Thursday, November 22, 2012


 I sent this email today. Oops!

And I deleted it today, oops!

Monday, November 19, 2012

National University and MFA Programs

I'm currently enrolled in an MFA program at National University and I am, for the most part, very happy with the program. But, there are inherent issues with an online program, and I am here to tell you about those issues.

The English electives are but four weeks long, and I normally don't see that as problematic, except that the university seems to think that it is acceptable to require students to read 125 pages of scholarly articles and digest them, each week. My experience is that it would be best to read five pages and to tear those five pages apart and kick them around a bit. But, NU has decided that quantity is better than quality.

The second issue is that the creative writing classes are eight weeks long. That means, in eight weeks you should write new fiction, submit it, have it work shopped, revise it, and re-submit it. This is ridiculous in an eight week class. You should really write it and then take six weeks before touching it again.

One of the most ridonkulos situations is the survey regarding a professor. They require you to assess the effectiveness of a professor by the Friday before your class is completed. How can I possibly assess a professor when I only have 15 percent of my grade? Fifteen percent of my feedback.

Now, remember, I have my teaching credential from National University, and a MA in English from National. I'm a loyal customer. But assessing a professor with less than 15 percent of grades provided is ridiculous.

Just saying.

Spike