Chapman University Department of English

Reviewer's Name:

C.M. Keefe

Review Date

April 23, 2009

Year of Graduation:

2007

Review Title:

What's not to love about the time and space to read and write among a community of like-minded scholars?

Full Review of the Program:

A stew review with balanced seasoning.

Sweet – Fully engaged faculty who are exceedingly generous with time, writing guidance, and sharing of knowledge. Access to studying international writers through the John Fowles Center Literary Forum class and author visits. A reward for that most necessary pursuit for student writers – the reading and analysis of great writers- by the ability to earn a dual MA / MFA degree. Opportunities for travel courses - past offerings included summer writing classes held in Italy, and participation in international Wordsworth literature conference in England.

Spicy – Broad range of international literature course offerings given the small size of the university. Many classes, in both writing and literature, skew toward the experimental. Active grad student Pub Club which offers student readings, publishing advice and support.

Sour –Lack of grad assistant teaching positions offered. No national literary journal to earn internship experience or to make networking contacts. Little practical career guidance.

Salty – Location. Close to beaches, LA, within blocks of Santa Ana Artist’s Village. Orange itself is a bucolic throwback to some Midwestern town with its bikeable Old Towne. Close to foothill hiking trails.

Advice to Prospective Students:

Ask yourself, what do I want out of my grad school experience? Then seek a right fit.

You are the one who can pick the school, not change the school.

Enjoy every minute and determine to extend yourself to others. You'll make lifelong reading and writing friends.