Effective Winter 2025
Exclusions:Not open to those electing the minor in Writing or the minor in Creative Writing.
Advising
1813 East Quadrangle
(734) 763-0032
https://myadvising.lsa.umich.edu/appointments/offices/RC
Students meet with the creative writing major advisor when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing for internships, completing major release forms, and discussing information on graduate school study and career paths.
Although students may pursue study in multiple genres, most specialize in one of the following genres:
- Fiction / Creative Nonfiction
- Poetry
- Digital Storytelling
Advising appointments can be made here; or by calling RC Academic Services at 763-0032.
Grade Policies
Creative writing majors must earn a grade of at least C- in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major.
Prerequisites
Students intending to declare the major should have completed or be enrolled in a Residential College introductory creative writing course (RCCWLIT 220, RCCWLIT 221, RCCWLIT 325, or an approved equivalent). The prerequisite taken should align with the student's chosen track, although this is not required.
Requirements
The major is structured into three genre tracks. Students may elect a multi-genre track in consultation with their principal writing instructors and the major advisor. Information regarding each track is detailed below.
1) Fiction / Creative Nonfiction Track
Students complete a minimum of four creative writing courses, at least three of which must be at the 300-level or above and at least three of which must be taken in the Residential College (RC). A usual track is an introductory course (Narration) and three upper-level courses. Students may count one non-RC creative writing course towards the four course writing requirement.
Creative Writing Course Requirement
Students may elect any combination of the seminars and tutorials from the following list:
- RCCWLIT 220: Narration (Intro to Fiction Writing)
- RCCWLIT 325, 326, 425, 426: Creative Writing Tutorial (permission of instructor is required)
- RCCWLIT 320: Advanced Narration (Advanced Fiction Writing)
- Other departmental offerings listed under RCCWLIT 334
Literature Requirement
Students complete five literature courses at the 300-level or above. One literature course must focus on literature written prior to 1600. The pre-1600 requirement may focus on non-Western or Western literature; if a Western literature course is elected, the content must pre-date the Shakespearean era.
Students are encouraged to take literature courses in the RC Arts and Ideas Program, the Department of English, or the Department of Comparative Literature. Students majoring in a second language may count one upper-level literature course in that language, either taken at UM-Ann Arbor or through study abroad (with advisor approval). All literature courses counted toward the Creative Writing and Literature Major must be at least three (3) credits.
Courses that have been used to meet the literature requirement include:
- RCHUMS courses listed in the Arts and Ideas in the Humanities major
- ENGLISH 328: Writing and the Environment
- ENGLISH 379: Literature in Afro-American Culture
- Other English Department courses with a literature focus
- ENGLISH 350: Literature in English to 1660 (for pre-1600 requirement)
- CLCIV 385: Greek Mythology (for pre-1600 requirement)
- MEMS 386: Medieval Literature, History and Culture (for pre-1600 requirement)
2) Poetry Track
Students complete a minimum of four creative writing courses, at least three of which must be at the 300-level or above and at least three of which must be taken in the Residential College (RC). A usual track is an introductory course (Writing Poetry) and three upper-level courses. Students may count one non-RC creative writing course towards the writing requirement.
Creative Writing Course Requirement
Students may elect any combination of seminars and tutorials from the following:
- RCCWLIT 221: Writing Poetry
- RCCWLIT 321: Advanced Poetry Writing
- RCCWLIT 325, 326, 425, 426: Creative Writing Tutorial (permission of instructor is required)
- Other departmental offerings listed under RCCWLIT 334
Literature Requirement
Students complete five literature courses at the 300-level or above. One literature course must focus on literature written prior to 1600. The pre-1600 requirement may focus on non-Western or Western literature; if a Western literature course is elected, the content must pre-date the Shakespearean era.
Students are encouraged to take literature courses in the RC Arts and Ideas Program, the Department of English or the Department of Comparative Literature. Students majoring in a second language may count one upper-level literature course in that language, either taken at UM-Ann Arbor or through study abroad (with advisor approval). All literature courses counted toward the Creative Writing and Literature Major must be at least three (3) credits.
Courses that have been used to meet the literature requirement include:
- ENGLISH 340: Studies in Poetry
- ENGLISH 440: Modern Poetry
- ENGLISH 442: Studies in Poetry
- Literature courses listed above within the Fiction/Creative Nonfiction track
3) Digital Storytelling Track
The digital storytelling track studies the way stories interact with technology and the effect of digital media on writing and the creative process. Students electing this track pair writing practice with the study of the theory, ethics, and history of digital media.
