The writing program at Lehigh has a relatively open structure. This permits students to design a course of study that meets their individual needs, with few restrictions or requirements. Students can choose among offerings in several departments and participate in a variety of activities associated with creative writing. With a bit of initiative, students can weave an individually-crafted program in writing into the fabric of their undergraduate education at Lehigh.

Students who are English majors tend to take most of their writing courses in that department. Although the nine courses that are required for an English major must be in literature, not writing, many majors take more than the minimum of 34 credit hours, often including writing courses as electives. The English Department offers two levels of creative writing courses: Creative Writing Workshop (174) and Advanced Creative Writing Workshop (373). These are eclectic courses combining both mainstream and experimental modes of writing, so that students are exposed to some of the key aesthetic and formal issues confronting contemporary literary artists. The department also offers a course in Personal Writing (173), a course which typically focuses on aesthetic and ethical issues in the writing of creative nonfiction. We also offer a course called Special Topics in Writing (201) that focuses on approaches not covered in other courses. Some recent topics have been: "Writing Nature,'" "Writing Work,'" "Writing American Short Stories,'" "Introduction to Script Writing,'" "Life Writing,'" and "Writing About Popular Culture.'"

The department regularly offers two courses in expository writing: Writing For Audiences (171) and The Essay (347). Other departments also offer writing courses that students will find useful and interesting; for example, the Journalism Department offers sports writing, environmental writing, feature writing, etc. Students can also arrange to take writing courses at sister colleges in the Lehigh Valley, with certain restrictions. In addition, many students find that a Writing Internship (281), either during the academic year or summer, affords another opportunity to hone their writing skills and to develop a portfolio of published work. On occasion, we have offered courses in practical writing in conjunction with local companies, such as Writing For Rodale, a course taught jointly by a Lehigh professor and a company executive.

Lehigh also sponsors a number of events and activities that are important for creative writing students. Every semester there are readings by published writers, including both nationally-recognized authors and local writers who are producing fine work. In addition to giving public readings, these visiting writers often come to classes and meet with students. There is also a series of public readings by Lehigh writers, including undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty. Known as the Drown Writers' Series (a title which reflects the name of the English Department building, Drown Hall), the series offers writers a forum for presenting their work to a supportive audience. Lehigh also publishes a creative writing magazine, Amaranth, and sponsors an annual contest to recognize excellence in writing.

The students and faculty who are affiliated with writing at Lehigh are diverse in their interests but united in their commitment to the creative process. Although there is no formal minor or track in creative writing, students are encouraged to devise an individualized program–a sequence of courses and activities that can lead to solid credentials and a strong portfolio of creative work.