Literary Theory vs. Creative Writing

<p>I'm torn between these two emphases within the English major. I previously was only interested in literary theory: reading classic literature, interpreting and analyzing it, etc. However, I am fairly interested in poetry as well and am starting to think it is important to add your own layer of writing to your educational experience. Which of the two do you think would teach you write better overall? Which would prepare you better for graduate school?</p>

<p>I’m a creative writing major, so I’m clearly biased. </p>

<p>It really depends on what kind of graduate program you’re looking for-- are you thinking about going for an MFA in creative writing or a MA or PHD in English? </p>

<p>I think you’ll certainly improve your own work by taking the opportunity to take creative writing classes and work with students and faculty in a workshop setting. It will better help you articulate the strengths and weaknesses of your own writing, but it will also better your own analysis of writing and how to articulate your critiques while you are workshopping the work of others.</p>

<p>Right now, I’m thinking more law school or potentially a PHD. But honestly, that could change in the course of four years. I really just want to refine my writing ability during undergrad. I think either way I will try to take both types of courses to get a more balanced approach, but I’m trying to single out one as my main emphasis beforehand.</p>

<p>It might just happen naturally, the same way minors happen. Try classes in both and keep taking the classes you like.</p>

<p>I’m a history major with a minor or double major in literature and I am too thinking hard about law school. I was considering creative writing as well but I thought it was a little but funny to take creative writing to prepare for law school. More realistic in way maybe, Ha.</p>