creative writing programs in japan

13 Best universities for Creative Writing in Japan

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Japan ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 13.9K citations received by 3.53K academic papers made by 13 universities in Japan was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Tokyo

For Creative Writing

2. Kyoto University

3. Iwate Prefectural University

4. University of Tsukuba

5. Osaka University

6. Waseda University

7. Ritsumeikan University

8. Kyushu University

9. Nagoya University

10. Keio University

11. Sophia University

12. Tohoku University

13. Doshisha University

The best cities to study Creative Writing in Japan based on the number of universities and their ranks are Tokyo , Kyoto , Iwate , and Tsukuba .

Art & Design subfields in Japan

• Onsite training

3,000,000+ delegates

15,000+ clients

1,000+ locations

• KnowledgePass
• Log a ticket

+ 1-866 272 8822 Available 24/7

Creative Writing Course - Japan

• Improve your skills with Creative Writing Course
• Learn how to handle creative writing challenges
• Understand the concepts of literary fiction and storymaking

Creative Writing Course Overview

• Course syllabus
• Who it’s for
• What’s included
• Why choose this course

Creative Writing Training Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Creative Writing

What is Creative Writing?

• Main Elements of Creative Writing
• Types of Creative Writing
• Techniques Used in Creative Writing

Module 2: Challenges for Translation

• Challenges to Writers
• Challenges for Translation
• Experiment Challenges
• Design and Quality Challenges

Module 3: Composition and Creative Writing

• Introduction to Composition Writing
• Types of Composition Writing

Module 4: Seven Processes of Creative Writing

• Planning or Prewriting
• Drafting (or Writing the First Draft)
• Sharing Your First Draft
• Evaluating Your Draft
• Revising Your Content
• Publishing Your Final Product

Module 5: Writing Fiction

• Literary Fiction
• Form and Structure
• Finding Characters
• Basics of Story Making

Module 6: Creative Nonfiction

• Meaning of Creative Nonfiction
• Characteristics of Creative Nonfiction
• Tips for Creative Nonfiction Writing
• Common Literary Nonfiction Subgenres

Module 7: Basics of Writing Poetry

• Listening to Language
• Finding Language
• Awakening and Shaping Language
• Playing with Language

Module 8: Performing Writing

• Introduction to Performing Writing

Module 9: Writing in the Academy and Community

• Introduction

Module 10: Tips to Improve Creative Writing

• Do Not Underestimate the Reader
• Give Your Characters Life
• Utilise Strong Words
• Check Your Commas
• Grab Attention from the Start
• Give the Reader a Satisfactory Ending

Who should attend this Creative Writing Training Course?

The Creative Writing Training Course is designed for individuals eager to refine their creative writing skills. This course is ideal for aspiring writers, professionals in content creation, and anyone seeking to enhance their storytelling abilities. The following individuals can greatly benefit from attending this course:

• Journalists
• Content Creators
• Copywriters
• Teachers and Educators
• Public Relations Professionals
• Content Marketers

Prerequisites of the Creative Writing Training Course

There are no formal prerequisites for this Creative Writing Course.

Creative Writing Training Course Overview

Creative Writing is an art form that enables expression, storytelling, and communication in unique and imaginative ways. Among the Personal Development Courses, this course offers an introduction to the diverse world of creative writing, highlighting its importance in personal expression and professional communication. Understanding and developing creative writing skills can enhance one’s ability to engage and captivate audiences.

Professionals in fields such as marketing, advertising, journalism, and education will find this course particularly beneficial. It’s also ideal for aspiring writers and those in any role requiring narrative skills. Creative writing enhances one’s ability to convey messages compellingly and creatively, making it a valuable skill in many professions.

The Knowledge Academy’s 1-day Creative Writing Training Course is designed to unlock creativity and improve writing skills. The training covers various aspects of creative writing, from character development to plot structuring, providing delegates with the tools to express themselves more effectively through writing.

Course Objectives:

• To explore the fundamentals of Creative Writing
• To develop skills in character creation and development
• To learn the art of crafting engaging narratives and plots
• To enhance descriptive and expressive writing abilities
• To understand various genres and styles in creative writing
• To practice writing with feedback and guidance

Upon completion, delegates will have honed their creative writing skills, enabling them to craft more engaging and imaginative works. They will leave with a deeper understanding of storytelling techniques and the confidence to apply these skills in both personal and professional contexts.

What’s included in this Creative Writing Training Course?

• World-Class Training Sessions from Experienced Instructors
• Creative Writing Certificate
• Digital Delegate Pack

Why choose us

Ways to take this course.

Online Self-paced

Online Instructor-led

Experience live, interactive learning from home with The Knowledge Academy's Online Instructor-led Creative Writing Course. Engage directly with expert instructors, mirroring the classroom schedule for a comprehensive learning journey. Enjoy the convenience of virtual learning without compromising on the quality of interaction.

• See trainer’s screen
• Recording & transcripts
• Virtual whiteboard
• Share documents
• Works on all devices

Unlock your potential with The Knowledge Academy's Creative Writing Course, accessible anytime, anywhere on any device. Enjoy 90 days of online course access, extendable upon request, and benefit from the support of our expert trainers. Elevate your skills at your own pace with our Online Self-paced sessions.

• Certificates provided online
• Get immediate access on purchase

Experience the most sought-after learning style with The Knowledge Academy's Creative Writing Course. Available in 490+ locations across 190+ countries, our hand-picked Classroom venues offer an invaluable human touch. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive, interactive experience with our expert-led Creative Writing Course sessions.

Highly experienced trainers

Boost your skills with our expert trainers, boasting 10+ years of real-world experience, ensuring an engaging and informative training experience

State of the art training venues

We only use the highest standard of learning facilities to make sure your experience is as comfortable and distraction-free as possible

Small class sizes

Our Classroom courses with limited class sizes foster discussions and provide a personalised, interactive learning environment

Great value for money

Achieve certification without breaking the bank. Find a lower price elsewhere? We'll match it to guarantee you the best value

Streamline large-scale training requirements with The Knowledge Academy’s In-house/Onsite Creative Writing Course at your business premises. Experience expert-led classroom learning from the comfort of your workplace and engage professional development.

Tailored learning experience

Leverage benefits offered from a certification that fits your unique business or project needs

Maximise your training budget

Cut unnecessary costs and focus your entire budget on what really matters, the training.

Team building opportunity

Our Creative Writing Course offers a unique chance for your team to bond and engage in discussions, enriching the learning experience beyond traditional classroom settings

Monitor employees progress

The course know-how will help you track and evaluate your employees' progression and performance with relative ease

Some of our worldclass trainers

Title, job roles, etc

Retro occupy organic, stumptown shabby chic pour-over roof party DIY normcore. Actually artisan organic occupy, Wes Anderson ugh whatever pour-over gastropub selvage.

What our customers are saying

Creative writing course faqs, why is it important to study creative writing, what are the benefits of a creative writing course, are there any prerequisites for taking this creative writing training course, what is included in the course, what is the duration of this course, will i receive a certification after completing this course, what are the career opportunities available after completing this course, what is the cost/training fees for creative writing course certification in japan, which is the best training institute/provider of creative writing course in japan, what are the best personal development courses courses in japan.

Best price in the industry

You won't find better value in the marketplace. If you do find a lower price, we will beat it.

Many delivery methods

Flexible delivery methods are available depending on your learning style.

High quality resources

Resources are included for a comprehensive learning experience.

"Really good course and well organised. Trainer was great with a sense of humour - his experience allowed a free flowing course, structured to help you gain as much information & relevant experience whilst helping prepare you for the exam"

Joshua Davies, Thames Water

"...the trainer for this course was excellent. I would definitely recommend (and already have) this course to others."

Diane Gray, Shell

Related courses

Looking for more information on personal development courses, creative writing course in japan.

• Upcoming classes
• Package deals

DELIVERY METHOD

SELECT AN UPCOMING CLASS View all package deals

Get a custom course package

We may not have any package deals available including this course. If you enquire or give us a call on + 1-866 272 8822 and speak to our training experts, we should be able to help you with your requirements.

Limited budget?

Best price guaranteed!

OUR BIGGEST SPRING SALE!

My employer

We cannot process your enquiry without contacting you, please tick to confirm your consent to us for contacting you about your enquiry.

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry.

We may not have the course you’re looking for. If you enquire or give us a call on + 1-866 272 8822 and speak to our training experts, we may still be able to help with your training requirements.

Or select from our popular topics

• ITIL® Certification
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• Scrum Certification
• Agile Business Analysis Courses
• Business Analysis Courses
• Microsoft Azure Certification
• Microsoft Excel Courses
• Microsoft Project
• Software Testing Courses
• Explore more courses

Press esc to close

Fill out your  contact details  below and our training experts will be in touch.

Fill out your   contact details   below

WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry

Thank you for your enquiry!

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go over your training requirements.

Back to Course Information

Fill out your contact details below so we can get in touch with you regarding your training requirements.

* WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

Preferred Contact Method

No preference

Back to course information

Fill out your  training details  below

Fill out your training details below so we have a better idea of what your training requirements are.

HOW MANY DELEGATES NEED TRAINING?

HOW DO YOU WANT THE COURSE DELIVERED?

WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

Next 2 - 4 months

WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR ENQUIRING?

Looking for some information

Looking for a discount

I want to book but have questions

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go overy your training requirements.

Your privacy & cookies!

Like many websites we use cookies. We care about your data and experience, so to give you the best possible experience using our site, we store a very limited amount of your data. Continuing to use this site or clicking “Accept & close” means that you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about our privacy policy and cookie policy cookie policy .

We use cookies that are essential for our site to work. Please visit our cookie policy for more information. To accept all cookies click 'Accept & close'.

• Photography
• Literary Arts
• Broadcasting
• Fine Art and Design
• Musical Arts
• Performing Arts
• The doctoral course
• STUDENT LIFE
• GLOBAL NETWORK
• LOCATION / ACCESS

Seminars focusing on writing and publishing: Developing wordsmiths from journalists to novelists.

The department of literary arts is different from other literature departments: we not only study literature, we develop our students' literary creativity and expressive power. The department is not only a place of literary research, it also produces a wide range of work including poems, novels, plays, criticism and journalism. In our department, students independently develop their literary sensibilities through actively engaging in the production of expressive work. Students participate in creative writing seminars from their first year. For example, students work to produce "zemi-zashi," the seminar's in-house magazine, a process which mirrors real publishing practice. In addition, there are many other opportunities for students to publish their work, for example, in the Newspaper and Magazine Study class and the Theory of Journalism class. Because the department believes that to write is to publish, we focus on small seminars and classes which educate students to develop their expressive powers, whether as writers of fiction or non-fiction.

Creative Writing Study Abroad Undergraduate Programs in Japan

Sponsored Study Creative Writing in Japan Program Listings

The University of Tokyo, Komaba Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

• About Komaba
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Admission to the Senior Divison
• Graduate Admissions
• Research Students & Auditors
• International Students & Study Abroad
• Junior Division (Years 1&2)

Senior Division (Years 3&4)

• Graduate School
• Student Support
• Counselling Services
• Faculty & Staff

HOME > Senior Division (Years 3&4) > News > Classes

Last modified on November 30, 2016

Classes November 30, 2016

《GSP》 Intensive Course on Creative Writing Opens

Want to Experience Creative Writing? Graduate Program on Global Society (GSP) will offer an intensive course on creative writing as follows: Instructor: Richard Beard (British novelist), “Narrative: Learning to Tell a Story”

Dec 15 (Thu) 4, 5 periods, Dec 17 (Sat) 3, 4, 5 periods, Dec 19 (Mon), 4, 5 periods, Dec 22 (Thu) 4, 5 periods Jan 12 (Thu) 4,5 periods

Location: Room 532, Bldg. 5, Komaba Campus This course is open to undergraduate students as well (available for both Senior Division  students Year 3&4 and April-entry Year 2 students) under the following course titles: - Seminar: Text Analysis II (11)  (Studies on Language, Text and Culture, Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences) - Seminar: Japan in East Asia XVII (International Program on Japan in East Asia, Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences)

If you are interested in registering for this intensive course, please contact Professor Oishi. Contact: Dr. Kaz Oishi ( oishi[@]boz.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp ) (Please replace [@] with @.)

* For details, refer to the poster from here . 

Return to previous page

• Class Cancellation due to Disaster
• Classes(PEAK)
• Study Abroad
• Scholarships
• Examinations
• Academic Calendar
• Timetable Changes
• Class Cancellations
• Intensive Courses
• Supplementary Classes
• Examinations & Reports
• Common Course Codes
• Leave of Absence
• Resumption of Studies
• Change in Name
• Current Students
• Other Contact Information

• Abroad in Komaba Program (AIKOM)
• Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
• Earthquake Early Warning System

Go to page top

• General Information
• For Current Students

• Subscribe Digital Print

• Semiconductors
• Latest News
• Deep Dive Podcast

Today's print edition

Home Delivery

• Crime & Legal
• Science & Health
• More sports
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY
• EARTH SCIENCE
• Food & Drink
• Style & Design
• TV & Streaming
• Entertainment news

Creativity and collaboration flourish at the Japan Writers Conference

Japan has long attracted artistic types from around the world, but support for such communities has improved remarkably over the past few decades.

