Program Overview

Creative Writing

Students who major in our Creative Writing Program will experience the breadth of a liberal arts education combined with rigorous studio training. Creative writing at Oberlin emphasizes individual mentoring at the advanced level through small, juried workshops, and independent projects directed by program faculty. The major focuses on five genres—fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting—yet offers opportunities for cross-disciplinary work with other arts.

Ethiopian woman writer standing at podium smiling. — Noted poets and writers such as novelist Maaza Mengiste are often invited to speak to students in the Creative Writing Program.

Photo credit: Jack Lichtenstein ’23

Program Facts

Program Type: Major, Minor
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department: Creative Writing

Acting Chair

David Walker,
Visiting Emeritus Professor of English and Creative Writing

Contact

Joyce Marshall, Administrative Assistant
440-775-6567
creativewriting@oberlin.edu

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Winter Term

Oberlin’s four-week winter term in January encourages students to discover the value of self-directed education. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Complete your project on or off campus.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Senate, Chess Club, the Synapse, and the Oberlin Review—these are among the more than 175 student groups and clubs available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.

Creative Writing Faculty

Our faculty are accomplished writers and poets who devote their careers to making important contributions to their disciplines. Their expertise covers five genres—fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting.They are committed to undergraduate education and teach first-year seminars as well as advanced courses.

Explore Faculty within Creative Writing

Emily Barton

Assistant Professor of Creative Writing
Chanda Feldman

Assistant Professor of Creative Writing
DeSales Harrison

Associate Professor of English
Thomas Israel Hopkins

Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing
Allegra Hyde

Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing
Lynn Powell

Director, Oberlin Writers in the Schools (WITS)
No Photo Available

Robin Beth Schaer

Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing
David Walker

Visiting Emeritus Professor of English and Creative Writing