Overview

Students read broadly and deeply, in both published and peer work, and write extensively across genre and form. Classes examine character development, diction, genre, narrative, point of view, structure, voice. Emphases are on generating new work, critical reasoning and analysis, oral communication and revision. The program provides a foundation of critical study, written and oral communication, and self-expression. Classes are small, supportive and taught by working writers.

Classes are offered in: Fiction, Advanced Fiction, Journalism, Advanced Journalism, Narrative Studies, Poetry, Screenwriting, Advanced Screenwriting, Playwriting and Writing for the Media. Students' undergraduate studies culminate in the Senior Writing Project, under the mentorship of the CPW director.

Each fall and spring, the CPW program hosts a faculty-student reading and each spring the English Department awards the Eileen O'Gorman Undergraduate Prize in Fiction, the Robert O'Clair Undergraduate Prize in Poetry, the Sr. Margaret Williams Prize for Literary Criticism, the Dan Masterson Prize for Screenwriting, and the William K. Everson Prize for Writing on Film.

The College also offers an accelerated BA in English/MFA in Creative Writing program jointly with Manhattanville's MFA Creative Writing Program. Students apply for the accelerated program in their junior year.