Creative Writing (BA)
Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences Degree Type: Bachelor Options: Honours, Major, Minor
The Creative Writing (BA) program offers students the opportunity to develop their writing skills in various genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting. It provides a strong foundation in both the craft and the art of writing, helping students find their unique voice and hone their storytelling abilities. Through workshops, reading, and writing exercises, students learn how to write compelling narratives, characters, and dialogue, while also refining their technical writing skills.
Key Learning Outcomes
Writing Proficiency: Develop strong writing skills across different forms, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Creativity and Innovation: Cultivate the ability to think creatively and express ideas through compelling, original written work.
Critical Analysis: Learn to analyze and critique literature, understanding how various authors and genres use language, structure, and themes.
Editing and Revision: Gain expertise in revising and editing one’s own work as well as others’, strengthening your attention to detail and ability to improve writing.
Storytelling and Narrative: Master the craft of storytelling, including structuring narratives, creating characters, and building suspense.
Cultural and Social Awareness: Understand how literature reflects and influences society, culture, and human experience.
Core Curriculum
The Creative Writing (BA) program is designed to provide students with both the theoretical and practical tools to excel as writers.
Foundational Courses
Introduction to Creative Writing
Learn the basics of writing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, with a focus on creativity, style, and self-expression.
Reading and Writing Fiction
Study short stories and novels, while writing your own fiction, exploring character development, plot structure, and voice.
Reading and Writing Poetry
Focus on the craft of poetry, including meter, rhyme, metaphor, and imagery, while writing original poems.
Creative Nonfiction
Study and write essays, memoirs, and personal narratives, focusing on blending fact and art in compelling ways.
Introduction to Literary Analysis
Learn how to read and analyze literary texts, identifying key themes, symbols, and narrative structures.
Intermediate Courses
Character and Plot Development
Delve into techniques for creating complex characters and building engaging plots in both short and long forms of writing.
Writing for the Stage and Screen
Learn the fundamentals of writing plays and screenplays, with an emphasis on dialogue, scene structure, and character-driven plots.
Narrative Techniques
Explore various narrative techniques such as unreliable narrators, stream-of-consciousness, and multiple viewpoints.
Writing for Digital Media
Study the unique demands of writing for blogs, social media, and digital content platforms.
Writing the Short Story
Focus on the short story form, honing skills in concise storytelling, character development, and impactful endings.
Advanced Courses
Advanced Fiction Writing
Refine your skills in writing longer forms of fiction, such as novellas or novels, focusing on structure, pacing, and themes.
Advanced Poetry Workshop
Develop a portfolio of poetry through advanced workshops that push your creativity and style.
Writing and Social Justice
Examine the role of creative writing in addressing social issues, including identity, race, gender, and power dynamics.
Editing and Publishing
Learn the ins and outs of editing your work, including peer reviews, revisions, and preparing your writing for publication.
Independent Writing Project
Undertake an individual writing project that allows you to apply what you’ve learned in the program, resulting in a body of work for future publication or submission.
Capstone or Internship (Optional)
Capstone Project: Develop a major writing project, such as a collection of stories, a novel, or a portfolio of poems.
Internship: Gain experience in the publishing world, working for literary magazines, publishing houses, or media outlets.
Skills Acquired
Creative Expression: Learn to express ideas, emotions, and stories through creative and original writing.
Technical Writing Skills: Hone your ability to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct prose, whether in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.
Critical Reading and Writing: Develop the ability to critically read and evaluate literature and other forms of creative writing, analyzing themes, techniques, and writing styles.
Editing and Proofreading: Acquire skills in editing and revising your own and others’ work, ensuring that writing is polished and well-crafted.
Literary Knowledge: Gain an understanding of literary history and contemporary trends, as well as knowledge of different genres and styles.
Storytelling: Master the craft of creating compelling stories with engaging characters, plotlines, and conflict.
Communication: Strengthen your ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, especially in writing groups, workshops, and readings.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Creative Writing (BA) program are prepared for a variety of careers in writing, publishing, and media, including:
Novelist/Short Story Writer
Write and publish novels or short story collections in a variety of genres, including fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, or mystery.
Poet
Create poetry for publication or performance, contributing to literary magazines, anthologies, and poetry collections.
Editor
Work for publishing houses, magazines, or literary journals, editing and revising content for publication.
Copywriter
Write advertising, marketing materials, and other forms of persuasive writing for companies, websites, or brands.
Screenwriter
Write scripts for television shows, films, or digital media, focusing on dialogue, character development, and storytelling.
Content Writer/Journalist
Write articles, essays, and features for newspapers, magazines, blogs, or digital media outlets, focusing on storytelling and investigative writing.
Teacher/Instructor
Teach creative writing at the high school or college level, helping others develop their writing skills.
Literary Agent/Publisher
Work in the publishing industry as a literary agent or editor, helping authors publish their work and connect with publishers.
Why Choose This Program?
Creative Development: The program provides a supportive environment for students to develop their unique writing style, voice, and skills across various genres.
Expert Faculty: Learn from accomplished authors, poets, and editors who offer practical guidance, feedback, and mentorship.
Writing Workshops: Participate in creative writing workshops where students critique each other’s work, providing valuable insights and fostering a sense of community among writers.
Publishing Opportunities: Gain access to publishing opportunities, including writing competitions, literary journals, and connections with industry professionals.
Flexible Options: Choose from Honours, Major, Minor, and combined degree options, allowing students to tailor the program to their academic and career goals.
Real-World Experience: Through internships and a capstone project, students gain hands-on experience in the writing and publishing industries.
Conclusion
The Creative Writing (BA) program is an ideal choice for students who are passionate about writing and want to develop their skills in a creative, professional environment. The program’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore various forms of writing while gaining the critical tools needed to succeed as writers in today’s literary world. With opportunities for publishing, internships, and professional development, this degree provides students with the skills and knowledge to embark on a fulfilling career in writing, editing, or publishing.