While the work of producing art in a foreign country can be as alienating as it is exciting, the steady development of collaborative communities throughout Japan has contributed to a flourishing environment for creative writers and an impressive body of written work, from best-selling thrillers to award-winning poetry.

“There’s quite a range of opportunities for the international writing community in Japan, far more so than when I first lived in Japan in the 1980s,” says Holly Thompson, a presenter at this year’s conference who teaches creative writing and has authored a number of picture books and novels. Her talk at this year’s conference is titled “Possibilities with Poetry and Picture Books.”

From long-standing institutions such as Kyoto Journal and SWET (The Society of Writers, Editors, and Translators), to specialized groups like the Japan Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Haiku-focused Call of the Page , to new institutions and collaborations like the literary journal White Enso and the Nagoya Writer’s Collective , a powerful community infrastructure has emerged behind the creative international projects born out of Japan.

“Japan has shaped who I am as a writer, as well as how and what I write,” Thompson says. “Soundscapes, landscapes, neighborhood interactions, ecology and Japanese language all weave into my writing. In Japan, I love opportunities to immerse myself in rural areas for growing writing projects.”

JWC presenters also include award-winning haiku poet Alan Summers; poet, journalist and filmmaker Yuri Kageyama; novelist and poet Hans Brinckmann; managing editor of White Enso, Linda Gould; Pushcart Prize-nominated poet Michael Frazier; and a dozen other notable writers. Presentations range from workshops on poetic craft, to talks on marketing memoirs, researching history and self-publishing.

Summers, long involved with the international haiku community, will be discussing the “single line” haiku at his workshop. English-language haiku is unique because it links international artists to a highly specific Japanese cultural object, and while haiku are steeped in linguistic and cultural forms, Summers says that writers often fall into the trap of accepting rules and expectations that shouldn’t exist.

“I would say that (in) English-language haiku ... there are innovative writers that deserve support, and there are writers overwhelmed with do’s and don’ts that are either Western urban myths or an unknown individual’s opinion that has mysteriously gained traction,” Summers says. “Writing haiku is a creative act, and there should be an aspect of rebellion — not against institutions, but keeping haiku fresh and relevant in this new world of COVID and social change.”

The act of creative rebellion is a theme embraced by several of this years’ presenters. “Don’t expect anyone to approve, or support your writing. It comes from within,” says Yuri Kageyama.

Kageyama first took part in the conference in 2013 in Okinawa, reading poetry with her band. This year, she will be presenting her recent film, “News From Fukushima: Meditation on an Under-Reported Catastrophe by a Poet” alongside its director, Yoshiaki Tago.

“Unfortunately, we live in a divided world and so we must connect with like-minded artists,” Kageyama says. “We must keep expressing ourselves, at the top of our lungs, even if it means no one is listening. I am especially grateful to the organizers of this conference for understanding what that celebration can be about.”

Kageyama, like many presenters at this year’s conference, is bilingual. The generative nexus between languages, cultures and countries is one of the key sources of both creativity and collaboration for presenters and attendees alike.

“I think trans-national poetry is vital to the life-blood of contemporary literature, because these poets ask us to reconsider what many of us take for granted: The idea of a home, the many distance(s) between loved ones and the idea of national and racial ‘identity’ itself,” says Michael Frazier, whose poems often meditate on his experiences as an African American in Japan.

Frazier’s workshop, “A Poem is a Thing that Moves: Contemporary Lyric Poems,” aims to help readers and writers tackle lyric poetry, which can feel intimidating to many because of its nonlinear nature.

“In studying and writing a lyric poem, we are essentially studying how the human psyche moves and functions,” Frazier says. “Which is to say, to write a good lyric poem is to write a poem that is unique to the writer’s idiosyncrasies and voice. I hope the participants in my workshop leave feeling more confident when they approach these types of poems in the wild, and excited to write their own.”

Hans Brinckmann, who lived in Japan from 1950 to 1974 before moving back here in 2003, will address how multicultural experiences can contribute to the production of art. His talk, “Maintaining Close Connections With a City or Country Can Help Your Career,” discusses his own connection to the city of Kyoto in nourishing his writing.

“I first fell in love with Kyoto in 1956, when I began spending weekends there while working for a Dutch bank in Osaka after meeting a Kyoto-based Japanese poet and Zen practitioner at an art exhibition,” Brinckmann says. “We became friends, and he introduced me to artists and Zen monks, potters and hermits, tea masters and kimono designers. ... I was enthralled by Kyoto’s cultural and historical environment.

“My Kyoto contacts also helped my research for a Kyoto-related book, which finally got published in 2011 as ‘The Tomb in the Kyoto Hills and Other Stories,’ ostensibly fiction but based on my Kyoto experiences.”

The workshops promise practical tips on editing, publishing, marketing and maintaining a balance between the professional and the creative.

“What does every writer want? For someone to read their work,” says Linda Gould. “So having a community of fellow writers who you respect and trust, who know the feeling of putting your work out there, is a must.”

Gould, the founder of the Women’s English Writing Group of Japan and author of fantasy and ghost stories, is running a workshop titled “Ten Things to Do Before Submitting Your Work for Publication,” which is based on her experiences in working with writer submissions to the White Enso journal.

“I can’t talk enough about the importance of a writing group,” Gould says. “A good writing group will tell you where your story works well and where it needs work. They will help you figure out parts of your story where you are struggling. And, they will commiserate with you about the writing process, because every writer suffers in some way.”

While the experience of an online conference isn’t the same as an in-person one, there are still benefits to the inclusivity of a Zoom event.

“Because of tourism, the JET Programme and university exchanges, there are so many people who have experience with Japan,” Gould says. “I want to encourage people within the country and around the world to share their art and however Japan has influenced it.”

The Japan Writers Conference takes place Oct. 15, 16 and 17 via Zoom. For more information, visit japanwritersconference.org .

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

IJP: Course Offerings

In the Intensive Japanese Program (IJP), students can enjoy a range of courses to match their Japanese language level and academic major and interests and really make the most of their study abroad experience at Nanzan!

2024 Spring Academic Policies, Registration Procedures, & Course Descriptions

2023 Fall Academic Policies, Registration Procedures, & Course Descriptions

Japanese Language Courses

Students can fast pace their Japanese language skills with our intensive Japanese Language Courses. We offer five levels in the Fall and six in the Spring to match every student’s level of proficiency. Our small class sizes (maximum of 15 students), allow students to interact easily with other CJS and Japanese students. Students will learn to communicate confidently and effectively in Japanese as they develop all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

See the list of courses

Japanese Seminar Courses

In our content- and skills-based Seminar Courses, students broaden their Japanese language learning. To develop future work skills, courses in translation, business Japanese, Japanese for tourism, and teaching Japanese are offered. A variety of reading, academic writing, and university preparatory seminars deepen students’ academic Japanese skills. And in the creative writing classes, students can explore their imaginative side.

Japan Studies Courses

Explore Japan’s eventful history and rich culture in the Japan Studies Courses. Divided into six fields – business and economics, politics and international relations, society and history, language and linguistics, literature, and arts and culture – all Japan Studies Courses are taught in English. Students can choose the courses that best match their interests to deepen their knowledge of Japan and its place in the world.

Open Courses

Open Courses give students the opportunity to sit next to local students in regular undergraduate Japanese university classes – sharing ideas in discussion groups, working together on assignments and research projects, and preparing and giving presentations together. There’s no better way to experience Japanese university life, mix with local students and make life-long friends.

Japanese Arts Courses

In our popular Japanese Arts Courses, students can make their learning journey memorable by exploring Japan’s rich aesthetic culture: manga cartoon drawing, woodblock printing, calligraphy, tea ceremony, traditional dance, flower arrangement, and traditional martial arts. Steeping themselves in centuries’ old traditions, students can discover the history and beauty of Japanese art forms, and relax and discover their creative side!

Living, Working, and Studying in Japan – Your Ultimate Resource!

Short-Term Study Programs in Japan: A Guide

Have you ever thought of studying in Japan, but you’re still hesitant to make the big move? There are around 300,000 international students in Japanese universities and other educational institutions. You could be one of them! If you’re only looking to pursue your Japanese language and culture studies for a short time, you still have lots of options. Various short-term study programs are waiting for your application!

Table of contents

Summer Classes

Academic year.

It’s important to know when you’re available to study in Japan. Identify what you want to learn about and set your personal goals. With that, you can find the short-term study program that best suits you! In this article, we will introduce highly recommended programs that you could look into.

The JaLS GROUP offers a summer course that you could take for the best time in Japan. Awarded the “Language School of the Year” since 2015, the JaLS GROUP is the first and only language school accredited by Eaquals in Japan! You may opt to study in their schools in Hokkaido or Kyoto, and maximize your Japanese experience through their summer courses. You can take a course even just for a week. Japanese pop culture or festivals? You can have the best immersions and high-quality language classes!

The Athena Study Abroad program can give you your “Summer in Kyoto” experience. This short-term study program boasts its “Athena touch,” which means you get to have “true immersion into the Japanese culture.” This program only accepts small groups, so you’ll experience hands-on learning! Athena’s summer program offers Creative Writing Workshop, Japanese Society and Culture, and other courses under Humanities and Arts.

Tokyo being Japan’s capital also makes it the best location for international students. Imagine living in a megacity of Japanese culture and tradition for 6 weeks! With the number of foreigners in Tokyo, studying there could be more convenient. If you’re looking to have your Tokyo experience, apply for CIEE! This short-term study program believes that the world is our classroom, so let it take you to Tokyo, Japan. This program has cultural, social, and historical courses taught in English. They also offer scholarships and grants every year!

The Youth For Understanding has intercultural exchange programs where you’ll be in for eye-opening experiences. This short-term study program prefers placing students away from urban centers. Youth For Understanding aims to show you the contrasts of Japan. They will bring you to the East and West, and expose you to both tradition and innovation. You might be glad to know that they also offer a short-term summer anime program!

When you apply at USAC, you can study for a semester or finish a full year. Their “Nagasaki, Japan Program” will bring you to Kyushu island’s northwestern side. There, you will find Nagasaki, which boasts a unique history as it was the part of Japan that first had contact with the West in the late 16th century. The program has a distinct way of exposing the students to the language and culture of Japan. Focusing on society, you can gain a better understanding of life in Japan, as well as history through Nagasaki’s important destinations.

The Meiji Academy is one of the top study programs in Japan. Awarded the Community Choice Awards and Top International Internship in 2018, students who are eager to learn and master the Japanese language are trained to thrive in the Japanese business setting. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Japan someday, having proper exposure to the industry is perfect! Of course, you will start with your basic Japanese language skills. Teachers creatively teach conversational Japanese through role-playing with the class. Eventually, you will find yourself in real-life situations where your skills will be put to the test!

Lastly, you can apply for seasonal Japanese courses at Hokkaido Japanese Language School. This language school holds 6 values that all foreign students can uphold even after the program: Quality, Family, Flexibility, Activity, Facility, and Community. Your experience with the program will revolve around these values, giving you a noteworthy study experience in Japan. Classes are small and intimate, which means you’ll have families, lessons, and memories you can cherish for a lifetime!

Studying abroad, particularly in Japan, is always an exciting experience. While some foreign students live in Japan for a long time to pursue their studies in Japanese, short-term study programs can help you improve your current Japanese language proficiency. These programs can introduce Japan to you in just a couple of weeks!

Reach popular Japanese destinations and learn their history. Level up your Japanese language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese culture. Many short-term study programs in Japan could cater to your goals. Choose the best one and apply now!

Motto Japan, the community platform to support foreigners with the foundation for life in Japan, including Japanese study, job opportunities, and housing service. Motto Japan Media will provide a wide variety of information for Japanese fans all over the world, to create a cross-cultural environment and enrich the life of foreign residents in Japan!

• japanese , language , language school , student , study
• Comments: 0
• Top 5 Study Abroad Scholarships for Japan
• Part-time Jobs in Japan for International Students

Leave a Reply

Related posts.

How to Avoid Getting Your Japanese Student Visa Rejected

Common Exams Used When Studying in Japan

My study abroad in Japan — from getting up to going to sleep —

5 Best Apps for Learning the Japanese Language

Staying with a Host Family in Japan During Your Studies

Study in Japan: The Best Places for Potential Students

Popular posts.

Sorry. No data so far.

Recommended

Japanese Greetings for Everyday Life

When is the Best Time to Visit Japan and Learn Japanese?

A Walk-Through of The Japanese Alphabet

How to Romanize Japanese Words Using Romaji

Lated posts, study in japan: pursuing a master’s degree, a guide to the japanese school system, how did i study japanese part 4 of 5, how did i study japanese part 3 of 5, how did i get a job part 3 of 5.

• Study Abroad

9 Best Places to Study Abroad for Creative Writing

Alayna credits her passions for travel, culture, and history to her Greek background and many tra...

