What is nonfiction and how can can I focus on it at Lang?
Students in our nonfiction program write in a variety of modes – creative nonfiction, essays, reportage, memoir, travel writing, graphic novels, poetic texts, cultural critiques, “think pieces,” and hybrid work that can’t easily be categorized.
Sometimes they tell their own stories, and sometimes they tell stories they find in the wider world, or explore ideas.
What’s the difference between the Lang nonfiction program and the Journalism + Design program?
Generally, students who want to explore the expressive powers of language or develop an individual sensibility – become Nonfiction majors. Some of our students take classes in both programs.
Journalism + Design is an interdisciplinary program with Parsons merging design thinking with journalistic principles and practice.
Do I have to be a writing major or minor to take nonfiction classes?
No! Students from other Lang departments and from Parsons, NSPE, and Jazz take our classes. We’ve found that this eclectic mix of interests enlivens everybody’s experience.
Where can I learn more about the Nonfiction writing program?
Talk with the chair! You can reach Wendy S. Walters at waltersw@newschool.edu. We also have a lively departmental blog, Writlit (you are here), which showcases our faculty and students and offers reflections on writing and teaching and sometimes even living.