Curriculum

Students select four courses (12 credits) from the many creative writing courses offered by the Writing Program every semester. At least two of the courses must be Riggio program workshops. In a writing workshop, an experienced writer-teacher works closely with students on their manuscripts, providing guidance in the creative acts of revision and self-editing. Class sessions are devoted mainly to discussion of students' writing. The workshops also require a substantial amount of reading of work by great authors, selected to help student writers by example. Students can select workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, writing for children, developing craft, and journalism. Courses taken in writing fundamentals or composition cannot be used to fulfill Riggio program requirements.

Students take four approved literature courses (12 credits). Students select courses from the Literature, Culture and Democracy subject area. The 12th Street Journal and certain university lecture courses also count toward the literature seminar requirement. These courses provide a rigorous introduction to literary research and the skills of close reading and critical analysis.

Students must register for the Writer's Life Colloquium (a two-credit course) for one semester. The colloquium reflects the wide range of cultural activity at The New School and the belief that students benefit from exposure to a variety of voices and genres. It is an ongoing series of readings, lectures, and conversations with visiting writers, scholars, journalists, and writing teachers. Active participation in the colloquium consists of attendance at a minimum of eight events during the semester.

Riggio Honors Program students complete a thesis project as the culmination of their studies. Each student works one-on-one with a faculty mentor to produce 30 pages of finished poetry or 50 pages of finished prose. Before registering for the Honors Thesis, contact Laura Cronk at [email protected] to confirm that you have completed the required coursework and to receive the CRN for your faculty advisor.

Students who register for Riggio Honors Thesis must also register for Thesis Colloquium. This noncredit, online workshop helps students writing a thesis manage the practical aspects of completing the work. It is also designed to build community among student writers and support the transition from student to writer in the world.

Students must apply as editors or readers to register for the 12th Street editing seminar. Contact Laura Cronk at [email protected] with questions or to apply. The 12th Street editing seminar counts as an honors literature seminar in the Riggio program curriculum.