• Top Destinations
• button]:border-none [&>button]:bg-white [&>button]:hover:cursor-pointer [&>button]:hover:text-cyan-400"> button]:hover:text-cyan-400 [&>button]:bg-white hover:cursor-pointer" height="1em" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

Are you having writer’s block in your classes, or do you feel like you’re lacking the motivation to propel your writing career? Channel your energy and ideas elsewhere and study creative writing abroad! By changing your scenery, you will surely be inspired and are almost guaranteed to get those creative juices flowing again. But where are the best places to study abroad for creative writing?

You can count on travel to get the creative juices flowing.

The opportunity to study creative writing abroad could take you around the world—and definitely out of your comfort zone. It’ll provide you with new experiences to draw ideas from, and will bring you new perspectives on things. What’s better writing inspo than sipping coffee outside a cafe, writing materials in hand, while people-watching?

Or maybe you prefer sitting at a beach, the smell of saltwater in the air. Or maybe you like being all bundled up with a view of majestic mountains through your window? Whatever your preference, there are a bunch of international creative writing programs to choose from!

Sign up for GoAbroad’s 20 Days of Travel Inspo for your daily dose of wanderlust! 

Why study creative writing abroad.

Now that we have your brilliant writer’s mind at attention, you may be wondering why traveling overseas can be more beneficial than remaining at your home campus. However, this may be obvious; writers need something to write about, and there are few things that can provide more real-world experience and inspiration than travel.

In general, studying creative writing abroad will provide you with incomparable experiences and skills. What’s even better is that you will be able to create your own custom experience and tailor classes to your own interests, all while getting to live in a cool new place!

Getting out of your comfort zone by studying abroad will push you to grow in so many ways. Living in a new place with different ways of life, and a different culture than your own, will force you to learn how to be adaptable and flexible. You will also gain new perspectives on things, and maybe it will inspire you to push your writing in a new, creative direction.

Studying creative writing abroad will provide the experience of a lifetime. So now that you know the why , let’s talk about where to study creative writing.

9 best places to study abroad for creative writing

French cafes are basically *made* for writers.

• Why? There are so many reasons to say oui to studying creative writing abroad in France! France offers a wide range of different programs and universities for you to choose from. From a more tactical standpoint, because there are so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find a program that’s perfect for you!
• A country full of enchanting cities and towns (Paris is the city of love of course!), France is arguably one of the best places to stimulate your mind and your creative writing skills. From your strolls through the romantic city of Paris, to the lavender fields in Provence, rolling hills of wine country Bordeaux, and the relaxing ocean front on the French Riviera, we dare you to not feel inspired to pick up that pen and paper.
• When? Anytime! Most universities and courses allow you to choose when is best for you: Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall terms. Typically Fall and Spring semesters are most popular for semester study abroad trips.
• Try this program: Study or Earn Your Degree in Aix-en-Provence, France

READ MORE: Why Study Abroad in France?

2. thailand.

• Why? Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is a beautiful country full of hospitable people, great culture, and beautiful landscapes. Take a leap of faith and travel to Thailand to study abroad, where you’ll experience new foods and amazing scenery. You may even get to learn more about Buddhism and develop a whole new type of lifestyle to instill in your everyday routine.
• You will definitely find your creative writing inspiration in this tropical paradise. From the rainforests to the beaches, and everything in between, you will have plenty of time to roam and discover new lands in Thailand’s gorgeous outdoors. You’ll also see the world through new perspectives, which means new writing inspiration.
• When? There are a few programs offered for creative writers, but most are offered in Fall or Spring semesters. Some are also offered on a monthly basis. We recommend going at any time that is best for you!
• Try this program: Carpe Diem Education: Southeast Asia Semester

3. Argentina

Perk up with yerba mate every morning and get to work.

• Why? Pack your writing utensils and consider heading to Argentina to study abroad for creative writing! Argentina is known for having a combination of European and South American flare, making it a unique place rich in culture. While living abroad in Argentina, you will be able to taste all of the amazing food and experience Argentina’s love for art, all while not breaking the bank!
• You will be able to pick between programs that are offered at both large and small universities and will have no problem in finding a program that’s right for you. Better yet, Argentina is the best place for writers and book lovers as its capital, Buenos Aires, is known to have more book shops than any other country in the world. Sounds like the perfect place to get your creative writing skills up to par!
• When? Most universities and programs have year-round availability, so you can’t go wrong.
• Try this program: IFSA: Future-Focused Study Abroad

4. Australia

• Why? Boasting (mostly) warm temperatures and sun year-round, Australia is a great place to further your creative writing studies. Australia is also home to a variety of different animal species and varying landscapes (from deserts to beaches). You’ll be rushing to write all about your adventures hanging ten in the ocean, or hanging in the Outback with kangaroos.
• Australia also welcomes thousands of international students every year where you will be able to meet individuals from all over the world, and further your professional skills and connections! There shouldn’t be much of a language barrier for most, as English is primarily spoken in Australia. As a result, you’ll assimilate to your new day-to-day more easily.
• When? Most universities offer year-round and semester programs. However, keep in mind that seasons are opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere.
• Try this program: IES Abroad: University of New South Wales

READ MORE: Why Study Abroad in Australia?

Clear your mind in the English countryside.

• Why? England is famous for birthing the careers of a plethora of famous authors across decades. We can’t think of a better place to study abroad for creative writing! But if you need more convincing, we got you. England houses thousands of international students every year and its capital, London, is one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
• When studying abroad in England, you will be exposed to plenty of historical museums, castles, towns, and monuments where you’ll never be short of a history lesson. From the peaceful and ethereal English countryside, to the bustling and diverse cities, you will be able to find inspiration anywhere.
• When? With so many quality universities and programs to choose from, you can essentially choose a program and go at any time that works for you! Just don’t forget to pack yourself an umbrella no matter when you go!
• Try this program: ISA: Study Abroad in London, England
• Why? There may not be a lot we have to do to convince you to study abroad in Italy—the food, gelato, history, landscapes, people... need we go on ? When studying creative writing abroad in Italy, you will never be short of inspiration and resources to help improve and grow your career.
• Walking around Italy, no matter where you are, is like being transported back in time in one of your old history books. It’s easy to get lost in the beautiful art, history, and culture that Italy has to offer. As a creative writer in Italy, you will find yourself excited to write and learn from the moment you wake up!
• When? You will be able to go during an academic year, or during any of the four season terms.
• Try this program: CEA: Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

7. South Africa

If you’re inspired by incredible views, you’re in the right place!

• Why? In South Africa, you won’t be short of good food, beautiful scenery, and hospitable people. Over the years, students from all around the world have chosen South Africa as their study abroad destination and it has become one of the top places for an international education experience.
• For a creative writer, South Africa is an attractive study abroad location for many reasons. The wildlife, scenery, food, history, and lifestyle may differ on some levels from how you’re used to living. But, that’s what will make it a pivotal educational experience for you! South Africa is also one of so many different and diverse countries throughout the African continent.
• When? Weather-wise, South Africa is hot to temperate year-round and there is no wrong time to go. You’ll be able to choose from a full academic year or semester program.
• Try this program: AIFS: Study Abroad in South Africa Semester or Year
• Why? In a country where the old mixes with the new, you will be able to draw upon some of Israel’s greatest historical lands and nuances, as well as its new, modern cities and technology. With world-renowned and high-quality educational systems, you will already know before you start your first class that you will be receiving a great education.
• If you intend on going abroad to study creative writing, Israel has some great programs and schools to choose from. Even though it’s a small country, Israel is a place rich in history , political significance, and one that attracts people of many different backgrounds.
• When? You can find study abroad programs in Israel during the academic year and all seasons! You can’t go wrong with any time you choose.
• Try this program: Masa Israel Journey: Study Abroad in Israel

Earn your degree by day and explore a new city by night.

• Why? A country known for its rich history, and developments in the arts and mathematics (among many other things), Greece is the perfect place to study abroad where you’ll never get bored! When many think of Greece, their minds go to tall those gorgeous islands. But, there is more to Greece than its idyllic islands.
• From the ancient ruins scattered around the country, to the mountainous region in the north, and bustling metropolis of Athens, you will find yourself always busy. As a writer, you will love Greece and find inspiration everywhere you go. With some great universities and study abroad programs, your education will be in good hands while studying in Greece.
• When? Greece offers plenty of programs throughout the year, no matter if you prefer a semester or a whole year.
• Try this program: College Year in Athens: Study Abroad in Greece Semester/Academic Year

Sign up for a FREE MyGoAbroad account and compare creative writing programs side-by-side!

See the world and enhance your writing skills.

Now that you may have a better understanding of where to study creative writing abroad, it’s time to start planning ! As a writer, nothing enhances and revamps your writing skills more than drawing on new experiences. And what’s better than traveling the world and living among different cultures and people to help inspire you?

No matter where you’ll go, there is a program for you where you will be able to get out of your comfort zone and grow. Although you’ll be abroad for your academics, you will also be learning how to interact with different cultures, you’ll become more adaptable, and you’ll learn so many new things about yourself and the world.

• Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get personalized study abroad recommendations
• Find, compare, and save programs with a free MyGoAbroad account
• Explore ALL creative writing study abroad programs on GoAbroad.com
• Read more study abroad articles

Explore Study Abroad Programs on GoAbroad.com

Related Articles

By GoAbroad Writing Team | 3 days ago

By Rachel Braley | 4 days ago

By Alisa Tank | 4 days ago

By Raquel Thoesen | 4 days ago

Popular Searches

Recommended programs.

CIEE Study Abroad

University Studies Abroad Consortium

American Institute For Foreign Study

Top Study Abroad Providers

Popular opportunities to check out

Study and Intern in Ecuador! Travel Safely with Kaya

Partner opportunities through fairfield university, change the way you see your world: study abroad with aifs, come join us for a wonderful summer of your life wcc global adventure, study and intern abroad (all majors) in 20 countries with ifsa, seamester study abroad and gap year voyages, designed to provide an immersive experience & improve foreign language, explore 150+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries, study abroad with ies abroad and redefine your world, for travelers, travel resources, for partners.

© Copyright 1998 - 2024 GoAbroad.com ®

• Volunteer Abroad
• Intern Abroad
• Teach Abroad
• TEFL Courses
• Degrees Abroad
• High School Abroad
• Language Schools
• Adventure Travel
• Jobs Abroad
• Online Study Abroad
• Online Volunteer Programs
• Online Internships
• Online Language Courses
• Online Teaching Jobs
• Online Jobs
• Online TEFL Courses
• Online Degree Programs

8 Best Writer Retreats in Japan (Write In Zen Mode!)

From the ancient cherry blossom trees in Kyoto to the rich entertainment of Tokyo, Japan is a travel destination with much to offer.

But if you’re looking to relax while keeping writing job deadlines, you’ll need accommodation that’s fit for more than just sightseeing. There are many writer’s retreats, perfect places to get some work done while enjoying the spirit of Japan. The places I picked can serve as excellent inspirational spots with all the facilities to get down to writing. These scenic ryokans and inns can also help you recharge after a long period of intense work or travel. So before jetting off on your next big trip, consider adding one (or all!) of these eight best writer retreats in Japan to your itinerary.

What kind of accommodation to pick if you want to work during your stay in Japan?

So, you planned a trip to Japan – that’s amazing! The land of the rising sun offers many unique experiences you won’t get elsewhere. But if you, like many other freelancers , need a place to write during your stay in Japan – don’t fret. In this article, I will cover three types of accommodation in various cities across Japan: ryokans, hotels, and internet cafes (yes, you read that right). Let’s look at each one and what are the differences between them.

Ryokans – The Traditional Japanese Inns

They’re quite common across the country, and many of them were established over 100 years ago. Thus, in most cases, ryokans keep the traditional spirit and keep all-natural building materials like wood and stone. A ryokan is a great choice available both for a day’s worth of relaxation or as an accommodation for several days. Many ryokans sit around hot springs (onsen in Japanese), so they offer a uniquely relaxing experience. A visit to an onsen is a common form of leisure for Japanese people, and it’s a great way to de-stress. However, you must be mindful of a few rules when dipping in a Japanese hot spring. Along with a hot spring, most Japanese ryokans include beautiful, peaceful gardens, Japanese food restaurants, and traditional-looking lodgings. Unlike Ryokan, hotels in Japan are much more similar to Western accommodation types. If you already have accommodation sorted out (or you’re feeling adventurous), but you’re after a place to work, an internet café might be a great pick. Also known as Netto café and Manga Kissa, these establishments rent out internet-connected PCs in separate, well-equipped rooms that offer plenty of privacy. Since you may pay by the hour or get a discounted overnight deal, internet cafes are a popular hideout for people who need a place to spend the night.

Here are the Best Dreamy Writer Retreats in Japan:

1. a writer’s escape – ryokan tokyo yugawara in kanagawa prefecture.

The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara in Kanagawa is a perfect place to experience all that Japan has to offer. You’ll find great accommodation with a lovely hot spring, perfect for relaxing between chapters. Writers will love the fact that they offer all-you-can-drink coffee and tea every single day. Write in your nicely equipped room or their restaurant with comfortable bean bags for lounging around or taking care of business. The entire ryokan is bathed in sunlight as it has large windows all around – perfect to keep your eyes rested and mood great even during work. The Tokyo Yugawara Ryokan has writers as their target audience . Besides comfortable furnishing, they also offer black and white printing and lend table lamps for night owls. They also offer a unique service where the staff members check up on your progress with work (you just need to specify the time or place you want this service at the check-in). This ryokan not only offers guests access to an onsen, but it also provides dinner cooked fresh every night using locally sourced ingredients. For writers looking to relax while getting work done , I recommend one of this ryokan’s two service packages: you may get a one-night plan with three meals for about $50, or a two-night with five meals included.

