The Death of the English Degree, Brought on by Critical Analysis

[TheBlackAdder]

11. With the exception of playwriting and music, most BFA & MFA limit Creative Writing skills.

Playwriting is classified as a BFA course, even though plays are interpreted by BA English programs.

Lyrics are another cross-department skill where BFA students are exposed, but the foundation for them are in BA English.


I wasn't saying that a person who is in a BA English program should master playwriting, having taken a BFA Play Analysis course myself, I believe they should be exposed to some of the skills of playwriting while they are being exposed to the works. The same goes for poetry, and prose works which can be seen as a BFA subject even though they are covered in BA English. BA English includes Creative Writing courses and the next path is to jump from a BA English to an MFA English workshop program. In doing so, the BA English students are at a disadvantage, since they do not have the foundation. The BFA students are at a disadvantage because many of the subjects in the MFA are supposedly covered in the BA English program.


There is a hole in the educational coverage between BFA and BA English programs, only filled when the student goes for an MFA.

The main point I was making is that, while critical analysis is important for a BA English program, it should not be so myopic.

Back in the 1970's and early 1980's, BA English covered these. Now, almost not at all.