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ginnysmp

Oct 24, 2005, 7:14 PM

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programs that encourage study of multiple genres?	Can't Post

Does anyone know of programs that allow students to either take workshops in both poetry and fiction (my interests) or otherwise encourage engagement with both genres? I know some MFA programs allow a dual concentration, and I've found a few schools in my research that allow one to workshop outside their chosen genre and/or declare a "secondary focus" (U Texas, Brown, U Irvine). But I am curious if any other writers who are equally committed to the craft of fiction and poetry have any insights into this matter. I am planning on applying to six schools in each genre and letting fate take over from there, but more information that would allow me to advance from my current strategy of gambling/guesswork/fatalism, and possibly target schools that would not force me to choose between the two, would be much appreciated!

caligula jones

Oct 25, 2005, 7:10 PM

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Re: [ginnysmp] programs that encourage study of multiple genres?	Can't Post

dear ginnysmp,
i really only have one suggestion you may not have considered--you can get a master's degree in the humanities at the university of chicago, and work on a "creative thesis" (i.e. novel or book of poetry). when you finish your degree, you have a completed manuscript. this option of course has a thrust in academic learning rather than being workshop heavy, but i think, if you are focused anyway, that allows you to focus with even greater intensity on what already inspires you as a writer.
their web site is really frustrating and complicated (in my opinion) but work your way through it if you can!
xo,
caligula jones

sovietsleepover

Oct 31, 2005, 2:44 PM

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Re: [ginnysmp] programs that encourage study of multiple genres?	Can't Post

Univ. of Indiana also offers secondary concentrations.

edwriter

Nov 15, 2005, 8:51 PM

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Re: [ginnysmp] programs that encourage study of multiple genres?	Can't Post

If I'm reading the info. on the web page correctly, the new program at Adelphi will encourage (if not require?) study of multiple genres:

"The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing offers students the opportunity to specialize in three major genres: fiction, poetry, and playwriting. This cross-genre program is distinctive from the traditional two-genre M.F.A. programs in which students study either fiction or poetry."

http://academics.adelphi.edu/artsci/creativewriting/

Best,
Erika D.

Quiet Americans: Stories
http://www.erikadreifus.com

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Nov 15, 2005, 9:53 PM

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Re: [edwriter] programs that encourage study of multiple genres?	Can't Post

Sounds to me more as though you get to choose one of three, as opposed to the traditional one of two (although people at my MFA program could choose from at least four).

dmh

Poetry: It's not just for sissies any more.

Difficult Listening, Sundays from ten to noon (Central time), at http://www.radiofreenashville.org/.

http://home.comcast.net/~david.m.harris/site/

candyann

Nov 16, 2005, 4:07 PM

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Re: [ginnysmp] programs that encourage study of multiple genres?	Can't Post

Apologies if this is old information...I'm in Canada and there is a new MFA program beginning Fall 2006 from the University of Guelph. It will actually be based in Toronto on the Humber campus. The Humber School for Writers is very well known and respected here. In regards to your question, the Guelph-Humber program will not only allow, but require, work in multiple genres. In fact, writing samples are required in at least two.

My suggestion in general would be: further research and don't give up to fit into a program's expectations. There are many different programs out there and you should find one that fits what you truly want out of writing. I think if I am going to invest the time and effort into a master's degree in the arts, it has to be worth it.

thee swimmer

Nov 16, 2005, 9:42 PM

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Re: [candyann] programs that encourage study of multiple genres?	Can't Post

The University of British Columbia is home to Canada's oldest MFA program. They require 3 genres (only 2 for the application process) and they have a brand new LO-RES option.

www.creativewriting.ubc.ca

jbaumel
Judith Baumel

Dec 2, 2005, 5:58 PM

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Re: [pongo] programs that encourage study of multiple genres?	Can't Post

Re: the new program at Adelphi, yes, you can take workshops in any of the three genres we offer (poetry, fiction, playwriting). We are encouraging exchanges across genre borders. -- Judith Baumel, director

http://academics.adelphi.edu/artsci/creativewriting/

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