2. Get Inspired – BnA Wall – Artistic Hotels in Tokyo

If you’re looking for artistic inspiration, a place to fill you with awe and somewhere to experience the strange… BnA Wall is an amazing place for you! The concept behind BnA Wall is unique. It’s a hotel where each room is a work of art. Each of its 26 rooms features a unique design and furnishing, made by one of 14 selected Japan-based artists. Best of all – the hotel gives an affiliate commission to the artist whose room you booked. That way, BnA Wall truly helps you become a patron of the arts while enjoying their extravagant facility. Other BnA hotel facilities exist in Tokyo and Kyoto , but the BnA Wall near Nihombashi district in Tokyo is the most exciting of their locations.

3. Cheap Makeshift Workspace – Takarajima 24 – Internet Café in Tokyo

If you find yourself near a major train station in Tokyo, chances are there’s an internet café around you. You’re lucky if it’s Takarajima 24. Their café rooms come with everything you might need for a productive day at work . A TV, a computer, a DVD player (and, per request, a free-of-charge endless supply of comics and DVDs for entertainment), a large desk, and even a sink. It has it all except for a window. The windowless rooms may feel stuffy and dark, but let’s be real – they help stave off procrastination ! Once you request a room in Takarajima , you’ll be asked what kind of seating you prefer – a reclining chair, a massage chair, a sofa, or a Japanese lie-flat floor chair. It becomes apparent they care about their customer experience from that very first moment! Unlike other internet cafes, Takarajima gives you the option to lock your room and go out. This keeps all your stuff safely stored if you need to take a walk and have a break. They offer showers and snack options for when you need some brain food. The prices are quite affordable too – you may get 5 hours of undisturbed work time for about $20, or a full day in your internet café office for $30 (From 2 PM until 10 AM the next day).

4. A Hidden Gem – Tamahan Ryokan in the Middle of Kyoto

Tamahan is a rare find: an authentic, traditional ryokan located on what may be the most peaceful lane in urban Kyoto. Found on Ishibei-koji, one of the loveliest pedestrian-only lanes in Japan, Tamahan Ryokan is a hidden oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Forget traffic noise and the busy city life, without having to travel anywhere at all. This traditional ryokan is hidden in the corner of the Southern Higashiyama district in Kyoto. This traditional inn doesn’t have a hot spring for your afternoon baths (you can find plenty of onsens nearby in Kyoto !), but it does have beautiful, spacious rooms with traditional Japanese furnishing and a lovely garden to write in.

5. Famous Writer’s Spirit – Hiiragiya Ryokan in Kyoto

Do you want to experience a place that inspired Nobel Prize-winning writer Yasunori Kawabata to create his masterpieces? Hiiragaya in Kyoto can give you that opportunity – and you may even use the very writing desk Kawabata-san wrote on! This ryokan has been around for over 200 years, and it’s a place that glows with historical significance. It’s composed of a traditional wing and a new wing with sleek, modern rooms. With 28 rooms, each quarter is unique and features a special selection of natural building materials. Best of all, Hiiragiya has a beautiful Japanese garden that’s just too inspiring to pass the opportunity to whip out a notebook or a laptop and write!

This over 200 years old Ryokan has been a host to members of the Imperial family, as well as other world-renowned Japanese men and women, including a Nobel-winning author.

6. Rest in Tradition – Tazawa Onsen Masuya Ryokan in Aoki

Relax, bathe, and write in a lovely traditional Japanese inn in the heart of Aoki and only 30 minutes away from JR Ueda Station. With its very own indoor and outdoor onsen facilities, Masuya Ryokan is a beautiful 20-room inn, with breath-taking, authentic Japanese furnishing, and great service. This traditional ryokan gives you comfortable lodging, a chance to wear a yukata (found in every guest room), a relaxing hot bath, and a game of table tennis to play in between your writing sessions!

This ryokan is located near two popular hot springs in Aoki, the Tazawa Onsen, and Kutsukake Onsen.

7. Rustic Wonderland – Villa Rusutsu near Lake Toya in Hokkaido

If you find yourself on the northern island of Hokkaido, and especially if you’re staying in Villa Rusutsu , you know you’re in a full-blown winter wonderland. This beautiful rustic hotel and ski resort has everything you need to forget about your daily troubles and explore your creativity in writing . With a booking, you get your wooden cottage equipped with amenities like a fireplace, very comfy furniture (along with beds, rooms are equipped with living room furniture such as coffee tables, sofas, armchairs, and even recliners), free Wi-Fi, and access to a beautiful restaurant that’s just perfect for an afternoon writing session.

This property is composed of 9 cabin lodges and is located a mere kilometer away from the famous Rusutsu ski resort.

8. Dream Drive Camper Vans

Adventurers who can’t sit still and stay in one place, you don’t have to settle for anything less than perfect on your trip to Japan! If you can’t seem to enjoy one place for a long time, rent yourself a camper van and travel all around the land of the rising sun. Dream Drive offers just that – two well-equipped camper options to take you on a road trip. With safe roads and plenty of high-quality roadside stops (way better than the truck stops you’re imagining!), Japan is the perfect place to explore on the road. If you rent from a company like Dream Drive, your camper will come equipped with a semi-double mattress, a propane stove, a small folding table, and chairs (good enough to write on!), and a sub-battery system to charge your phone and laptop.

Off you go (to Japan)

I hope that this post has given you enough information and inspiration to find the perfect spot for your writerly pursuits in Japan. I gave my best to feature places in all the most popular tourist spots in the land of the rising sun. Next up, you may want to explore a list of the top manga publishers in the US .

Get your free PDF report: Download your guide to 100+ AI marketing tools and learn how to thrive as a marketer in the digital era.

Rafal Reyzer

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

Online Database of Artist in Residence Programs in Japan

PROGRAM Find your residency programs

Kyoto writers residency 2023.

Studios Available

Accommodations Available

Presentation(exhibition, performance, and open studio) Not available

Grants and subsidies for travel expenses Available

Grants and other financial supports/ Support by coordinators and art professionals Available

Art genres Others

Regions Kansai

The Best 15 Creative Writing MFA Programs in 2023

April 7, 2023

Whether you studied at a top creative writing university , or are a high school dropout who will one day become a bestselling author , you may be considering an MFA in Creative Writing. But is a writing MFA genuinely worth the time and potential costs? How do you know which program will best nurture your writing? This article walks you through the considerations for an MFA program, as well as the best Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States.

First of all, what is an MFA?

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate degree that usually takes from two to three years to complete. Applications require a sample portfolio for entry, usually of 10-20 pages of your best writing.

What actually goes on in a creative writing MFA beyond inspiring award-winning books and internet memes ? You enroll in workshops where you get feedback on your creative writing from your peers and a faculty member. You enroll in seminars where you get a foundation of theory and techniques. Then you finish the degree with a thesis project.

Reasons to Get an MFA in Creative Writing

You don’t need an MFA to be a writer. Just look at Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison or bestselling novelist Emily St. John Mandel.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of reasons you might still want to get a creative writing MFA. The first is, unfortunately, prestige. An MFA from a top program can help you stand out in a notoriously competitive industry to be published.

The second reason: time. Many MFA programs give you protected writing time, deadlines, and maybe even a (dainty) salary.

Third, an MFA in Creative Writing is a terminal degree. This means that this degree allows you to teach writing at the university level, especially after you publish a book.

But above all, the biggest reason to pursue an MFA is the community it brings you. You get to meet other writers, and share feedback, advice, and moral support, in relationships that can last for decades.

Types of Creative Writing MFA Programs

Here are the different types of programs to consider, depending on your needs:

Fully-Funded Full-Time Programs

These programs offer full-tuition scholarships and sweeten the deal by actually paying you to attend them.

• Pros: You’re paid to write (and teach).
• Cons: Uprooting your entire life to move somewhere possibly very cold.

Full-Time MFA Programs

These programs include attending in-person classes and paying tuition (though many offer need-based and merit scholarships).

• Pros: Lots of top-notch programs non-funded programs have more assets to attract world-class faculty and guests.
• Cons: It’s an investment that might not pay itself back.

Low-Residency MFA Programs

Low-residency programs usually meet biannually for short sessions. They also offer one-on-one support throughout the year. These MFAs are more independent, preparing you for what the writing life is actually like.

• Pros: No major life changes required. Cons: Less time dedicated to writing and less time to build relationships.

Online MFA Programs

Held 100% online. These programs have high acceptance rates and no residency requirement. That means zero travel or moving expenses.

• Pros: No major life changes required.
• Cons: These MFAs have less name-recognition

The Top 15 Creative Writing MFA Programs Ranked by Category

The following programs are selected for their balance of high funding, impressive return on investment, stellar faculty, major journal publications , and impressive alums.

Fully Funded MFA Programs

1) johns hopkins university, mfa in fiction/poetry (baltimore, md).

This is a two-year program, with $33,000 teaching fellowships per year. This MFA offers the most generous funding package. Not to mention, it offers that sweet, sweet health insurance, mind-boggling faculty, and a guaranteed lecture position after graduation (nice). No nonfiction MFA (boo).

• Incoming class size: 8 students
• Admissions rate: 11.1%
• Alumni: Chimamanda Adiche, Jeffrey Blitz, Wes Craven, Louise Erdrich, Porochista Khakpour, Phillis Levin, ZZ Packer, Tom Sleigh, Elizabeth Spires, Rosanna Warren

2) University of Texas, James Michener Center (Austin, TX)

A fully-funded 3-year program with a generous stipend of $29,500. The program offers fiction, poetry, playwriting and screenwriting. The Michener Center is also unique because you study a primary genre and a secondary genre, and also get $3,000 for the summer.

• Incoming class size : 12 students
• Acceptance rate: a bone-chilling less-than-1% in fiction; 2-3% in other genres
•   Alumni: Fiona McFarlane, Brian McGreevy, Karan Mahajan, Alix Ohlin, Kevin Powers, Lara Prescott, Roger Reeves, Maria Reva, Domenica Ruta, Sam Sax, Joseph Skibell, Dominic Smith

3) University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is a 2-year program on a residency model for fiction and poetry. This means there are low requirements, and lots of time to write groundbreaking novels or play pool at the local bar. Most students are funded, with fellowships worth up to $21,000. The Translation MFA, co-founded by Gayatri Chakravorti Spivak, is also two years, but with more intensive coursework. The Nonfiction Writing Program is a prestigious three-year MFA program and is also intensive.

• Incoming class size: 25 each for poetry and fiction; 10-12 for nonfiction and translation.
• Acceptance rate: 3.7%
• Fantastic Alumni: Raymond Carver, Flannery O’Connor, Sandra Cisneros, Joy Harjo, Garth Greenwell, Kiley Reid, Brandon Taylor, Eula Biss, Yiyun Li, Jennifer Croft

4) University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

Anne Carson famously lives in Ann Arbor, as do the MFA students U-Michigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program. This is a big university town, which is less damaging to your social life. Plus, there’s lots to do when you have a $23,000 stipend, summer funding, and health care.

This is a 2-3-year program, with an impressive reputation. They also have a demonstrated commitment to “ push back against the darkness of intolerance and injustice ” and have outreach programs in the community.

• Incoming class size: 18
• Acceptance rate: 4% (which maybe seems high after less-than-1%)
• Alumni: Brit Bennett, Vievee Francis, Airea D. Matthews, Celeste Ng, Chigozie Obioma, Jia Tolentino, Jesmyn Ward

5) Brown University (Providence, RI)

Brown offers an edgy, well-funded program in a place that doesn’t dip into arctic temperatures. Students are all fully-funded for 2-3 years with $29,926 in 2021-22. Students also get summer funding and—you guessed it—that sweet, sweet health insurance.

In the Brown Literary Arts MFA, students take only one workshop and one elective per semester. It’s also the only program in the country to feature a Digital/Cross Disciplinary Track.

• Incoming class size: 12-13
• Acceptance rate: “highly selective”
• Alumni: Edwidge Danticat, Jaimy Gordon, Gayl Jones, Ben Lerner, Joanna Scott, Kevin Young, Ottessa Moshfegh

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs (Continued) 

6) university of arizona (tucson, az).

This 3-year program has many attractive qualities. It’s in “ the lushest desert in the world ”, and was recently ranked #4 in creative writing programs, and #2 in Nonfiction. You can take classes in multiple genres, and in fact, are encouraged to do so. Plus, Arizona dry heat is good for arthritis.

This notoriously supportive program pays $20,000 a year, and offers the potential to volunteer at multiple literary organizations. You can also do supported research at the US-Mexico Border.