Creative Writing Course Requirement
Students completing this requirement must elect two courses in Creative Writing Practice and two courses in Digital Writing Skills. The two Creative Writing Practice courses can only include one 200-level course. Students must elect a minimum of two Residential College (RC) creative writing courses that focus on writing fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry.
Introductory Courses (may elect one to count towards major):
- RCCWLIT 220: Narration (Intro to Fiction Writing)
- RCCWLIT 221: Writing Poetry
Upper-level Courses:
- RCCWLIT 320: Advanced Narration
- RCCWLIT 321: Advanced Poetry Writing
- RCCWLIT 325, 326, 425, 426: Creative Writing Tutorial (permission of instructor is required)
- RCCWLIT 334: Special Topics in Creative Writing
Digital Writing / Skills Course Requirement
Students must choose a minimum of two digital storytelling / writing courses at the 300-level or above that focus on digital media and/or electronic literature writing and practice.
Courses that have been used to meet the requirement in the past include:
- ENGLISH 420: Tech and the Humanities/Electronic Literature
- RCCWLIT 334: Digital Storytelling
- RCCWLIT 325, 326, 425, 426: Creative Writing Tutorial with a focus on writing for, and/or creating electronic literature or digital media content (permission of instructor is required)
Digital Studies Theory Requirement
Students must elect a minimum of two digital studies theory courses at the 300-level or above that focus on the theory of digital culture and/or the digital humanities.
Courses that have been used to meet the requirement in the past include:
- AMCULT 358: Topics in Digital Studies
- AMCULT 360: Radical Digital Media
- FTVM 368: Topics in Digital Media Studies
- ENGLISH 405: Theories of Writing
Literature Requirement
Students must elect three literature courses at the 300-level or above. Literature courses should not focus on digital studies but should offer complementary skills and additional context in the art and craft of literature. One literature course must focus on literature written prior to 1600. The pre-1600 requirement may focus on non-Western or Western literature; if a Western literature course is elected, the content must pre-date the Shakespearean era.
Students are encouraged to take literature courses in the RC Arts and Ideas Program, the Department of English, or the Department of Comparative Literature. Students majoring in a second language may count one upper-level literature course in that language, either taken at UM-Ann Arbor or through study abroad (with advisor approval). All literature courses counted toward the Creative Writing and Literature Major must be at least three (3) credits.
Courses that have been used to meet the literature requirement include:
- RCHUMS courses listed in the Arts and Ideas in the Humanities major
- ENGLISH 328: Writing and the Environment
- ENGLISH 379: Literature in Afro-American Culture
- Other English Department courses with a literature focus
- ENGLISH 350: Literature in English to 1660 (for pre-1600 requirement)
- CLCIV 385: Greek Mythology (for pre-1600 requirement)
- MEMS 386: Medieval Literature, History and Culture (for pre-1600 requirement)
Constraints
Coursework noted as independent study (IND) may not be used to meet requirements, including RCCORE 209, RCCORE 309, and RCCORE 409. Although students are encouraged to complete internships in a publishing or writing related field, any credit earned may not be used to meet requirements of the major.
Distribution Policy
No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the RC Creative Writing (RCCWLIT) subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.
Honors
A student whose overall academic record meets the eligibility criteria for honors and whose creative work models originality and the promise of mastery in their chosen genre may apply to complete an honors thesis. Honors theses are typically 75-100 pages of polished fiction or creative nonfiction, or a collection of 25 or more poems. The student and their faculty advisor will determine the exact length and content of the final thesis. The successful honors student will be committed to a comprehensive composition and revision process to produce a polished final manuscript.
To be eligible to apply for honors, a student must demonstrate exceptional skill in the art and craft of prose, poetry, or creative nonfiction. The student must have completed a minimum of two Residential College creative writing classes, although honors students typically complete three or more by the start of their thesis sequence. The student also must hold a GPA of at least 3.4 overall.
Students who meet the above criteria are eligible to apply for the honors thesis project in the Winter term of their junior year, typically by late March. To apply, students should submit:
- A writing sample (10 pages of prose or 5 poems) that represents the student’s best, most polished work. This sample does not have to be from the proposed project.
- A brief statement (1-2 pages) describing the honors project. This statement should answer the following questions:
- What is your project? For example, will your final manuscript be a short story collection, a collection of poetry, or another form?
- Which courses have you completed in the Creative Writing and Literature major? How many tutorials have you taken?
- Have you worked on this proposed honors project in previous tutorials or courses?
- Can you describe for the committee a specific instance when you made substantial changes based on your instructor's feedback?
- What authors and/or creative works have you read that inform or inspire this project?
