Courses and Syllabi

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.

Spring 2026

Undergraduate

300-Level Courses

ENGH 377: Digital Creative Writing (3 Credits)

Combined workshop and studio course in technological and aesthetic issues of reading and writing hypermedia texts with emphasis on poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, mixed genre, drama, or performance. Explores how genre meets hypertext and hypermedia in original creative work. Includes techniques in authoring interactive hypermedia projects using digital media tools. Notes: May include reading assignments in hypertext and hypermedia theory. Offered by English. Limited to three attempts.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 396 or permission of instructor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 377 - DL1: Digital Creative Writng — Suzanne Rigdon — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM MW - Online

ENGH 391: Forms of Poetry (3 Credits)

Intensive study of and practice in formal elements of poetry through analyzing models and weekly writing assignments. Depending upon specific instructor, can cover rhyme, meter, rhythm, lineation, stanza pattern, traditional and experimental forms, free verse and open-form composition, lyric, narrative, and dramatic modes. Offered by English. Limited to three attempts.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 396.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 391 - 001: Forms of Poetry — Sally Keith — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM M - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1405

ENGH 393: Forms of Nonfiction (3 Credits)

Intensive study of and practice in various forms of nonfiction writing, through analyzing models and completing weekly writing assignments. Includes in-depth discussion and practice in such forms as biographies, documentaries, editorials, interviews, reports, reviews, and essays. Offered by English. Limited to three attempts.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 396.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 393 - 001: Forms of Nonfiction — Scott W Berg — 04:30 PM to 05:45 PM M - Angel Cabrera Global Center - Hybrid

ENGH 396: Introduction to Creative Writing (3 Credits)

Assignments include writing exercises and original works of poetry and fiction. May also include drama or creative nonfiction. Includes reading assignments in covered genres, and may include oral presentations or in-class performance. Original student work read and discussed in class and conference with instructor. Offered by English. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts

Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

5 Sections Currently Scheduled »

ENGH 398: Fiction Writing (3 Credits)

Workshop course in reading and writing fiction. Original student work read and discussed in class and conferences with instructor. Includes technical exercises in craft of fiction; may include reading assignments. Offered by English. Limited to three attempts.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 396 or permission of instructor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

2 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 398 - 001: Fiction Writing — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - West Building 1001
ENGH 398 - 003: Fiction Writing — Carol Mitchell — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Thompson Hall L004

ENGH 399: Creative Nonfiction Writing (3 Credits)

Workshop in reading and writing of nonfiction that makes use of literary techniques normally thought of in context of fiction, such as evoking senses and use of dialog. Original student work read and discussed in class and conferences with instructor. Includes technical exercises in artful creating of nonfiction; may include reading assignments. Offered by English. Limited to three attempts.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 382 or ENGH 396, or permission of instructor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 399 - 001: Creative Nonfiction Writ — Steph Liberatore — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Aquia Building 219

400-Level Courses

ENGH 492: Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop (3 Credits)

Workshop; intensive practice in creative writing and study of creative process. Intended for students already writing original creative work. Notes: Enrollment is controlled. Submit 8-10 pages of fiction to instructor for review. May be repeated with permission of instructor. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGL 398/ENGH 398 and manuscript review.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 492 - 001: Adv Fiction Writing Wkshp — Laura Ellen Scott — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - David J. King Hall 2053

ENGH 495: Capstone and Thesis (3 Credits)

Presentations of original work for critique by peers and faculty. Students synthesize what they have learned during prior work in the program through workshops for final revisions of manuscripts for the BFA portfolio. Students submit the revised manuscripts as their final submission for evaluation by faculty. Students receive guidance in research methods as they investigate the lives of writers and learn the procedures for such tasks as submitting original work for publication and applying for jobs. Offered by English. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 396; ENGH 391, 392, or 393; ENGH 397, 398, and 399.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 495 - 001: Capstone and Thesis — Gregg Wilhelm — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 336

ENGH 497: Topics in Creative Writing (3 Credits)