• Incoming class size: 9
• Acceptance rate: 4.85% (a refreshingly specific number after Brown’s evasiveness)
• Alumni: Francisco Cantú, Jos Charles, Tony Hoagland, Nancy Mairs, Richard Russo, Richard Siken, Aisha Sabatini Sloan, David Foster Wallace

7) Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ):

Arizona State is also a three-year funded program in arthritis-friendly dry heat. It offers small class sizes, individual mentorships, and one of the most impressive faculty rosters in the game. Everyone gets a $19,000 stipend, with other opportunities for financial support.

• Incoming class size: 8-10
• Acceptance rate: 3% (sigh)
• Alumni: Tayari Jones, Venita Blackburn, Dorothy Chan, Adrienne Celt, Dana Diehl, Matthew Gavin Frank, Caitlin Horrocks, Allegra Hyde, Hugh Martin, Bonnie Nadzam

FULL-RESIDENCY MFAS (UNFUNDED)

8) new york university (new york, ny).

This two-year program is in New York City, meaning it comes with close access to literary opportunities and hot dogs. NYU is private, and has one of the most accomplished faculty lists anywhere. Students have large cohorts (more potential friends!) and have a penchant for winning top literary prizes.

• Incoming class size: 40-60
• Acceptance rate: 6%
• Alumni: Nick Flynn, Nell Freudenberger, Aracelis Girmay, Mitchell S. Jackson, Tyehimba Jess, John Keene, Raven Leilani, Robin Coste Lewis, Ada Limón, Ocean Vuong

9) Columbia University (New York, NY)

Another 2-3 year private MFA program with drool-worthy permanent and visiting faculty. Columbia offers courses in fiction, poetry, translation, and nonfiction. Beyond the Ivy League education, Columbia offers close access to agents, and its students have a high record of bestsellers.

• Incoming class size: 110
• Acceptance rate: 21%
• Alumni: Alexandra Kleeman, Rachel Kushner, Claudia Rankine, Rick Moody, Sigrid Nunez, Tracy K. Smith, Emma Cline, Adam Wilson, Marie Howe, Mary Jo Bang

10) Sarah Lawrence (Bronxville, NY)

Sarah Lawrence offers speculative fiction beyond the average fiction, poetry, and nonfiction course offerings. With intimate class sizes, this program is unique because it offers biweekly one-on-one conferences with its stunning faculty. It also has a notoriously supportive atmosphere.

• Incoming class size: 30-40
• Acceptance rate: N/A
• Alumni: Cynthia Cruz, Melissa Febos, T Kira Madden, Alex Dimitrov, Moncho Alvarado

LOW RESIDENCY

11 bennington college (bennington, vt).

This two-year program boasts truly stellar faculty, and meets twice a year for ten days in January and June. It’s like a biannual vacation in beautiful Vermont, plus mentorship by a famous writer, and then you get a degree. The tuition is $23,468 per year, with scholarships available.

• Acceptance rate: 53%
• Incoming class: 40
• Alumni: Larissa Pham, Andrew Reiner, Lisa Johnson Mitchell, and others

12)  Institute for American Indian Arts (Santa Fe, NM)

This two-year program emphasizes Native American and First Nations writing. With truly amazing faculty and visiting writers, they offer a wide range of genres offered, in screenwriting, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

Students attend two eight-day residencies each year, in January and July, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At $12,000 a year, it boasts being “ one of the most affordable MFA programs in the country .”

• Incoming class size : 22
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Alumni: Tommy Orange, Dara Yen Elerath, Kathryn Wilder

13) Vermont College of Fine Arts

One of few MFAs where you can study the art of the picture book, middle grade and young adult literature, graphic literature, nonfiction, fiction, and poetry for young people. Students meet twice a year for nine days, in January and July, in Vermont. You can also do many travel residencies in exciting (and warm) places like Cozumel.

VCFA boasts amazing faculty and visiting writers, with individualized study options and plenty of one-on-one time. Tuition is $48,604.

• Incoming class size: 18-25
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• Alumnx: Lauren Markham, Mary-Kim Arnold, Cassie Beasley, Kate Beasley, Julie Berry, Bridget Birdsall, Gwenda Bond, Pablo Cartaya

ONLINE MFAS

14) university of texas at el paso (el paso, tx).

The world’s first bilingual and online MFA program in the world. UTEP is considered the best online MFA program, and features award-winning faculty from across the globe. Intensive workshops allow submitting in Spanish and English, and genres include poetry and fiction. This three-year program costs $14,766 a year, with rolling admissions.

• Alumni: Watch alumni testimonies here

15) Bay Path University (Long Meadow, MA)

This 2-year online program is dedicated entirely to nonfiction. A supportive, diverse community, Bay Path offers small class sizes, close mentorship, and a potential field trip in Ireland.

There are many tracks, including publishing, Narrative Medicine, and teaching. Core courses include memoir, narrative journalism, and the personal essay. The price is $785/credit, for 39 credits, with scholarships available.

• Incoming class size: 20
• Acceptance rate: an encouraging 78%
• Alumni: Read alumni testimonies here

Prepare for your MFA in advance:

• Best English Programs
• Best Creative Writing Schools
• Writing Summer Programs

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs – References:

• https://www.pw.org/mfa
• The Creative Writing MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students , by Tom Kealey (A&C Black 2005)
• Graduate School Admissions

Julia Conrad

With a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian from Wesleyan University as well as MFAs in both Nonfiction Writing and Literary Translation from the University of Iowa, Julia is an experienced writer, editor, educator, and a former Fulbright Fellow. Julia’s work has been featured in  The Millions ,  Asymptote , and  The Massachusetts Review , among other publications. To read more of her work, visit  www.juliaconrad.net

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

BA in Creative Writing and Literature

Creative Writing Degree

Program overview, transformative writing.

Among colleges for Creative Writing, the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics is unique in its approach to writing as a means of social and personal transformation.

Contemplative Approach

Engage in critical and creative thinking to deepen your awareness of self, others, and the world around you. Develop insights regarding your academic and creative work as well as your own well-being.

Professional Experience

Acquire the hands-on experience, skills, and professional guidance necessary to succeed as an artist or thinker in the writing profession. 

Naropa’s creative writing program values experimentation, critical study, and authenticity.

Earn your bachelor’s degree in creative writing and literature at a university where writing workshops, literary studies, and publication opportunities create a deeply integrated experience of creative expression. Engage in contemplative poetics, experimental writing, and explorations of narrative forms while studying eco-poetics, book arts & letterpress, queer literature, and the literature of psychedelics.

You already love to write. Here, you’ll grow as a writer and as a person while discovering fulfilling writing jobs. Our creative writing and literature majors go on to earn graduate degrees in the arts, publish literary works, and become teachers, editors, and communications professionals. 

Quick Facts

• On-campus degree
• Unique Open Genre Curriculum
• Flexible Application Requirements
• Transfer up to 75 semester credits
• In-House Publishing Experience
• Intensive Summer Writing Program
• 70% of our students receive financial aid and/or scholarships
• Admissions open for 2024

Program Format

Naropa’s four-year undergraduate program in creative writing and literature redefines traditional creative writing as a journey into oneself and toward connection with others. We offer an on-campus education that allows students to develop themselves and their craft as part of a writing community.

At Naropa, we believe that the best creative writing, whether it’s short story writing, poetry, or a blend of genres, comes from deep personal introspection. We also know that engagement with like-minded communities is an essential sounding board for this kind of introspection. A college for creative writing and literature is only as strong as the writing community it creates.

Course Spotlight

Experimental and activist literatures.

This course introduces Black Mountain Poets, the Beats, New York School, Black Arts Movement, Language Poets, New Narrative, and Jack Kerouac School faculty work—poetic movements and writers that continue to influence Naropa’s writing landscape, innovation, aesthetics, and activism. By exploring experimental lineages, Naropa archives, as well as contemporary trends influencing the Kerouac School milieu, we participate as readers/writers/activists and invoke critical/creative awareness that informs the writing process. This creative reading and writing workshop invokes a vital space of active experimentation and culminates in a creative portfolio. 

Degree Requirements

A Bachelor of Arts degree such as the Creative Writing and Literature Degree (120 credits) consists of a Core Curriculum (24 credits) and at least one major, as well as minors and/or elective courses of the student’s choosing.

The Creative Writing and Literature Major has a total of 36 credit hours. 

Creative Writing & Literature Major Requirements

• WRI210 Experimental and Activist Literatures (3)
• WRI312 Poetry and Poetics (3)
• WRI318 Writing Workshop: Long Poem (3)
• WRI329 Writing Workshop: Contemplative Poetics (3)
• WRI331 Writing Workshop: Creative Nonfiction (3)
• WRI339 Writing Workshop: Flash Fiction (3)
• WRI351–3 Summer Writing Program (2–6)
• WRI362 Writing Workshop: Fiction (3)
• WRI369 Writing Workshop: Narrative Forms (3)
• WRI380 Writing Workshop: Eco-Poetics (3)
• WRI394W Writing Workshop: Writers Practicum with Anne Waldman (1)
• WRI395W Writing Workshop: Writers Practicum with Allen Ginsberg Visiting Fellow (1)
• WRI415 Writing Workshop: Innovative Poetry (3)
• WRI428 Writing Workshop: Innovative Fiction (3)
• WRI440 Writing Workshop: Extended Narratives (3)
• WRI449 Writing Workshop: Embodied Poetics (3)
• WRI451–3 Summer Writing Program (2–6)
• WRI456 Writing Workshop: Poetry in Theory (3)
• WRI460 Writing Workshop: Ekphrastic Writing (3)
• WRI490 Special Topics: Writing Workshop (3)
• WRI349 Literature Seminar: Modernism and Postmodernism (3)
• WRI355 Literature Seminar: World Traditions and Letters (3)
• WRI441 Literature Seminar: Women Writers (3)
• WRI448 Literature Seminar: Diaspora, Migration, and Borderlands (3)
• WRI455 Literature Seminar: Literary Theory (3)
• WRI457 Literature Seminar: Major Authors (3)
• WRI491 Special Topics: Literature Seminar (3)
• Writers in Community WRI417 Writing Workshop: Writers in Community (3)
• Electives: Choose 6 Credits Electives can be any 300-level or 400-level course; professional development, literature seminars, or workshops/Summer Writing Program.
• COR440 Capstone II (3)

Why Choose Naropa?

Open-genre curriculum.

Engage in creative cross-genre experimentation and experimental approaches to writing and literature. Push beyond your comfort zone to develop your creative voice with Naropa’s open-genre curriculum.

Award-Winning Faculty

At Naropa, award-winning faculty follow in the footsteps of literary greats such as Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics co-founders Anne Waldman, Allen Ginsberg, and Diane di Prima, and Ken Kesey and Amiri Baraka, who taught at the Kerouac School.

Career Readiness

Naropa equips you with the skills and self-awareness for a rewarding career in writing. Students can engage in editorial work with the student-led literary magazine, Bombay Gin, delve into letterpress printing at the Harry Smith Print Shop.

How this Program Prepares You

Creative experimentation & writing skillset development.

The goals of the program include guiding students throughout the process of crafting creative work —from generation to revision—and presenting students with opportunities to interpret and respond to a variety of poetic situations. 

Contemplative practice for critical reflection

The program promotes contemplative practice to develop students’ insight regarding their academic and creative work as well as their overall well-being and encourages students to evaluate their own assumptions and the assumptions of the discourse community through critical and creative engagement with a diversity of values. 

Putting Theory into Action

The program prepares students for potential careers as artists and thinkers by exposing them to professionals in the field and offering them guidance toward envisioning and meeting their goals. 

What You'll Learn

Self-knowledge.

Study mindfulness and use your writing as a tool for looking within.

Innovation in writing

Think beyond the canon and experiment with language in your own work.

Collaborative communication

Learn to give and receive feedback in a supportive community environment.

Publishing experience

Prepare for future writing jobs as a student editor or letterpress printer.

Graduate school and career readiness

Create a polished professional dossier and a powerful writing portfolio.

Career Opportunities with a Creative Writing Degree

Realize your potential in the Naropa Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Literature degree program. Whatever paths you choose, Naropa’s undergraduate degree in creative writing and literature will give you the skills and self-knowledge to take the next steps toward a fulfilling career in writing.

• Author: write and publish stories and books.
• Editor: refine and improve written content for publication.
• Journalist: gather and report news and current events
• Publisher: produce, distribute, and market written materials.
• Teacher: educate students in literature and creative writing.
• Screenwriter: create compelling stories for film and TV.
• Copywriter: craft persuasive content for advertising and marketing.

Hear from a Graduate

Marissa perel, faqs about the creative writing degree, what jobs can i get with a ba in creative writing and literature, what do you learn in a ba in creative writing and literature.

A BA in creative writing and literature will provide you with the skills and knowledge to pursue your career of choice in the field. At the end of your bachelor’s, you’ll have generated a professional dossier and acquired critical analytical skills. At Naropa, you will also develop a deeper awareness of yourself and your bond with the community, grounded in the principles of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Learn more about the Naropa Values.

What sets Naropa apart from other universities?

What kind of writing degrees are there, is creative writing a ba or bs, learn more about the program.

Connect with your counselor

Rachel thompson.

