Program Overview
Introduction to the Writing of Fiction
The course ENGLISH 221S, Writing the Unspeakable, is taught by Instructor Amin Ahmad. This class delves into uncomfortable emotions such as desire, sexuality, loss, belonging, madness, personal and historical trauma. Students will learn from contemporary writers who have successfully engaged with this difficult terrain. The course involves reading like writers, taking apart published work to learn craft issues like point-of-view, time management, characterization, and dialogue. Since writing the unspeakable depends on creating innovative forms, students will also learn to re-invent classic story structures.
Curriculum Codes
- W
- CE
- WR
- ALP
Typically Offered
The course is typically offered in the Fall and/or Spring.
English Department
The English Department is located at 303 Allen Building, Campus Box 90015, Durham, NC 27708.
Undergraduate Students
Majors & Minors
The department offers majors and minors in English, including a Creative Writing Minor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions are available for undergraduate students.
Graduate Students
Degree Programs
The department offers degree programs for graduate students.
How to Apply
Information on how to apply is available for graduate students.
Student Handbook
A student handbook is available for graduate students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions are available for graduate students.
Our Department
Learning Objectives
The department has learning objectives for its students.
Books by Faculty
Faculty members have published books.
Faculty Resources
Resources are available for faculty members.
Courses
Spring 2026 Courses
Courses offered in Spring 2026 are listed.
Fall 2025 Course
Courses offered in Fall 2025 are listed.
Spring 2025 Courses
Courses offered in Spring 2025 are listed.
Spring 2024 Courses
Courses offered in Spring 2024 are listed.
Fall 2024 Courses
Courses offered in Fall 2024 are listed.
All Courses
A list of all courses is available.
Gateway Courses
Gateway courses are available.
Area I: Medieval & Early Modern
Courses in Area I: Medieval & Early Modern are available.
Area II: 18th & 19th Century
Courses in Area II: 18th & 19th Century are available.
Area III: Modern & Contemporary
Courses in Area III: Modern & Contemporary are available.
Criticism, Theory or Methodology Courses
Courses in criticism, theory, or methodology are available.
Creative Writing Courses
Creative writing courses are available.
People
Primary Faculty
The department has primary faculty members.
Joint Faculty
The department has joint faculty members.
Secondary Faculty
The department has secondary faculty members.
Instructors and Affiliated Faculty
Instructors and affiliated faculty members are available.
Emeritus
Emeritus faculty members are listed.
Scholars
Scholars are available.
Graduate Students
Graduate students are part of the department.
Staff
Staff members are available.
Professor Profiles
Professor profiles are available.
Research
Faculty Books
Faculty members have published books.
Recent Online Works
Recent online works are available.
William M. Blackburn Legacy
The William M. Blackburn Legacy is recognized.
Tennenhouse-Armstrong Lecture Series
The Tennenhouse-Armstrong Lecture Series is available.
Text + Pix Collective
The Text + Pix Collective is available.
Novel Dialogue Podcast
The Novel Dialogue Podcast is available.
The Wellian Magazine
The Wellian Magazine is available.
Duke HuMed
Duke HuMed is available.
Alumni
Undergraduate Alumni
Undergraduate alumni are recognized.
Ph.D. Alumni
Ph.D. alumni are recognized.
Master of English Alumni
Master of English alumni are recognized.
J.D./M.A. Alumni
J.D./M.A. alumni are recognized.
All Alumni Profiles
All alumni profiles are available.
For Current Students
Resources are available for current students.
For Our Alumni
Resources are available for alumni.