<p>How is UC Berkeley for someone who wants to focus on Creative writing?
I know that Cal does not have a creative writing major (only a minor) but I was planning on majoring in Interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in the arts/creative writing. How strong is the program there? Will I be better just going to another school?</p>
<p>A lot of things factor into this decision. I’d say the most important criterion is how much you’re paying. If you’re talking out of state tuition with any amount of loans, I’d be disinclined to recommend coming here for something like Creative Writing or English. If you’re paying in-state tuition I think it’s a much safer deal. </p>
<p>What other schools are you considering?</p>
<p>I would have to agree with UnsureOnLife on the financial stuff when thinking about coming to UCB for the purposes of creative writing (esp. if you’re from out-of-state). Even though Cal has a minor in it, the amount of classes that offer creative writing are pretty small and you’ll also be competing for open seats with students from many majors (that aren’t in the arts) who also want to take creative writing courses, so they fill up fast. To pay such a large tuition for access to a few creative writing courses might be worrisome. The lack of creative writing courses was probably one of the things that I was disappointed by most in coming to UCB (which is a small complaint since I thoroughly enjoyed my classes and the general environment here). </p>
<p>But the lack of a major in creative writing isn’t surprising since UCB is mainly a research institution and the English department(and other Liberal Arts disciplines there) are no different. Most of the professors and graduate student instructors in UCB’s humanities departments were mainly researchers, and wrote theoretical or research stuff rather than artistic and creative works. Also, most of my undergrad classmates were of the research and practical mind-set (wanted to go to grad school to teach or go into law, etc.) rather than the creative mind-set. </p>
<p>But don’t take the small amount of creative classes (and professors) as words of discouragement on UCB’s creative writing, there are a few student groups on campus that do creative writing and other artsy stuff. So, what’s lacking in official classes is made up by things like student groups, DeCals (classes run by other students), and random workshops. To make up for the lack of creative classes, I joined a few students groups and even went to lead some workshops. Also there are still quite a few notable creative figures at UCB, such as the poet Robert Hass, writer/novelist Melanie Abrams, novelist Vikram Chandra, and the prolific writer Joyce Carol Oates (although I think she’s only a temporary/visiting professor). And there’s also the Art Practice major to get into painting and other visual arts (but I can’t really speak on it since I wasn’t able to take a class in the department). So, program-wise, if you’re into their novels and works, then UCB should be alluring. But you should still ask yourself on why you want to go into creative writing? (Which specific form/genre/idea?) And which school/professors/environment you think will help you do that for the next few years?</p>
<p>Whatever college and major you decide, the great thing about creative writing is that it’s something we can do on our own time and still major in anything. Well, sorry for the lengthy comment, I hope it was helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions on UCB’s creative writing courses or the English major.</p>
<p>Btw, I recently started a blog that explores writing (and to keep honing my writing skills), you should check it out and let me know what you think!: [Jon</a> x 5 | On Writing and Stuff](<a href=“Private Site”>http://jonx5.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/) . Good luck at Cal and keep on writing!</p>
<p>Good observations and solid considerations from the replies above^.</p>
<p>On the plus side, the town of Berkeley has many good writers who live and write there. Some are even world famous. If creative writing is something you want to do <em>in addition</em> to scholarly pursuit, (and that is the best way to do it, IMO) Berkeley is an amazing place.</p>
<p>Yes, you’re totally right, 205mom! The town of Berkeley (and the SF/Bay Area in general) was actually a big factor in what made me decide to come to Berkeley. The Berkeley environment for art is pretty awesome: when classes are over, you can do an internship or participate in a student group, and afterward you can catch your favorite live band at the Greek Theater (a 10-20 min. walking distance, depending on which part of the campus you’re at), and then go a local community event or BART to SF. It’s a pretty cool place if you take advantage of the environment and don’t overload on too many classes (or extracurriculars).</p>
<p>i majored in creative writing back in '10 and i am now living on telegraph avenue with my dog</p>