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions 

Prospective students with last names A-G

• 303-970-9831
• [email protected]
• Schedule Appointment

Jenna Priest

Prospective students last names H-Z

• 303-970-9746
• [email protected]
• Attend an Info Session

Ready to Apply?

Admission requirements.

Naropa University’s unique approach values both academic excellence and the willingness to carry out introspective work.

Learn more about admission requirements and application process for undergraduate students.

Undergraduate Students

• Students with a 3.0 GPA or Higher

Applicants with a strong history of academic performance are welcome with minimal requirements.

• Students with Less than 3.0 GPA

If your academic record hasn’t been as strong, but you wish to benefit from a Naropa education and will contribute to our growing community, we strongly encourage you to submit your application.

• Transfer your College Credit

Present an official college transcript with 60 or more transferrable credits together with your application to apply as a transfer student.

To learn more about requirements for first-time and transfer students, read our undergraduate students requirements page. 

International Students

No matter where you’re from or how far you’ve traveled, you can feel at home at Naropa. Our university is built on a foundation of inclusion, diversity, and welcoming other cultures with open arms. The more diverse our student body, the stronger we are. We value your future contributions to our dynamic community.

Learn more about applying to Naropa from abroad.

Costs and Financial Aid

At Naropa, we strive to make education accessible to as many students as we can. Take a look at our undergraduate costs & aids page to learn about tuition and other costs, as well as financial aid opportunities, or use our cost calculator to get an idea of what you will pay at Naropa. 

Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities

Interested in Creative Writing Degree?

Read our blog or listen our podcast, heartfire festival returns to naropa university, episode 92. andrew schelling: writing as a spiritual practice, anne waldman reads poem at historic jared polis inauguration, episode 44. ca conrad: poetry, ritual, & creativity, student support and resources, academic support, online student support, career services, financial aid, accessibility, related programs, mfa in creative writing and poetics, ba in interdisciplinary studies, summer writing program, request information, plan a visit, about naropa, events & community, user information, support naropa.

2130 Arapahoe Avenue Boulder, CO 80302

1-800-772-6951

[email protected]

Worried about a Student?

© 2024 naropa university. all rights reserved., you are ready..

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

“*” indicates required fields

• Request Info
• Visit Campus
• COVID-19 Updates

Search Naropa University

Naropa campuses closed on friday, march 15, 2024.

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.

• Enroll & Pay
• Prospective Undergraduate Students
• Prospective Graduate Students
• Current Students

Ph.D. Creative Writing

Ph.d. in creative writing.

A rigorous program that combines creative writing and literary studies, the Ph.D. in Creative Writing prepares graduates for both scholarly and creative publication and teaching. With faculty guidance, students admitted to the Ph.D. program may tailor their programs to their goals and interests.

The creative writing faculty at KU has been widely published and anthologized, winning both critical and popular acclaim. Faculty awards include such distinctions as the Nebula Award, Hugo Award, Osborn Award, Shelley Memorial Award, Gertrude Stein Award, the Kenyon Review Prize, the Kentucky Center Gold Medallion, and the Pushcart Prize.

Regarding admission to both our doctoral and MFA creative writing programs, we will prioritize applicants who are interested in engaging with multiple faculty members to practice writing across genres and forms, from speculative fiction and realism to poetry and playwriting/screenwriting, etc.

The University of Kansas' Graduate Program in Creative Writing also offers an  M.F.A degree .

Opportunities

A GTA appointment includes a tuition waiver for ten semesters plus a competitive stipend. In the first year, GTA appointees teach English 101 (first year composition) and English 102 (a required reading and writing course). Creative Writing Ph.D. students may have the opportunity to teach an introductory course in creative writing after passing the doctoral examination, and opportunities are available for a limited number of advanced GTAs to teach in the summer.

Department Resources

• Graduate Admissions
• Graduate Contacts
• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

Affiliated Programs

• LandLocked Literary Magazine
• The Project on the History of Black Writing
• Center for the Study of Science Fiction
• Ad-Hoc African/Americanists and Affiliates

Degree Requirements

• At least 24 hours of credit in appropriate formal graduate courses beyond the M.A. or M.F.A. At least 15 hours (in addition to ENGL 800 if not taken for the M.A.) of this course work must be taken from among courses offered by the Department of English at the 700-level and above. English 997 and 999 credits cannot be included among the 24 hours. Students may petition to take up to 6 hours outside the Department.
• ENGL 800: Methods, Theory, and Professionalism (counts toward the 24 required credit hours).
• The ENGL 801/ENGL 802 pedagogy sequence (counts toward the 24 required credit hours).
• Two seminars (courses numbered 900 or above) offered by the Department of English at the University of Kansas, beyond the M.A. or M.F.A. ENGL 998 does not fulfill this requirement.
• ENGL 999, Dissertation (at least 12 hours).

If the M.A. or M.F.A. was completed in KU’s Department of English, a doctoral student may petition the DGS to have up to 12 hours of the coursework taken in the English Department reduced toward the Ph.D.

For Doctoral students,  the university requires completion of a course in responsible scholarship . For the English department, this would be ENGL 800, 780, or the equivalent). In addition, the Department requires reading knowledge of one approved foreign language: Old English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Greek, Latin, or Hebrew. Upon successful petition, a candidate may substitute reading knowledge of another language or research skill that is studied at the University or is demonstrably appropriate to the candidate’s program of study.

Doctoral students must fulfill the requirement  before  they take their doctoral examination, or be enrolled in a reading course the same semester as the exam. Students are permitted three attempts at passing each foreign language or research skill. Three methods of demonstrating reading knowledge for all approved languages except Old English are acceptable:

• Presenting 16 hours, four semesters, or the equivalent of undergraduate credit, earned with an average of C or better.
• Passing a graduate reading course at the University of Kansas or peer institution (e.g., French 100, German 100, etc.) with a grade of C or higher. In the past, some of these reading courses have been given by correspondence; check with the Division of Continuing Education for availability.
• Passing a translation examination given by a designated member of the English Department faculty or by the appropriate foreign language department at KU. The exam is graded pass/fail and requires the student to translate as much as possible of a representative text in the foreign language in a one-hour period, using a bilingual dictionary.
• Passing a translation examination given by the appropriate foreign language department at the M.A.-granting institution. Successful completion must be reflected either on the M.A. transcript or by a letter from the degree-granting department.

To fulfill the language requirement using Old English, students must successfully complete ENGL 710 (Introduction to Old English) and ENGL 712 (Beowulf).

Post-Coursework Ph.D. students must submit, with their committee chair(s), an annual review form to the DGS and Graduate Committee.

Doctoral students must take their doctoral examination within three semesters (excluding summers) of the end of the semester in which they took their final required course. If a student has an Incomplete, the timeline is not postponed until the Incomplete is resolved. For example, a student completing doctoral course work in Spring 2018 will need to schedule their doctoral exam no later than the end of Fall semester 2019. Delays may be granted by petition to the Graduate Director in highly unusual circumstances. Failure to take the exam within this time limit without an approved delay will result in the student’s falling out of good standing. For details on the consequences of falling out of good standing, see “Falling Out of Good Standing,” in General Department Policies and Best Practices.

A student may not take their doctoral exam until the university’s Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship requirement is fulfilled (ENGL 800 or equivalent and reading knowledge of one foreign language or equivalent).

Requirements for Doctoral Exams

Reading Lists: 

All students are required to submit three reading lists, based on the requirements below, to their committee for approval. The doctoral exam will be held on a date at least twelve weeks after the approval from the whole committee is received. To facilitate quick committee approval, students may copy the graduate program coordinator on the email to the committee that contains the final version of the lists. Committee members may then respond to the email in lieu of signing a printed copy. Students should work with their committee chair and graduate program coordinator to schedule the exam at the same time as they finalize the lists.

During the two-hour oral examination (plus an additional 15-30 minutes for a break and committee deliberation), a student will be tested on their comprehension of a literary period or movement, including multiple genres and groups of authors within that period or movement. In addition, the student will be tested on two of the following six areas of study:

• An adjacent or parallel literary period or movement,
• An author or group of related authors,
• Criticism and literary theory,
• Composition theory, and
• English language.

No title from any field list may appear on either of the other two lists. See Best Practices section for more details on these six areas. See below for a description of the Review of the Dissertation Proposal (RDP), which the candidate takes the semester after passing the doctoral exam. 

While many students confer with the DGS as they begin the process of developing their lists, they are also required to submit a copy of their final exam list to the DGS. Most lists will be left intact, but the DGS might request that overly long lists be condensed, or extremely short lists be expanded.

Review of Literature

The purpose of the Review of Literature is to develop and demonstrate an advanced awareness of the critical landscape for each list. The student will write an overview of the defining attributes of the field, identifying two or three broad questions that animate scholarly discussion, while using specific noteworthy texts from their list ( but not all texts on the list ) as examples.

The review also must accomplish the following:

• consider the historical context of major issues, debates, and trends that factor into the emergence of the field
• offer a historical overview of scholarship in the field that connects the present to the past
• note recent trends and emergent lines of inquiry
• propose questions about (develop critiques of, and/or identify gaps in) the field and how they might be pursued in future study (but not actually proposing or referencing a dissertation project)

For example, for a literary period, the student might include an overview of primary formal and thematic elements, of the relationship between literary and social/historical developments, of prominent movements, (etc.), as well as of recent critical debates and topics.

For a genre list, the Review of Literature might include major theories of its constitution and significance, while outlining the evolution of these theories over time.

For a Rhetoric and Composition list, the review would give an overview of major historical developments, research, theories, methods, debates, and trends of scholarship in the field.

For an English Language Studies (ELS) list, the review would give an overview of the subfields that make up ELS, the various methodological approaches to language study, the type of sources used, and major aims and goals of ELS. The review also usually involves a focus on one subfield of particular interest to the student (such as stylistics, sociolinguistics, or World/Postcolonial Englishes).

Students are encouraged to divide reviews into smaller sections that enhance clarity and organization. Students are not expected to interact with every text on their lists.

The review of literature might be used to prepare students for identifying the most important texts in the field, along with why those texts are important to the field, for the oral exam. It is recommended for students to have completed reading the bulk of (if not all) texts on their lists before writing the ROL.

The Reviews of Literature will not be produced in an exam context, but in the manner of papers that are researched and developed in consultation with all advisors/committee members,  with final drafts being distributed within a reasonable time for all members to review and approve in advance of the 3-week deadline . While the Review of Literature generally is not the focus of the oral examination, it is frequently used as a point of departure for questions and discussion during the oral examination.

Doctoral Exam Committee

Exam committees typically consist of 3 faculty members from the department—one of whom serves as the Committee Chair—plus a Graduate Studies Representative.  University policy dictates the composition of exam committees . Students may petition for an exception for several committee member situations, with the exception of  the Graduate Studies Representative .

If a student wants to have as a committee member a person outside the university, or a person who is not in a full-time tenure-track professorship at KU, the student must contact the Graduate Secretary as early as possible. Applications for special graduate faculty status must be reviewed by the College and Graduate Studies. Requests for exam/defense approval will not be approved unless all committee members currently hold either regular or special graduate faculty status

Remote participation of committee members via technology

Students with committee members who plan to attend the defense via remote technology must be aware of  college policy on teleconferencing/remote participation of committee members .

A majority of committee members must be physically present for an examination to commence; for doctoral oral examinations this requirement is 2 of the 4 members, for master’s oral examinations the requirement is 2 of the 3 members. In addition, it is required that the student being examined, the chair of the committee, and the Graduate Studies Representative all be physically present at the examination or defense. Mediated attendance by the student, chair and Grad Studies Rep is prohibited.

The recommended time between completion of coursework and the doctoral examination is two semesters.

Final exam lists need to be approved and signed by the committee at least 12 weeks prior to the prospective exam date. This includes summers/summer semesters. The lists should then be submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator. Reviews of Literature need to be approved and signed by the committee at least 3 weeks prior to the exam date. Failure to meet this deadline will result in rescheduling the exam. No further changes to lists or Reviews of Literature will be allowed after official approval. The three-week deadline is the faculty deadline--the last date for them to confirm receipt of the ROLs and confer approval--not necessarily the student deadline for submitting the documents to the faculty. Please keep that timing in mind and allow your committee adequate time to review the materials and provide feedback.

Students taking the Doctoral Exam are allowed to bring their text lists, the approved Reviews of Literature, scratch paper, a writing utensil, and notes/writing for an approximately 5-minute introductory statement to the exam. (This statement does not need to lay out ideas or any aspect of the dissertation project.)

Each portion of the oral examination must be deemed passing before the student can proceed to the Review of the Dissertation Proposal. If a majority of the committee judges that the student has not answered adequately on one of the three areas of the exam, the student must repeat that portion in a separate oral exam of one hour, to be taken as expeditiously as possible.  Failure in two areas constitutes failure of the exam and requires a retake of the whole.  The doctoral examining committee will render a judgment of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory on the entire examination. A student who fails the exam twice may, upon successful petition to the Graduate Committee, take it a third and final time.

Students cannot bring snacks, drinks, treats, or gifts for committee members to the exam. Professors should avoid the appearance of favoritism that may occur if they bring treats to some student exams but not others.

