“which offers the functional equivalent of what you’ll find in a high-end MFA program but without the degree or degree requirements.”
Strange. My ex-with whom I have civil and pleasant relationship with, has an MFA In poetry from the University of Arizona, which I’m told is highly regarded.
I must confess, I have mixed feelings about degree programs including those where I’m degreed in Science and math.
The poetry MFA program at the University of Arizona is indeed highly regarded, and rightly so. I don’t know the years your ex attended, but its recent and current faculty members include Natalie Diaz and Solmaz Sharif, both amazing poets.
I suppose the truth about degree programs in anything is that the map is not the territory.
I’m in full agreement that what is offered by CWC is not matched anywhere. The format is perfect. It’s like a clear pool of knowledge and you can decide for yourself when you want to just dip a toe, or to dive into the deep end and all manner of play in between. I think it’s been worth every penny, and I am grateful for what Maya has created. It’s filled with incredible poets who have elevated my writing practice with their insights.
On thing I really appreciate about CWC are the craft classes. I have an MFA but it was mostly focused around workshops and literature classes. What it lacked were the craft classes. So I feel like I’m getting the education I didn’t get then.
“which offers the functional equivalent of what you’ll find in a high-end MFA program but without the degree or degree requirements.”
Strange. My ex-with whom I have civil and pleasant relationship with, has an MFA In poetry from the University of Arizona, which I’m told is highly regarded.
I must confess, I have mixed feelings about degree programs including those where I’m degreed in Science and math.
Why am I saying this? I don’t know.
Hi Jim.
The poetry MFA program at the University of Arizona is indeed highly regarded, and rightly so. I don’t know the years your ex attended, but its recent and current faculty members include Natalie Diaz and Solmaz Sharif, both amazing poets.
I suppose the truth about degree programs in anything is that the map is not the territory.
I’m in full agreement that what is offered by CWC is not matched anywhere. The format is perfect. It’s like a clear pool of knowledge and you can decide for yourself when you want to just dip a toe, or to dive into the deep end and all manner of play in between. I think it’s been worth every penny, and I am grateful for what Maya has created. It’s filled with incredible poets who have elevated my writing practice with their insights.
On thing I really appreciate about CWC are the craft classes. I have an MFA but it was mostly focused around workshops and literature classes. What it lacked were the craft classes. So I feel like I’m getting the education I didn’t get then.
Yes, craft classes are great, but their timing is important. Discussion here: https://substack.com/@xpcallahan/note/c-299984912?r=7gp0c&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
When I joined CWC I found my tribe. People who cared about poetry, took the craft of poetry seriously and were disciplined in writing it.
Thoughtful (as you always are, X.P.) and dovetails well with my experience (8 months in CWC). Glad Monday Editions is getting your gifted attention.
Maya is an experienced, gifted teacher. Her new book is gorgeous in every way.