- Students should also name a faculty member they wish to request as their thesis advisor. Students may also name more than one faculty member, listed in order of preference.
The Honors Committee, consisting of faculty in the Creative Writing program, will judge the student’s work on its quality, originality, and promise of mastery in their chosen genre. The Committee reviews all honors applications after the submission deadline. Students are notified of the Committee’s decision by early April. If the planned project is accepted for honors, the Committee will assign a faculty thesis advisor to the student.
Honors theses require a two-semester commitment. Students enroll in RCCORE 490 for the Fall term and RCCWLIT 426 for the Winter term. Satisfactory progress in RCCORE 490 earns a Y grade, indicating that the thesis work will continue into the next semester. At the end of the second term, the Y grade converts to the grade earned in RCCWLIT 426. Exceptions to the two-semester requirement are rare but may be discussed with the thesis advisor.
When the honors thesis project is complete (typically the last week of March or the first week of April of the senior year), the student’s honors thesis advisor and one other member of the Residential College’s Creative Writing faculty will determine if the project qualifies for honors and (if so) what level of honors the student receives. Honors thesis students also participate in a public reading with fellow honors students at the end of the Winter term.
Creative Writing and Literature (Major) (Fall 2023 - Fall 2024)
Effective Fall 2023
Exclusions:Not open to those electing the minor in Writing or the minor in Creative Writing.
Advising
1813 East Quadrangle
(734) 763-0032
https://myadvising.lsa.umich.edu/appointments/offices/RC
Students meet with the creative writing major advisor when declaring, making course substitutions, discussing transfer/study abroad credit evaluations, preparing for internships, completing major release forms, and discussing information on graduate school study and career paths.
Although students may pursue study in multiple genres, most specialize in one of the following genres:
- Fiction / Creative Nonfiction
- Poetry
- Digital Storytelling
Advising appointments can be made here; or by calling RC Academic Services at 763-0032.
Grade Policies
Creative writing majors must earn a grade of at least C- in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major.
Prerequisites
Students intending to declare the major should have completed or be enrolled in a Residential College introductory creative writing course (RCHUMS 220, RCHUMS 221, RCHUMS 325, or an approved equivalent). The prerequisite taken should align with the student's chosen track, although this is not required.
Requirements
The major is structured into three genre tracks. Students may elect a multi-genre track in consultation with their principal writing instructors and the major advisor. Information regarding each track is detailed below.
1) Fiction / Creative Nonfiction Track
Students complete a minimum of four creative writing courses, at least three of which must be at the 300-level or above and at least three of which must be taken in the Residential College (RC). A usual track is an introductory course (Narration) and three upper-level courses. Students may count one non-RC creative writing course towards the four course writing requirement.
Creative Writing Course Requirement
Students may elect any combination of the seminars and tutorials from the following list:
- RCHUMS 220: Narration (Intro to Fiction Writing)
- RCHUMS 325, 326, 425, 426: Creative Writing Tutorial (permission of instructor is required)
- RCHUMS 320: Advanced Narration (Advanced Fiction Writing)
- Other departmental offerings listed under RCHUMS 334 or RCCORE 334
Literature Requirement
Students complete five literature courses at the 300-level or above. One literature course must focus on literature written prior to 1600. The pre-1600 requirement may focus on non-Western or Western literature; if a Western literature course is elected, the content must pre-date the Shakespearean era.
Students are encouraged to take literature courses in the RC Arts and Ideas Program, the Department of English, or the Department of Comparative Literature. Students majoring in a second language may count one upper-level literature course in that language, either taken at UM-Ann Arbor or through study abroad (with advisor approval). All literature courses counted toward the Creative Writing and Literature Major must be at least three (3) credits.
Courses that have been used to meet the literature requirement include:
- RCHUMS courses listed in the Arts and Ideas in the Humanities major
- ENGLISH 328: Writing and the Environment
- ENGLISH 350: Literature in English to 1660
- ENGLISH 379: Literature in Afro-American Culture
- Other English Department courses with a literature focus
- CLCIV 385: Greek Mythology (for pre-1600 requirement)
- MEMS 386: Medieval Literature, History and Culture
2) Poetry Track
Students complete a minimum of four creative writing courses, at least three of which must be at the 300-level or above and at least three of which must be taken in the Residential College (RC). A usual track is an introductory course (Writing Poetry) and three upper-level courses. Students may count one non-RC creative writing course towards the writing requirement.