The doctoral oral examination has the following purposes:

• To establish goals, tone, and direction for the pursuit of the Ph.D. in English for the Department and for individual programs of study;
• To make clear the kinds of knowledge and skills that, in the opinion of the Department, all well-prepared holders of the degree should have attained;
• To provide a means for the Department to assess each candidate’s control of such knowledge and skills in order to certify that the candidate is prepared to write a significant dissertation and enter the profession; and
• To enable the Department to recommend to the candidate areas of strength or weakness that should be addressed.

In consultation with the Graduate Director, a student will ask a member of the Department’s graduate faculty (preferably their advisor) to be the chairperson of the examining committee. The choice of examination committee chair is very important, for that person’s role is to assist the candidate in designing the examination structure, preparing the Review of Literature (see below), negotiating reading lists and clarifying their purposes, and generally following procedures here outlined. The other three English Department members of the committee will be chosen in consultation with the committee chair. (At some point an additional examiner from outside the Department, who serves as the Graduate School representative, will be invited to join the committee). Any unresolved problems in negotiation between a candidate and their committee should be brought to the attention of the Graduate Director, who may choose to involve the Graduate Committee. A student may request a substitution in, or a faculty member may ask to be dismissed from, the membership of the examining committee. Such requests must be approved, in writing, by the faculty member leaving the committee and by the Graduate Director.

Reading Lists

Copies of some approved reading lists and Reviews of Literature are available from the Graduate Secretary and can be found on the U: drive if you are using a computer on campus. Despite the goal of fairness and equity, some unavoidable unevenness and disparity will appear in the length of these lists. It remains, however, the responsibility of the examining committee, and especially the student’s chair, to aim toward consonance with the most rigorous standards and expectations and to insure that areas of study are not unduly narrow.

To facilitate quick committee approval, students may copy the graduate secretary on the email to the committee that contains the final version of the lists and reviews of literature. Committee members may then respond to the email in lieu of signing a printed copy.

Comprehension of a literary period (e.g., British literature of the 18th century; Romanticism; US literature of the 19th century; Modernism) entails sufficient intellectual grasp of both the important primary works of and secondary works on the period or movement to indicate a student’s ability to teach the period or movement and undertake respectable scholarship on it.

Comprehension of an author or group of related authors (e.g., Donne, the Brontës, the Bloomsbury Group, the Black Mountain Poets) entails knowledge, both primary and secondary, of a figure or figures whose writing has generated a significant body of interrelated biographical, historical, and critical scholarship.

Comprehension of one of several genres (the short story, the lyric poem, the epistolary novel). To demonstrate comprehension of a genre, a student should possess sufficient depth and breadth of knowledge, both primary and secondary, of the genre to explain its formal characteristics and account for its historical development.

Comprehension of criticism and literary theory entails a grasp of fundamental conceptual problems inherent in a major school of literary study (e.g., historicist, psychoanalytic, feminist, poststructuralist, etc.). To demonstrate comprehension of that school of criticism and literary theory, a student should be able to discuss changes in its conventions and standards of interpretation and evaluation of literature from its beginning to the present. Students will be expected to possess sufficient depth and breadth of theoretical knowledge to bring appropriate texts and issues to bear on questions of literary study.

Comprehension of composition theory entails an intellectual grasp of fundamental concepts, issues, and theories pertaining to the study of writing. To demonstrate comprehension of composition theory, students should be able to discuss traditional and current issues from a variety of perspectives, as well as the field’s historical development from classical rhetoric to the present.

Comprehension of the broad field of English language studies entails a grasp of the field’s theoretical concepts and current issues, as well as a familiarity with significant works within given subareas. Such subareas will normally involve formal structures (syntax, etc.) and history of the English language, along with other subareas such as social linguistics, discourse analysis, lexicography, etc. Areas of emphasis and specific sets of topics will be arranged through consultation with relevant faculty.

Ph.D. candidates must be continuously enrolled in Dissertation hours each Fall and Spring semester from the time they pass the doctoral examination until successful completion of the final oral examination (defense of dissertation).

• Students enroll for a minimum of 6 hours each Fall and Spring semester until the total of post-doctoral exam Dissertation hours is 18. One hour each semester must be ENGL 999. In order to more quickly reach the 18-hour minimum, and to be sooner eligible for GRAships, it is highly recommended that students enroll in 9 hours of Dissertation in the Spring and Fall semesters. 
• Once a student has accumulated 18 post-doctoral exam  hours, each subsequent enrollment will be for a number of hours agreed upon as appropriate between the student and their advisor, the minimal enrollment each semester being 1 hour of ENGL 999.
• A student must be enrolled in at least one hour of credit at KU during the semester they graduate. Although doctoral students must be enrolled in ENGL 999 while working on their dissertations, per current CLAS regulations, there is no absolute minimum number of ENGL 999 hours required for graduation.
• Students who live and work outside the Lawrence area may, under current University regulations, have their fees assessed at the Field Work rate, which is somewhat lower than the on-campus rate. Students must petition the College Office of Graduate Affairs before campus fees will be waived.

Please also refer to  the COGA policy on post-exam enrollment  or the  Graduate School’s policy .

As soon as possible following successful completion of the doctoral exam, the candidate should establish their three-person core dissertation committee, and then expeditiously proceed to the preparation of a dissertation proposal.  Within the semester following completion of the doctoral exam , the student will present to their core dissertation committee a written narrative of approximately  10-15 pages , not including bibliography, of the dissertation proposal. While the exam schedule is always contingent on student progress, in the first two weeks of the semester in which they intend to take the review , students will work with their committee chair and the graduate program coordinator to schedule the 90-minute RDP. Copies of this proposal must be submitted to the members of the dissertation committee and Graduate Program Coordinator no later than  three weeks prior  to the scheduled examination date.

In the proposal, students will be expected to define: the guiding question or set of questions; a basic thesis (or hypothesis); how the works to be studied or the creative writing produced relate to that (hypo)thesis; the theoretical/methodological model to be followed; the overall formal divisions of the dissertation; and how the study will be situated in the context of prior scholarship (i.e., its importance to the field). The narrative section should be followed by a bibliography demonstrating that the candidate is conversant with the basic theoretical and critical works pertinent to the study. For creative writing students, the proposal may serve as a draft of the critical introduction to the creative dissertation. Students are expected to consult with their projected dissertation committee concerning the preparation of the proposal.

The review will focus on the proposal, although it could also entail determining whether or not the candidate’s knowledge of the field is adequate to begin the composition process. The examination will be graded pass/fail. If it is failed, the committee will suggest areas of weakness to be addressed by the candidate, who will rewrite the proposal and retake the review  by the end of the following semester . If the candidate abandons the entire dissertation project for another, a new RDP will be taken. (For such a step to be taken, the change would need to be drastic, such as a move to a new field or topic. A change in thesis or the addition or subtraction of one or even several works to be examined would not necessitate a new proposal and defense.)  If the student fails to complete the Review of the Dissertation Proposal within a year of the completion of the doctoral exams, they will have fallen out of departmental good standing.  For details on the consequences of falling out of good standing, see “Falling Out of Good Standing,” in General Department Policies and Best Practices.

After passing the Review of the Dissertation Proposal, the student should forward one signed copy of the proposal to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The RDP may last no longer than 90 minutes.

Students cannot bring snacks, drinks, treats, or gifts for committee members to the review. Professors should avoid the appearance of favoritism that may occur if they bring treats to some student exams but not others.

The Graduate Catalog states that the doctoral candidate “must present a dissertation showing the planning, conduct and results of original research, and scholarly creativity.” While most Ph.D. candidates in the Department of English write dissertations of a traditional, research-oriented nature, a creative writing candidate may elect to do a creative-writing dissertation involving fiction, poetry, drama or nonfiction prose.  Such a dissertation must also contain a substantial section of scholarly research related to the creative writing.  The precise nature of the scholarly research component should be determined by the candidate in consultation with the dissertation committee and the Graduate Director. Candidates wishing to undertake such a dissertation must complete all Departmental requirements demanded for the research-oriented Ph.D. degree.

Scholarly Research Component (SRC)

The Scholarly Research Component (SRC) of the creative-writing dissertation is a separate section of the dissertation than the creative work. It involves substantial research and is written in the style of academic prose. It should be 15-20 pages and should cite at least 20 sources, some of which should be primary texts, and many of which should be from the peer-reviewed secondary literature. The topic must relate, in some way, to the topic, themes, ideas, or style of the creative portion of the dissertation; this relation should be stated in the Dissertation Proposal, which should include a section describing the student’s plans for the SRC. The SRC may be based on a seminar paper or other work the student has completed prior to the dissertation; but the research should be augmented, and the writing revised, per these guidelines. The SRC is a part of the dissertation, and as such will be included in the dissertation defense.

The SRC may take two general forms:

1.) An article, publishable in a peer-reviewed journal or collection, on a specific topic related to an author, movement, theoretical issue, taxonomic issue, etc. that has bearing on the creative portion. The quality of this article should be high enough that the manuscript could be submitted to a peer-reviewed publication, with a plausible chance of acceptance.

2.) A survey . This survey may take several different forms:

• A survey of a particular aspect of the genre of the creative portion of the dissertation (stylistic, national, historical, etc.)
• An introduction to the creative portion of the dissertation that explores the influences on, and the theoretical or philosophical foundations or implications of the creative work
• An exploration of a particular technical problem or craft issue that is salient in the creative portion of the dissertation
• If the creative portion of the dissertation includes the results of research (e.g., historical novel, documentary poetry, research-based creative nonfiction), a descriptive overview of the research undertaken already for the dissertation itself
• A combination of the above, with the prior approval of the student’s dissertation director.

The dissertation committee will consist of at least four members—two “core” English faculty members, a third faculty member (usually from English), and one faculty member from a different department who serves as the Graduate Studies representative. The committee may include (with the Graduate Director’s approval) members from other departments and, with the approval of the University’s Graduate Council, members from outside the University. If a student wants to have a committee member from outside the university, or a person who is not in a full-time tenure-track professorship at KU, the student must contact the Graduate Secretary as early as possible. Applications for special graduate faculty status must be reviewed by the College and the Office of Graduate Studies. Requests for defense approval will not be approved unless all committee members currently hold either regular or special graduate faculty status.

The candidate’s preferences as to the membership of the dissertation committee will be carefully considered; the final decision, however, rests with the Department and with the Office of Graduate Studies. All dissertation committees must get approval from the Director of Graduate Studies before scheduling the final oral exam (defense). Furthermore, any changes in the make-up of the dissertation committee from the Review of the Dissertation Proposal committee must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Once the dissertation proposal has passed and the writing of the dissertation begins, membership of the dissertation committee should remain constant. However, under extraordinary circumstances, a student may request a substitution in, or a faculty member may ask to be dismissed from, the membership of the dissertation committee. Such requests must be approved, in writing, by the faculty member leaving the committee and by the Graduate Director.

If a student does not make progress during the dissertation-writing stage, and accumulates more than one “Limited Progress” and/or “No Progress” grade on their transcript, they will fall out of good standing in the department. For details on the consequences of falling out of good standing, see “Falling Out of Good Standing,” in General Department Policies and Best Practices

Final Oral Exam (Dissertation Defense)

When the dissertation has been tentatively accepted by the dissertation committee (not including the Graduate Studies Representative), the final oral examination will be held, on the recommendation of the Department. While the exam schedule is always contingent on student progress, in the first two weeks of the semester in which they intend to defend the dissertation, students should work with their committee chair and graduate program coordinator to schedule it.

Although the dissertation committee is responsible for certification of the candidate, any member of the graduate faculty may be present at the examination and participate in the questioning, and one examiner—the Graduate Studies Representative—must be from outside the Department. The Graduate Secretary can help students locate an appropriate Grad Studies Rep. The examination normally lasts no more than two hours. It is the obligation of the candidate to advise the Graduate Director that they plan to take the oral examination; this must be done at least one month before the date proposed for the examination.

At least three calendar weeks prior to the defense date, the student will submit the final draft of the dissertation to all the committee members (including the GSR) and inform the Graduate Program Coordinator. Failure to meet this deadline will necessitate rescheduling the defense.  The final oral examination for the Ph.D. in English is, essentially, a defense of the dissertation. When it is passed, the dissertation itself is graded by the dissertation director, in consultation with the student’s committee; the student’s performance in the final examination (defense) is graded by the entire five-person committee

Students cannot bring snacks, drinks, treats, or gifts for committee members to the defense. Professors should avoid the appearance of favoritism that may occur if they bring treats to some student defenses but not others

These sets of attributes are adapted from the Graduate Learner Outcomes that are a part of our Assessment portfolio. “Honors” should only be given to dissertations that are rated “Outstanding” in all or most of the following categories:

• Significant and innovative plot/structure/idea/focus. The writer clearly places plot/structure/idea/focus in context.
• Thorough knowledge of literary traditions. Clear/flexible vision of the creative work produced in relation to those literary traditions.
• Introduction/Afterword is clear, concise, and insightful. A detailed discussion of the implications of the project and future writing projects exists.
• The creative dissertation reveals the doctoral candidate’s comprehensive understanding of poetics and/or aesthetic approach. The application of the aesthetic approach is innovative and convincing.
• The creative dissertation represents original and sophisticated creative work.
• The creative dissertation demonstrates thematic and/or aesthetic unity.

