ideas in writing. These are tools that can help you make your writing more sophisticated and effective. This is something that can only be learnt through practice, so it’s important that you get stuck into your studies and put this into practice.
Good writers will always have familiarity with different devices, as it is often key to making your work more innovative. This is why it’s important for English departments to make sure that their students have the opportunity to practice and develop their skills. Through Creative Writing courses, students can explore different styles and become more flexible in their approach to writing. This is essential if you want to become a good writer.
Developing An Innovative Writing Approach
This is another important reason why English departments need to offer creative writing courses, or hybrid courses where English is taught in a creative manner. It’s increasingly difficult to create innovative stories, especially in this day and age, as most students only focus on traditional topics. However, being able to write creatively can help open up ideas and allow you to develop innovative, creative stories that can’t be found in any textbook.
For example, if you are studying the Gothic Lolita genre, you might want to try and write a creative story that draws on your experience as a teenaged girl. Or, if you are studying the Great British literature, you could write an entire story about modern day squabbles within the royal family. Being able to write creatively can help you come up with a story in a way that hasn’t been done before, and it is something that could prove invaluable to your education as a writer.
More Opportunities For Self-expression
Most importantly, creative writing courses and hybrid English/Creative Writing degrees give students the opportunity to explore their creative side and develop their skills. This can be extremely beneficial to students, as it gives them a sense of freedom and self-expression that might not otherwise be available to them. Additionally, it is a great opportunity for students to bond with other creative individuals, as well as discover their passions and potentials.
Students must have confidence in their abilities, and creative writing courses provide them with the opportunity to do this. It’s important that students feel empowered and recognized for their talents, and this can only come from gaining formal training and a good education. This is why it’s important for English departments to make sure that their students have the skills to be effective writers, and it’s also why it’s important for them to provide a creative writing course or program.