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.

Fall 2025

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 — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW - Online

ENGH 392: Forms of Fiction (3 Credits)

Intensive practice in the elements and forms of fiction, through analyzing models and completing weekly writing assignments. Covers short stories, short-shorts, longer narratives, and such elements as plot, narrative technique, dialogue, point of view, voice and style, along with tools such as evocation, description, and epiphany. 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 392 - 001: Forms of Fiction — Kara Oakleaf — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Thompson Hall 1017

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 397: Poetry Writing (3 Credits)

Workshop in reading, writing poetry. Original student work read and discussed in class and conferences with instructor. Technical exercises in craft of poetry; 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.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 397 - 001: Poetry Writing — Taylor Franson Thiel — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1306B

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 — Lyz Duesterhoeft — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Thompson Hall 2022
ENGH 398 - 002: Fiction Writing — Mckenan Mckenan Bundy — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Angel Cabrera Global Center 1320B

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 - 002: 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 - 002: Adv Fiction Writing Wkshp — Laura Ellen Scott — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - David J. King Hall 2053

ENGH 493: Advanced Workshop in Nonfiction (3 Credits)

Workshop in varieties of nonfiction, along with creative process and techniques such as research and interview methods. Includes reading and writing of essays, biographies, autobiographies, travel, journalism, etc. Notes: Registration is controlled. Submit 8-10 pages of nonfiction to instructor for review. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 396, ENGH 399.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 493 - 001: Advanced Workshop Nonfiction — Scott W Berg — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - Music Theater Building 1008

ENGH 494: Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop (3 Credits)

Intensive practice in the craft of poetry and study of the imagination in creative process. Intended for students already writing original poetry. Notes: Enrollment is controlled. Submit 8-10 pages of poetry 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 397/ENGH 397 and manuscript review.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 494 - 001: Adv Poetry Writing Workshop — Emily Tuszynska — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - East Building 134

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 - Research Hall 202

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 - 001: Poetry Daily — Sally Keith — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM M - Innovation Hall 131
ENGH 497 - 002: Writing Suspense — Art Taylor — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Research Hall 202

Graduate

500-Level Courses

ENGH 511: Graduate Literature Survey (3 Credits)

Advanced survey of selected genres, periods, areas, styles, and theoretical issues in literature. Notes: Baccalaureate degree highly recommended. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: 15 credits of advanced undergraduate work and approval of the department. Baccalaureate degree highly recommended.

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 511 - 001: Medieval Plague Literature — Jacqueline M. Burek — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - East Building 134

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.

2 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 513 - 002: The Short Story — Helon Habila Ngalabak — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Horizon Hall 4001
ENGH 513 - 003: Nature Writing — Kyoko Mori — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM W - Innovation Hall 328

ENGH 564: Form of Poetry (3 Credits)

Students seeking permission must submit typed manuscript of original poetry. Intensive study of and practice in formal elements of poetry through analyzing models and weekly or biweekly writing assignments. Intended for students already writing original poetry. Covers rhyme, meter, rhythm, lineation, stanza pattern, traditional and experimental forms, free verse and open-form composition, lyric, narrative, and dramatic modes. Notes: Other interested students should contact the English Department at (703) 993-1180. Offered by English. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to MFA concentration in poetry; ENGH 494 or equivalent, 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 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 564 - 001: Form of Poetry — Sally Keith — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Innovation Hall 330

ENGH 565: Forms of Nonfiction (3 Credits)

Intensive study of and practice in various forms of nonfiction writing through analyzing models and weekly writing assignments. Includes biographies, documentaries, editorials, interviews, reports, reviews, and essays. Notes: Other interested graduate students should contact the English Department at (703) 993-2763. Offered by English. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to MFA concentration in nonfiction; ENGH 486 or equivalent, 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 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 565 - 001: Forms of Nonfiction — Timothy Denevi — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Horizon Hall 3001

ENGH 566: Forms of Fiction (3 Credits)

Students seeking permission must submit typed manuscript of original fiction. Intensive practice in formal elements of fiction through analyzing models and weekly or biweekly writing assignments. Intended for students already writing original fiction. Covers description, narration, plot, dialogue, voice, point of view, style, epiphany, and antifiction techniques. Notes: Other interested graduate students should contact the English Department at (703) 993-1180. Offered by English. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 492 or equivalent 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 566 - 001: Forms of Fiction — Alexia Arthurs — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Horizon Hall 4001

ENGH 570: Graduate Survey in Film and Media Studies (3 Credits)

Advanced survey of topics in film and media including theories of production and the 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 9 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 570 - 001: Streaming Media — Hatim El-Hibri — 05:55 PM to 07:10 PM TR - Hanover Hall L002

ENGH 590: Topics in Folk Narrative (3 Credits)

Explores types of folk narratives such as mythology, folktale, fairy tale, legend, family narrative, personal narrative. Focuses on tales from around the world. Considers aspects of storytelling such as storytelling as performance, storytelling as therapeutic modality, and storytelling during crises and conflicts. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 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 590 - 001: Folk Narratives: Past & Presnt — Lijun Zhang — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Thompson Hall 2022

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.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 591 - 002: Public Folklore — Lisa Gilman — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Horizon Hall 1007

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.

4 Sections Currently Scheduled »

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 — Courtney Angela Brkic — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 139

ENGH 642: Seminar in British Literature (3 Credits)

Intensive study of a selected period, movement, or genre in British or world Anglophone literature. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 24 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 642 - 001: Virginia Woolf — Michael G Malouf — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Music Theater Building 1002

ENGH 644: Seminar in American Literature (3 Credits)

Intensive study of a selected period, movement, or genre in American literature. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 24 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 644 - 001: Toni Morrison — Stephanie Rambo — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Krug Hall 210

ENGH 684: Proseminar in Poetry (3 Credits)

For students working on independent reading and research in poetry. Designed for students preparing to take the MFA reading exam in poetry but open to others with comparable reading projects in poetry. 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 Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

ENGH 684 - 001: Proseminar in Poetry — Vivek Narayanan — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Innovation Hall 328

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 — Alexia Arthurs
ENGH 699 - 002: Nonfiction — Timothy Denevi
ENGH 699 - 003: Poetry — Vivek Narayanan

700-Level Courses

ENGH 750: Advanced Workshop in Poetry Writing (3 Credits)

Intensive practice in craft of poetry for experienced writers. Notes: May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to MFA concentration in poetry, ENGH 564, and ENGH 617.

Registration Restrictions:

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

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree 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 750 - 001: Adv Wkshp Poetry Writing — Vivek Narayanan — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Innovation Hall 139

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

Intensive practice in craft of fiction for experienced writers. Notes: May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 566 and ENGH 618.

Registration Restrictions:

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

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree 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.

2 Sections Currently Scheduled

ENGH 751 - 001: Adv Wrkshp Fiction Wrtng — Alexia Arthurs — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Krug Hall 209
ENGH 751 - 002: Adv Wrkshp Fiction Wrtng — Courtney Angela Brkic — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 139

ENGH 752: Advanced Workshop in Nonfiction Writing (1-6 Credits)

Intensive practice in craft of nonfiction for experienced writers. Notes: May be repeated for credit with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 565 and ENGH 616.

Registration Restrictions:

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

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree 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 752 - 001: Adv Wkshp Nonfict Writng — Timothy Denevi — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Innovation Hall 139