After successfully participating in the ENG-642 residency, students begin ENG-643 Advanced Independent Writing and Reading: Emphasizing the Creative Thesis Collection. The student and assigned mentor create an Independent Study Plan, which includes five extensive assignments of original creative writing culminating in the completion of the creative thesis, and an individualized reading list. In addition to the work on the creative thesis, the plan also includes new writing to help establish a transition to the writing life after the MFA is awarded to the student. During the independent study, students in every genre submit five packets to their mentors, at scheduled intervals, containing a cover letter and a specified amount of material that includes new and revised work. The mentor replies to each student’s packet on an individual basis. ENG-643 students participate in Thesis Discussions. Students submit midsession and end- of-independent-study evaluations and a cumulative bibliography of books and scripts read.

Prerequisite courses:ENG-642 or equivalent and permission of Program Director or Associate Program Director