H...for Heinz 57, the massive factory along the Allegheny we were marched through as schoolchildren...the teachers fretfully counting heads as we clattered along the catwalk over the open vats of ketchup and vegetable soup. Steam roiled up from the floor, and the stench of vinegar had us holding our noses.”
undergraduate
Writing Major Requirements
The English writing major requires the completion of 33 credits: 21 credits in English writing courses, and 12 credits in English literature courses. Students are encouraged to take additional writing and literature courses beyond the required minimum. Courses in film studies; gender, sexuality, and women's studies; business and technical writing are particularly useful for English writing majors.
Prerequisites
The Seminar in Composition requirement must be completed prior to enrollment in any ENGWRT course. A Seminar in Composition course can be selected form the following list
ENGCMP 0200 Seminar in Composition
ENGCMP 0203 Seminar in Composition: Women’s Studies
ENGCMP 0205 Seminar in Composition: Film
ENGCMP 0207 Seminar in Composition: Education
ENGCMP 0208 Seminar in Composition: Service Learning
FP 0003 / FP 0006 Freshman Seminar
Tracks
Majors must choose a concentration in at least one of the three tracks – Fiction, Poetry, or Nonfiction. In most cases, the student will take other writing courses as well.
Each track consists of three levels of courses. The introductory courses (0500s) offer a broad introduction to the skills required of writers in that area and generally should be taken no later than the second terms of the sophomore year. The intermediate courses (1000s for Fiction, 1200s for Poetry, 1300s for Nonfiction) refine and develop those skills. The senior seminars (1700s) provide a capstone experience for the student writer.
Fiction Track
| Course # | Title |
|---|---|
| ENGWRT 0520 | Introduction to Fiction Writing |
| ENGWRT 1010 | Intermediate Fiction |
| ENGWRT 1094 | Readings in Contemporary Fiction |
| ENGWRT 1710 | Senior Seminar in Fiction |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
| Elective |
Poetry Track
| Course # | Title |
|---|---|
| ENGWRT 0530 | Introduction to Poetry Writing |
| ENGWRT 1210 | Poetry Workshop |
| ENGWRT 1290 | Readings in Contemporary Poetry |
| ENGWRT 1730 | Senior Seminar in Poetry |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
| Elective |
Nonfiction Track
| Course # | Title |
|---|---|
| ENGWRT 0610 | Introduction to Nonfiction (ENGWRT 0550 Introduction to Journalism may substitute for 0610 |
| ENGWRT 1330 | Intermediate Nonfiction: Scene and Point of View |
| ENGWRT 1390 | Readings in Contemporary Nonfiction |
| ENGWRT 1750 | Senior Seminar in Nonfiction |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
| Elective |
Note on electives: ENGWRT 0400 may be taken as an elective for the English writing major prior to taking ENGWRT 0520 or ENGWRT 0530. ENGWRT 0411 may be taken as an elective prior to taking ENGWRT 1330.
Core Literature Requirement
| Course | # Title |
|---|---|
| ENGLIT 0321 or ENGLIT 0512 | Essays & Memoir or Narrative and Technology |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
| Elective (1000 level) |
Grade Requirements
A minimum grade of C or better (not C-) is required in any 0500-level ENGWRT course to advance to the first 1000-level course in that track. Students who earn less than a C in their first 1000-level course may not advance to the other courses in that track. Moreover, students must earn a minimum grade of C or better (not C-) in their Senior Seminar or Internship course.
Satisfactory/No Credit Option
There is no limit on the number of courses in the major that can be taken on an S/NC basis.
Writing (W) Requirement
English writing majors automatically fulfill both of the Arts and Sciences W-course requirements. Students pursuing a second major would be required to complete an additional W course for that major.
Related Area
A minimum of 12 credits is required in any one Dietrich School department chosen in consultation with the major advisor. The completion of an official Arts and Sciences minor or an Arts and Sciences or UCIS certificate also satisfies this requirement.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
PittWriters is a large and diverse community of poets, novelists, short story writers, essayists and journalists interested in traditional forms and emerging media. Read More >