Creative Writing Course Requirement
Students may elect any combination of seminars and tutorials from the following:
- RCHUMS 221: Writing Poetry
- RCHUMS 321: Advanced Poetry Writing
- RCHUMS 325, 326, 425, 426: Creative Writing Tutorial (permission of instructor is required)
- RCHUMS 334: Special Topics in the Humanities (Workshop with Incarcerated Poets and Artists)
- Other departmental offerings listed under RCHUMS 334 or RCCORE 334
Literature Requirement
Students complete five literature courses at the 300-level or above. One literature course must focus on literature written prior to 1600. The pre-1600 requirement may focus on non-Western or Western literature; if a Western literature course is elected, the content must pre-date the Shakespearean era.
Students are encouraged to take literature courses in the RC Arts and Ideas Program, the Department of English or the Department of Comparative Literature. Students majoring in a second language may count one upper-level literature course in that language, either taken at UM-Ann Arbor or through study abroad (with advisor approval). All literature courses counted toward the Creative Writing and Literature Major must be at least three (3) credits.
Courses that have been used to meet the literature requirement include:
- ENGLISH 340: Studies in Poetry
- ENGLISH 440: Modern Poetry
- ENGLISH 442: Studies in Poetry
- Literature courses listed above within the Fiction/Creative Nonfiction track
3) Digital Storytelling Track
The digital storytelling track studies the way stories interact with technology and the effect of digital media on writing and the creative process. Students electing this track pair writing practice with the study of the theory, ethics, and history of digital media.
Creative Writing Course Requirement
Students completing this requirement must elect two courses in Creative Writing Practice and two courses in Digital Writing Skills. The two Creative Writing Practice courses can only include one 200-level course. Students must elect a minimum of two Residential College (RC) creative writing courses that focus on writing fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry.
Introductory Courses (may elect one to count towards major):
- RCHUMS 220: Narration (Intro to Fiction Writing)
- RCHUMS 221: Writing Poetry
Upper-level Courses:
- RCHUMS 320: Advanced Narration
- RCHUMS 321: Advanced Poetry Writing
- RCHUMS 325, 326, 425, 426: Creative Writing Tutorial (permission of instructor is required)
- RCHUMS 334: Special Topics in the Humanities (Memoir: Writing from Within)
Digital Writing / Skills Course Requirement
Students must choose a minimum of two digital storytelling / writing courses at the 300-level or above that focus on digital media and/or electronic literature writing and practice.
Courses that have been used to meet the requirement in the past include:
- ENGLISH 420: Tech and the Humanities/Electronic Literature
- RCCORE 334: Digital Storytelling
- RCHUMS 325, 326, 425, 426: Creative Writing Tutorial with a focus on writing for, and/or creating electronic literature or digital media content (permission of instructor is required)
Digital Studies Theory Requirement
Students must elect a minimum of two digital studies theory courses at the 300-level or above that focus on the theory of digital culture and/or the digital humanities.
Courses that have been used to meet the requirement in the past include:
- AMCULT 358: Topics in Digital Studies
- AMCULT 360: Radical Digital Media
- FTVM 368: Topics in Digital Media Studies
- ENGLISH 405: Theories of Writing
Literature Requirement
Students must elect three literature courses at the 300-level or above. Literature courses should not focus on digital studies but should offer complementary skills and additional context in the art and craft of literature. One literature course must focus on literature written prior to 1600. The pre-1600 requirement may focus on non-Western or Western literature; if a Western literature course is elected, the content must pre-date the Shakespearean era.
Students are encouraged to take literature courses in the RC Arts and Ideas Program, the Department of English, or the Department of Comparative Literature. Students majoring in a second language may count one upper-level literature course in that language, either taken at UM-Ann Arbor or through study abroad (with advisor approval). All literature courses counted toward the Creative Writing and Literature Major must be at least three (3) credits.
Courses that have been used to meet the literature requirement include:
- RCHUMS courses listed in the Arts and Ideas in the Humanities major
- ENGLISH 328: Writing and the Environment
- ENGLISH 350: Literature in English to 1660
- ENGLISH 379: Literature in Afro-American Culture
- Other English Department courses with a literature focus
- CLCIV 385: Greek Mythology (for pre-1600 requirement)
- MEMS 386: Medieval Literature, History and Culture
Constraints
Coursework noted as independent study (IND) may not be used to meet requirements, including RCCORE 209, RCCORE 309, and RCCORE 409. Although students are encouraged to complete internships in a publishing or writing related field, any credit earned may not be used to meet requirements of the major.
Distribution Policy
No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the RC Creative Writing subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.