Intensive practice in creative writing and study of creative process. Workshop course. Concentrates on specialized literary type other than short story or poetry such as playwriting, screenwriting, children's literature, travel literature, autobiography, gothic novel, or translation. Notes: For students already writing original creative work. Students must submit typed manuscript at least one week before registration. Offered by English. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 396 or equivalent and manuscript review. Enrollment is controlled. Contact instructor for manuscript guidelines.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

2 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 497 - DL1: Advanced Hypertext — Suzanne Rigdon — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW - Online
ENGH 497 - 003: Folklore and Fantasy — Debra Lattanzi Shutika — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Innovation Hall 207

Graduate

500-Level Courses

ENGH 513: Topics in Literary and Cultural Studies (3 Credits)

Intensive study of topics involving literary or other texts such as film, television, opera, and folklore. Notes: May be repeated with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: 15 credits of advanced undergraduate English courses and permission of department; or baccalaureate degree.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

3 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 513 - 001: Queering the Novel — Alexia Arthurs — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1302A
ENGH 513 - 002: Continuum of the Personal — Timothy Denevi — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Horizon Hall 1009
ENGH 513 - 003: Dystopian Fiction — Helon Habila Ngalabak — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM T - Innovation Hall 330

ENGH 591: Topics in Folklore Studies (3 Credits)

Explores folklore and folklife topics such as folk narrative and story telling, folklore and literature, folksong, and folk arts. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by English. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

3 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 591 - 001: Folklore, Migration & Dsplcmnt — Lisa Gilman — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Music Theater Building 1002
ENGH 591 - 003: Folklore and Museums — Lijun Zhang — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Innovation Hall 333
ENGH 591 - 002: Adv Intro Folklore & Folklife — Debra Lattanzi Shutika — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Aquia Building 346

600-Level Courses

ENGH 608: Craft Seminars (3 Credits)

Non-MFA students seeking permission must submit manuscript of original written work in appropriate genre. Various sections offer work in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, each focusing in different ways on the practices and the craft development of writers. Numerous writing assignments mixed with reading followed by careful analytical and craft discussions. Notes: Assignments vary with genre and specific topic. May be taken concurrently with ENGH 564, 565, 566. Offered by English. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to MFA program or ENGH 494, ENGH 492, ENGH 486, or permission of instructor. Non-MFA students must submit manuscript for review prior to registration.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

3 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 608 - 001: The Wonder of Point of View — Alexia Arthurs — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1306B
ENGH 608 - 002: Experimental Essay — Timothy Denevi — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1405
ENGH 608 - 003: Research-based Poetries — Vivek Narayanan — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM M - Peterson Hall 2408

ENGH 610: Proseminar in Teaching the Reading of Literature (3 Credits)

Methods of teaching literature. Includes study of methods of literary analysis, and ways of developing student responses to literature, with some classroom practice. Notes: Does not satisfy Virginia certification requirement in diagnostic or developmental reading. Offered by English. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

2 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 610 - 001: Prosem Teach Read of Lit — Lisa Koch — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Horizon Hall 3001
ENGH 610 - DL1: Prosem Teach Read of Lit — Michael G Malouf — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM R - Online

ENGH 615: Proseminar in Composition Instruction (3 Credits)

Methods of teaching expository writing. Includes consideration of planning courses, practice in teaching and grading papers, and study of recent developments in teaching writing. Offered by English. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 615 - 001: Composition Instruction — Courtney Adams Wooten — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM T - East Building 134

ENGH 616: Nonfiction Writing Workshop (1-6 Credits)

Intensive practice in craft of nonfiction and study of creative process. Intended for students already familiar with traditional and contemporary nonfiction, and already writing original nonfiction. Notes: At discretion of instructor, reading may be required. May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 565 which may be taken concurrently, and permission of instructor, except for MFA students in the concentration.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 616 - 001: Nonfiction Writing Wkshp — Kyoko Mori — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM W - Innovation Hall 211

ENGH 617: Poetry Writing Workshop (1-6 Credits)

Intensive practice in craft of poetry and study of creative process. Intended for students already familiar with traditional and contemporary poetic modes and already writing original poetry. Notes: At discretion of instructor, reading may be required. May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Registration is open only to students in the MFA program. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 564, which may be taken concurrently.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Creative Writing.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 617 - 001: Poetry Writing Workshop — Jennifer Atkinson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1306B

