Elizabethtown College English Department

The Creative Writing minor at Elizabethtown College offers students the opportunity to expand their writing abilities and explore another world of writing.

Offering classes on the creation of poetry, prose, and script writing, the minor encompasses many different aspects of writing in the workplace. The minor also offers classes on creative non-fiction, young adult literature, and web writing.

In addition to career opportunities, Creative Writing also gives students the option to expand their abilities and test out new hobbies and talents.

During her time at Etown, Becky Boia participated in the Creative Writing minor. As a theatre major, many of the script and play writing classes offered her an opportunity to expand her knowledge of theatre as a whole. Becky now works in a theatre environment, and has even submitted a play that will be presented at a play writing festival in the future.

Creative Writing classes teach students to take a more inquisitive approach to what they write.  They can turn non-fiction work into something engaging and imaginative.

The minor also includes classes on the visual elements necessary to complete a work of Creative Writing. It offers classes on photography, graphic design, and drawing.

An Equal Opportunity Minor

The Creative Writing program is part of the English department, but the minor and relative classes are available to all students. Though “writing” is a large part of the minor, the classes teach so much more than that.

Dr. Carmine Sarracino, who directs the Creative Writing minor, believes that all students have the opportunity to reap benefits from the Creative Writing curriculum.

“On the practical level, the minor should help them stand out to potential employers or to graduate program administrators.  Everyone loves to see that an applicant is creative, whether employers or grad school admissions officers.  So, the minor actually has a very practical aspect,” Sarracino said.

While some students may not immediately see the value of taking a class in Creative Writing, Etown alumni Hayley Benson mentioned utilizing these benefits in her workplace.

“I am currently a supervisor dealing with many employees and clients,” Benson said.  “Sometimes I have to tap into a whole different person and pretend to be someone that I am not just to keep everything happy. It also helps a lot when you need to think quickly on your toes when problem-solving.”

Breaking the Mold

Benson took Creative Writing as a supplement to her major, and she describes the experience as “[giving] you a chance to break away from the textbook formula to doing things that non-creative classes have. You can create a thousand different worlds without being told you’re wrong.”

“In a creative class, a professor plays a more significant factor than in any other type of class,” said Boia.

“The most important skill I gained was the ability to discern when to listen to criticism and change my works, and when to stay true to my vision. Sometimes people tell you to change when they don’t immediately see what you’re going for, and you may feel pressure to do so. I think developing that judgement is the most important thing.”

To complete the minor, students must choose five courses from a meaty list of options.  A sixth class, a capstone in web writing and layout, is required of all minors.  Many of these courses meet Core requirements and can be combined with other majors offered by the College.

For students that are willing to put in the extra work, a Creative Writing minor can help to make a more well-rounded and talented student.

Author Bio:

Madi Dodge recently graduated with a degree in communications.

Tags: careers, creative writing, Sarracino, writing