Writing
Students in writing produce sophisticated texts through creative writing, journalism, rhetoric, screen writing, nonfiction prose, new media, and literature.
A closeup of a writer’s work on a laptop during a writing marathon. The event was organized by Lee Upton, writer in residence and professor of English.
Students have opportunities to write for the The Lafayette, to participate in internships, and to submit work for the Marquis Literary Magazine. Writing concentrators are also well positioned to apply to be writing associates and work with the College Writing Program.
Lafayette’s English faculty is composed of dedicated scholars whose individual research interests help create a dynamic, give-and-take experience in the classroom. An active, creative faculty makes for interesting discussions, readings, and writing assignments. Moreover, contemporary writers across the genres visit our classes, give special readings or talks, and generously share their work with us. In recent years, Lafayette has hosted the likes of George Saunders, Dave Eggers, Maxine Clair, Paul Muldoon, Wole Soyinka, Toni Morrison, Jay Parini, John Updike, Julia Alvarez, Sherman Alexie, Peter Carey, Art Spiegelman, Tony Kushner, and Sam Lipsyte.
Elizabeth Kolbert, staff writer for The New Yorker and award-winning author of The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, delivered the annual Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Visiting Lecture in Colton Chapel.
The writing concentration has prepared students to establish careers in journalism, public relations, screenwriting, and academics. Prospective students can learn more about the creative writing program here and about the course requirements here.