Honors
A student whose overall academic record meets the eligibility criteria for honors and whose creative work models originality and the promise of mastery in their chosen genre may apply to complete an honors thesis. Honors theses are typically 75-100 pages of polished fiction or creative nonfiction, or a collection of 25 or more poems. The student and their faculty advisor will determine the exact length and content of the final thesis.
To be eligible to apply for honors, a student must demonstrate exceptional skill in the art and craft of prose, poetry, or creative nonfiction. The student must have completed a minimum of two Residential College creative writing classes, although honors students typically complete three or more by the start of their thesis sequence. The student also must hold a GPA of at least 3.4 overall.
Students who meet the above criteria are eligible to apply for the honors thesis project in the Winter term of their junior year, typically by late March. To apply, students should submit:
- A writing sample (10 pages of prose or 5 poems) that represents the student’s best, most polished work;
- A brief statement (1-2 pages) describing the honors project;
- The name of a faculty member they wish to request as their thesis advisor.
The Honors Committee, consisting of faculty in the Creative Writing program, will judge the student’s work on its quality, originality, and promise of mastery in their chosen genre. The Committee reviews all honors applications after the submission deadline. Students are notified of the Committee’s decision by early April. If the planned project is accepted for honors, the Committee will assign a faculty thesis advisor to the student.
Honors theses require a two-semester commitment. Students enroll in RCCORE 490 for the Fall term and RCHUMS 426 for the Winter term. Satisfactory progress in RCCORE 490 earns a Y grade, indicating that the thesis work will continue into the next semester. At the end of the second term, the Y grade converts to the grade earned in RCHUMS 426. Exceptions to the two-semester requirement are rare but may be discussed with the thesis advisor.
When the honors thesis project is complete (typically the last week of March or the first week of April of the senior year), the student’s honors thesis advisor and one other member of the Residential College’s Creative Writing faculty will determine if the project qualifies for honors and (if so) what level of honors the student receives. Honors thesis students also participate in a public reading with fellow honors students at the end of the Winter term.
Creative Writing and Literature (Major) (Winter 2020 - Summer 2023)
Effective Winter 2020
Exclusions:Not open to those electing the minor in Writing or the minor in Creative Writing.
Advising
1813 East Quadrangle
(734) 647-2745
The Residential College (RC) is a four-year undergraduate liberal arts program with about 900 students and 60 faculty, situated within LSA. All RC advisors are RC faculty members and are available to meet with students to discuss RC and LSA requirements, possible majors, graduation requirements, etc. The RC Board on Academic Standing considers petitions submitted by RC students relating to requirements, deadlines, and academic circumstances. Appointments with academic advisors can be scheduled by calling the RC Academic Services Office at (734) 647-2745 or by stopping by the offices at 1813 East Quadrangle.
Prerequisites
None.
Requirements
Students wishing to pursue a sustained practice in creative writing take a combination of writing courses in a selected genre and literature courses, distributed as follows:
- A minimum of four creative writing classes, three at the upper level (300 and above), mixing seminars (RCHUMS 220, 221, 222, 242, 320, 321, 322) and tutorials (RCHUMS 325, 326, 425, 426)
- A minimum of five upper level (300 and above) literature courses at least one of which must be ancient (RCHUMS 309, CLCIV 390, ENGLISH 401) or medieval (RCHUMS 310, ENGLISH 370) literature.
Distribution Policy
No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement.
Creative Writing and Literature (Major) (Winter 2013 - Fall 2019)
Effective Winter 2013
Exclusions:Not open to those electing the minor in Writing or the minor in Creative Writing.
Advising
134 Tyler (East Quadrangle)
(734) 763-0032
The Residential College (RC) is a four-year undergraduate liberal arts program with about 900 students and 60 faculty, situated within LSA. All RC advisors are RC faculty members and are available to meet with students to discuss RC and LSA requirements, possible majors, graduation requirements, etc. The RC Board on Academic Standing considers petitions submitted by RC students relating to requirements, deadlines, and academic circumstances. Appointments with academic advisors can be scheduled by calling the RC Academic Services Office at (734) 763-0032, or by stopping by the offices at 134 Tyler.
Prerequisites
None.
Requirements
Students wishing to pursue a sustained practice in creative writing take a combination of writing courses in a selected genre and literature courses, distributed as follows:
- A minimum of four creative writing classes, three at the upper level (300 and above), mixing seminars (RCHUMS 220, 221, 222, 242, 320, 321, 322) and tutorials (RCHUMS 325, 326, 425, 426)
- A minimum of five upper level (300 and above) literature courses at least one of which must be ancient (RCHUMS 309, CLCIV 390, ENGLISH 401) or medieval (RCHUMS 310, ENGLISH 370) literature.