ENGH 618: Fiction Writing Workshop (1-6 Credits)

Intensive practice in craft of fiction and study of creative process. Intended for students already familiar with traditional and contemporary fiction and already writing original fiction. Notes: At discretion of instructor, reading may be required. May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 566, which may be taken concurrently or permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Creative Writing.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 618 - 001: Fiction Writing Workshop — Helon Habila Ngalabak — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 338

ENGH 661: Seminar in African-American Literature (3 Credits)

Intensive study of a period in African-American literature between 1800 and present with focus to be determined by instructor. Considers different genres including autobiography, fiction, drama, poetry, essays, and oral artifacts such as slave songs, spirituals, and hip-hop. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 661 - 001: Seminar African-American Lit — Stefan Wheelock — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1405

ENGH 670: Seminar in Film and Media Studies (3 Credits)

Advanced seminar in topics in visual representation including film, television, and video, and in theories of production and circulation of meanings in visual culture. Notes: May be repeated with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 670 - 001: Film Revolution — Jessica Scarlata — 04:30 PM to 05:45 PM MW - Music Theater Building 1004

ENGH 681: Advanced Topics in Folklore Studies (3 Credits)

Explores advanced folklore and folklife topics such as bodylore, sense of place, festival, folk drama, and folk narrative studies. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 12 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 681 - 001: Folklore Theory and History — Benjamin Gatling — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1306B

ENGH 685: Selected Topics, Movements, or Genres of Literature in English (3 Credits)

Content varies. Notes: May be repeated with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 685 - 001: Practice & Theory — Sally Keith — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Horizon Hall 1007

ENGH 699: Visiting Writers (1 Credit)

Craft seminars, educational tours, independent studies, and special seminars dealing with selected topics in writing, linguistics, film, electronic media, and literature written in English. Notes: All tours are optional, and may be replaced by specified work conducted on campus. Offered by English. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 3 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to MFA program or permission of department.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Creative Writing.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

3 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 699 - 001: Fiction — Courtney Angela Brkic - 9900 Main Street
ENGH 699 - 002: Nonfiction — Timothy Denevi - 9900 Main Street
ENGH 699 - 003: Poetry — Sally Keith - 9900 Main Street

Courses and Syllabi

Spring 2026

Undergraduate

300-Level Courses

ENGH 377: Digital Creative Writing (3 Credits)

ENGH 391: Forms of Poetry (3 Credits)

ENGH 393: Forms of Nonfiction (3 Credits)

ENGH 396: Introduction to Creative Writing (3 Credits)

ENGH 398: Fiction Writing (3 Credits)

ENGH 399: Creative Nonfiction Writing (3 Credits)

400-Level Courses

ENGH 492: Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop (3 Credits)

ENGH 495: Capstone and Thesis (3 Credits)

ENGH 497: Topics in Creative Writing (3 Credits)

Graduate

500-Level Courses

ENGH 513: Topics in Literary and Cultural Studies (3 Credits)

ENGH 591: Topics in Folklore Studies (3 Credits)

600-Level Courses

ENGH 608: Craft Seminars (3 Credits)

ENGH 610: Proseminar in Teaching the Reading of Literature (3 Credits)

ENGH 615: Proseminar in Composition Instruction (3 Credits)

ENGH 616: Nonfiction Writing Workshop (1-6 Credits)

ENGH 617: Poetry Writing Workshop (1-6 Credits)

ENGH 618: Fiction Writing Workshop (1-6 Credits)

ENGH 661: Seminar in African-American Literature (3 Credits)

ENGH 670: Seminar in Film and Media Studies (3 Credits)

ENGH 681: Advanced Topics in Folklore Studies (3 Credits)

ENGH 685: Selected Topics, Movements, or Genres of Literature in English (3 Credits)

ENGH 699: Visiting Writers (1 Credit)

700-Level Courses

ENGH 751: Advanced Workshop in Fiction Writing (1-6 Credits)

Topics Courses

ENGH 681: Advanced Topics in Folklore Studies (3 Credits)