Creative Thesis Projects (MENG 6950)
As specified in the course catalog, MENG 6950 provides for the creation and execution of a project growing out of graduate study. This independent thesis course is designed to allow students to explore in depth and/or breadth subject matter which goes beyond the established courses in the MA program. As such, a Master’s Project proposal should be detailed, specific, and demonstrate a time commitment equal to that expected of students taking regularly
scheduled courses.
Students must have successfully completed three Master’s-level classes in creative writing (Forms & Crafts, and at least two workshops in Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, or Screenwriting). All students choosing this option will write a 10-12 page (2500-3000 words) critical introduction that references project-relevant texts and courses taken in the MA English Program. Thesis projects are expected to approach publication quality!
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Thesis Project Attachments
Creative Writing Thesis Project Proposal Form (DOCX)
In consultation with your committee chair, please attach the following:
- A detailed description of the project, the themes, genres, styles, issues, and ideas it engages, and the primary focus or form(s) you will explore.
- A preliminary bibliography: list the primary and secondary texts that may influence the project. The amount of reading must be the same as the amount required in a face-to-face creative writing class of equivalent credit hours. Creative thesis projects are expected to focus predominantly (or entirely) on primary texts that have influenced you.
- A detailed description of the written work that will be completed. Include particulars (e.g., number of manuscript pages, etc.).
Guidelines for written work are as follows:
Prose Theses
- 3 Credits: 35-40 pages of finished work + critical introduction
- 6 Credits: 70-80 pages of finished work + critical introduction
Poetry Theses
- 3 Credits: 20-25 poems or pages of poetry + critical introduction
- 6 Credits: 40-50 poems or pages of poetry + critical introduction
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Critical Introductions
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Poetry Thesis Projects
In addition to the critical introduction, a 3-credit hour poetry thesis should include 20-25 poems or pages of poetry (depending upon formatting, etc.). Additional credit hours will require an additional number of poems/pages of poetry, with a 6-credit hour thesis requiring 40-50 poems/pages of poetry.
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Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Projects
In addition to the critical introduction, a 3-credit hour prose thesis should include 35-40 pages of finished work. Additional credit hours will require additional pages, with a 6-credit hour thesis requiring 70-80 pages of finished work.