A student desiring to exercise the creative thesis option should include in her or his proposal evidence of previous work in creative writing and/or a significant sample of work in the proposed genre. The thesis director and two additional readers, who shall be appropriately qualified, must approve the proposal. The writing sample should meet the following minimum guidelines:

    Poetry: 10 poems.

    Short Story: One story draft of at least 20 pages and plans for the remaining stories. 

    Novel: One or more chapter draft(s) of at least 20 pages and a plan for the remainder of the book.

    Creative Nonfiction: One or more chapter draft(s) of at least 20 pages and a plan for the remainder of the book.

    Screenplay: The Act I draft of 25 to 30 pages and a plan for the remainder of the script.

    Drama: At least 20 pages of draft script and a plan for the remainder of the play or plays.

Creative Thesis Requirements:

1. It must be original creative work, of standard first book length, in a specified genre.  In addition, the student will provide a record of the writing process and demonstrate knowledge of contemporary literature in the genre.

2.  The core manuscript minimum length requirements are:

    Poetry:  64 pages

    Short Stories:  150 pages (37,000 to 40,000 words)

    Novel:  200 pages (50,000 words)

    Creative Nonfiction:  200 pages (50,000 words)

    Screenplay:  120 pages

    Drama:  100 pages (At least one reader from the Theatre Department.)     

3.  The thesis must include a chapter of approximately 20 pages, documenting the process of composition. This may include discussion of invention strategies, arrangement strategies,stylistic concerns, and efforts or plans toward publication.

4. The thesis must include a chapter of approximately 20 pages, discussing how this body of work fits into the contemporary literary discourse community. The student will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of major contemporary authors and works in the genre.