After much discussion about whether the “honors” designation assigned after the dissertation defense should be for the written product only, for the defense/discussion only, for both together, weighted equally, or eradicated altogether, the department voted to accept the Graduate Committee recommendation that “honors” only apply to the written dissertation. "Honors" will be given to dissertations that are rated "Outstanding" in all or most of the categories on the dissertation rubric.

Normally, the dissertation will present the results of the writer’s own research, carried on under the direction of the dissertation committee. This means that the candidate should be in regular contact with all members of the committee during the dissertation research and writing process, providing multiple drafts of chapters, or sections of chapters, according to the arrangements made between the student and each faculty member. Though accepted primarily for its scholarly merit rather than for its rhetorical qualities, the dissertation must be stylistically competent. The Department has accepted the MLA Handbook as the authority in matters of style. The writer may wish to consult also  the Chicago Manual of Style  and Kate L. Turabian’s  A Manual for Writers of Dissertations, Theses, and Term Papers .

Naturally, both the student and the dissertation committee have responsibilities and obligations to each other concerning the submitting and returning of materials. The student should plan on working steadily on the dissertation; if they do so, they should expect from the dissertation committee a reasonably quick reading and assessment of material submitted.

Students preparing their dissertation should be showing chapters to their committee members as they go along, for feedback and revision suggestions. They should also meet periodically with committee members to assess their progress. Prior to scheduling a defense, the student is encouraged to ask committee members whether they feel that the student is ready to defend the dissertation. Ideally, the student should hold the defense only when they have consulted with committee members sufficiently to feel confident that they have revised the dissertation successfully to meet the expectations of all committee members.

Students should expect that they will need to revise each chapter at least once. This means that all chapters (including introduction and conclusion) are shown to committee members once, revised, then shown to committee members again in revised form to assess whether further revisions are needed, prior to the submitting of the final dissertation as a whole. It is not unusual for further revisions to be required and necessary after the second draft of a chapter; students should not therefore simply assume that a second draft is necessarily “final” and passing work.

If a substantial amount of work still needs to be completed or revised at the point that the dissertation defense is scheduled, such a defense date should be regarded as tentative, pending the successful completion, revision, and receipt of feedback on all work. Several weeks prior to the defense, students should consult closely with their dissertation director and committee members about whether the dissertation as a whole is in a final and defensible stage. A project is ready for defense when it is coherent, cohesive, well researched, engages in sophisticated analysis (in its entirety or in the critical introduction of creative dissertations), and makes a significant contribution to the field. In other words, it passes each of the categories laid out in the Dissertation Rubric.

If the dissertation has not clearly reached a final stage, the student and dissertation director are advised to reschedule the defense.

Prior Publication of the Doctoral Dissertation

Portions of the material written by the doctoral candidate may appear in article form before completion of the dissertation. Prior publication does not ensure the acceptance of the dissertation by the dissertation committee. Final acceptance of the dissertation is subject to the approval of the dissertation committee. Previously published material by other authors included in the dissertation must be properly documented.

Each student beyond the master’s degree should confer regularly with the Graduate Director regarding their progress toward the doctoral examination and the doctorate.

Doctoral students may take graduate courses outside the English Department if, in their opinion and that of the Graduate Director, acting on behalf of the Graduate Committee, those courses will be of value to them. Their taking such courses will not, of course, absolve them of the responsibility for meeting all the normal departmental and Graduate School requirements.

Doctoral students in creative writing are strongly encouraged to take formal literature classes in addition to forms classes. Formal literature classes, by providing training in literary analysis, theory, and/or literary history, will help to prepare students for doctoral exams (and future teaching at the college level).

FALL SEMESTER            

• GTAs take 2 courses (801 + one), teach 2 courses; GRAs take 3 courses.
• Visit assigned advisor once a month to update on progress & perceptions. 1st-year advisors can assist with selecting classes for the Spring semester, solidifying and articulating a field of specialization, advice about publishing, conferences, professionalization issues, etc.

SPRING SEMESTER

• GTAs take 2 courses (780/800/880 + one), teach 2 courses. GTAs also take ENGL 802 for 1 credit hour. GRAs take 3 courses.
• Visit assigned advisor or DGS once during the semester; discuss best advisor choices for Year 2.

SUMMER SEMESTER

• Enroll in Summer Institute if topic and/or methodology matches interests.
• Consider conferences suited to your field and schedule; choose a local one for attendance in Year 2 and draft an Abstract for a conference paper (preferably with ideas/materials/ writing drawn from a seminar paper).  Even if abstract is not accepted, you can attend the conference without the pressure of presenting.
• Attend at least one conference to familiarize yourself with procedure, network with other grad students and scholars in your field, AND/OR present a paper.

FALL SEMESTER

• Take 2 courses, teach 2 courses.
• Visit advisor in person at least once during the semester.

WINTER BREAK

• Begin revising one of your seminar papers/independent study projects/creative pieces for submission to a journal; research the journals most suited to placement of your piece.
• Begin thinking about fields and texts for comprehensive examinations.
• Choose an advisor to supervise you through the doctoral examination process.
• Visit assigned 1st-year advisor in person at least once during the semester (at least to formally request doctoral exam supervision OR to notify that you are changing advisors).
• Summer teaching, if eligible.
• Continue revising paper/creative writing for submission to a journal.
• Begin reading for comprehensive exams.
• Attend one conference and present a paper. Apply for one-time funding for out-of-state travel  from Graduate Studies .
• Teach 2 courses; take 997 (exam prep).
• Finalize comps list by end of September; begin drafting rationales.
• Circulate the draft of your article/creative piece to your advisor, other faculty in the field, and/or advanced grad students in the field for suggestions.
• Revise article/creative piece with feedback from readers.
• Teach 2 courses; take 997 or 999 (dissertation hours). Enroll in 999 if you plan to take your comps this semester, even if you don’t take them until the last day of classes.
• Take comps sometime between January and May.
• Summer teaching, if available.
• Submit article/creative work for publication.
• Continuous enrollment after completing doctoral exam (full policy on p. 20)
• Research deadlines for grant applications—note deadlines come early in the year.
• Attend one conference and present a paper.
• Teach 2 courses, take 999.
• Compose dissertation proposal by November.
• Schedule Review of Dissertation Proposal (RDP—formerly DPR).
• Apply for at least one grant or fellowship, such as a departmental-level GRAship or dissertation fellowship. (Winning a full-year, non-teaching fellowship can cut down your years-to-degree to 5 ½, or even 5 years.)
• Conduct research for and draft at least 1 dissertation chapter.
• Conduct research and complete a draft of at least 1 dissertation chapter.
• Revise & resubmit journal article, if necessary.
• Attend 1st round of job market meetings with Job Placement Advisor (JPA) to start drafting materials and thinking about the process.
• Research and complete a draft of at least 1 dissertation chapter, if teaching (1-2 chapters if not).
• Visit dissertation chair  and  committee members in person at least once during the semester.
• Research and complete a draft of at least 1 dissertation chapter (1-2 chapters if not teaching).
• Apply for a departmental grant or fellowship, or, if already held, try applying for one from outside the department, such as those offered by KU’s Hall Center for the Humanities or the Office of Graduate Studies. For  a monthly list of funding opportunities , visit the Graduate Studies website.
• Research and complete a draft of at least 1 dissertation chapter.
• Attend job market meetings with JPA in earnest.
• Apply for external grants, research fellowships, postdoctoral positions with fall deadlines (previous fellowship applications, your dissertation proposal, and subsequent writing should provide a frame so that much of the application can be filled out with the “cut & paste” function).
• Research and complete a draft of at least 1 dissertation chapter (1-2 if not teaching).
• Visit dissertation chair and committee members in person at least once during the semester.
• Polish dissertation chapters.
• Apply for grants and fellowships with spring deadlines.
• Defend dissertation.

Creative Writing Faculty

• Associate Professor

• Professor of English & Environmental Studies

• Assistant Professor

Graduate Student Handbook

Customer Reviews

Can I Trust You With Other Assignments that aren't Essays?

The best way to complete a presentation speech is with a team of professional writers. They have the experience, the knowledge, and ways to impress your prof. Another assignment you can hire us for is an article review. Evaluating someone's work with a grain of salt cannot be easy, especially if it is your first time doing this. To summarize, article reviews are a challenging task. Good that you've found our paper service and can now drop your worries after placing an order. If reading 100-page-long academic articles and digging into every piece of information doesn't sound like something you'd want to do on a Sunday night, hire our essay writing company to do your research proposal. Are you struggling with understanding your professors' directions when it comes to homework assignments? Hire professional writers with years of experience to earn a better grade and impress your parents. Send us the instructions, and your deadline, and you're good to go. We're sure we have a professional paper writer with the skills to complete practically any assignment for you. We only hire native English speakers with a degree and 3+ years of experience, some are even uni professors.

Still not convinced? Check out the best features of our service:

Laura V. Svendsen

4 reasons to write my essay with us!

You are always welcome to check some of our previously done projects given on our website and then judge it for yourself. Apart from that, we can give you 4 significant reasons to be a part of our customer base:

• Only professional ‘my essay writer', who are highly qualified and a master in their academic field, will write for you
• Quality control is rigorously maintained by us and is thoroughly aligned with the given question brief and instructions.
• We will also provide you with a thorough Plagiarism report by the Turnitin software which will ensure the originality of the draft
• You are free to revise your draft with us till you are contented with the subject matter.

Avail our cheap essay writer service in just 4 simple steps

STEAM for Kids: Creative Writing Workshop For Kids

Kids! Come to the Kingsbridge Library where will will use our imaginations (and maybe some prompts) to write a short narrative story! 

• Audience: Children, School Age (5-12 years)

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Write down your thoughts and shred them to relieve anger, researchers say

Writing negative reactions on paper and shredding it or scrunching and throwing in the bin eliminates angry feelings, study finds

Since time immemorial humans have tried to devise anger management techniques.

In ancient Rome, the Stoic philosopher Seneca believed “my anger is likely to do me more harm than your wrong” and offered avoidance tips in his AD45 work De Ira (On Anger).

More modern methods include a workout on the gym punchbag or exercise bike. But the humble paper shredder may be a more effective – and accessible – way to decompress, according to research.

A study in Japan has found that writing down your reaction to a negative incident on a piece of paper and then shredding it, or scrunching it into a ball and throwing it in the bin, gets rid of anger.

“We expected that our method would suppress anger to some extent,” said Nobuyuki Kawai, lead researcher of the study at Nagoya University. “However, we were amazed that anger was eliminated almost entirely.”

The study, published in Scientific Reports on Nature , builds on research on the association between the written word and anger reduction as well as studies showing how interactions with physical objects can control a person’s mood. For instance, those wanting revenge on an ex-partner may burn letters or destroy gifts.

Researchers believe the shredder results may be related to the phenomenon of “backward magical contagion”, which is the belief that actions taken on an object associated with a person can affect the individuals themselves. In this case, getting rid of the negative physical entity, the piece of paper, causes the original emotion to also disappear.

This is a reversal of “magical contagion” or “celebrity contagion” – the belief that the “essence” of an individual can be transferred through their physical possessions.

Fifty student participants were asked to write brief opinions about an important social problem, such as whether smoking in public should be outlawed. Evaluators then deliberately scored the papers low on intelligence, interest, friendliness, logic, and rationality. For good measure, evaluators added insulting comments such as: “I cannot believe an educated person would think like this. I hope this person learns something while at the university.”

The wound-up participants then wrote down their angry thoughts on the negative feedback on a piece of paper. One group was told to either roll up the paper and throw it in a bin or keep it in a file on their desk. A second group was told to shred the paper, or put it in a plastic box.

Anger levels of the individuals who discarded their paper in the bin or shredded it returned to their initial state, while those who retained a hard copy of the paper experienced only a small decrease in their overall anger.

Researchers concluded that “the meaning (interpretation) of disposal plays a critical role” in reducing anger.

“This technique could be applied in the moment by writing down the source of anger as if taking a memo and then throwing it away,” said Kawai.

Along with its practical benefits, this discovery may shed light on the origins of the Japanese cultural tradition known as hakidashisara ( hakidashi sara refers to a dish or plate) at the Hiyoshi shrine in Kiyosu, just outside Nagoya. Hakidashisara is an annual festival where people smash small discs representing things that make them angry. The study’s findings may explain the feeling of relief that participants report after leaving the festival, the paper concluded.

More on this story

Fridge magnets can be cool aid to holiday memory recall, study finds

Want to skip that Christmas party? The host probably won’t mind, study shows

‘Succession syndrome’ prevalent among wealthy households, psychiatrists warn

Drugs and alcohol do not make you more creative, research finds

Why being rude to the waiter (or other staff) is the worst strategy

Authors of original dating profiles rated more attractive, research finds

I fear my children are overexposed to technology. Experts say I’m right to worry

I used to be ashamed of being a fangirl. Now I see how joyous and creative it was

Autistic scholar Temple Grandin: ‘The education system is screening out visual thinkers’

Human neurons transplanted into rats to help study brain disorders

Most viewed.