Which is better for creative writers? (Emory’s english and creative writing vs JHU writing seminars)
which is better in terms of location, student body personalities, activities, academics in science, anthropology, sociology?
anything else that’s relevant
also, can writing seminar majors double major easily?
THANKS!
I can’t speak for JHU (which is a highly regarded school for writers) but my D is a double major (junior this year) at Emory in Spanish and creative writing. Many Emory students double major, it’s not unusual at all. My D changed her mind several times about the second major and didn’t start taking upper level writing courses until sophomore spring and had to apply to the CW program for acceptance first. Since she’s in Spain this fall, she’ll be able to finish all her Spanish requirements, and concentrate on finishing the writing coursework. Emory isn’t much for hand-holding: my D has had to be pro-active about opportunities but has found faculty to be helpful once they know you’re interested. They do well in preparing students for Fulbright applications and other post-graduate study.
The Creative Writing dept. sponsors a no. of annual writing contests and hosts writing fellows for residencies (my D had a demanding but inspiring visiting professor) and famous faculty for visits. Salaman Rushdie was supposed to visit my D’s class last spring but had a conflict at the last minute.
Emory’s campus is in a prime location 5-6 miles outside of Atlanta in one of the city’s prettiest suburbs and considered relatively safe.
Emory has one of the most diverse campuses both racially and economically for a top private university in the US. The college awards merit scholarships to attract students who might otherwise pay full freight at Ivies. Performing arts are much better attended than sports (although swimming and volleyball are strong) and Greek life is not overwhelming at Emory (30%.) Like many top colleges, Emory has a fair no. of rich, entitled students (students on CC keep asking about it) but my D’s been able to make strong friendships outside such circles. We’re middle class and she works an ESL job part-time.
Thanks a lot for the helpful reply! Is your daughter taking writing courses with Natasha Trethewey, Lynna Williams, and the rest of the faculty? Overall, how does she like creative writing and English there? Also, do you happen know how rich the arts culture at Atlanta around Emory is? Thanks!
She hasn’t taken any poetry courses yet. Besides some freshman writing seminars, she’s had Intro & Intermediate Fiction with Levinson (no longer there), Shakespeare with Cavanaugh, and Children’s Lit. with Mandy Suhr-Sytsma. She really liked Levinson, who had high expectations and was brutally honest (a tough grader which didn’t make him very popular.) She has been pretty happy so far with the CW/English courses she’s taken.
My D is a cellist in Emory’s orchestra, and the Schwartz Center for the Arts is a major stop for international renowned musicians on tour. Emory students can attend Atlanta Symphony and the Schwartz concerts for student rates. Emory’s orchestra director is also a composer who has had several premieres with the ASO. Singing is popular on campus (lots of a cappella groups, the Indigo Girls are Emory alumni) and there are numerous professional choirs as well. Both Emory’s Carlos Museum and the High Museum are known for their high standards and interesting exhibits. There’s the Atlanta Opera and Ballet as well.