Creative Writing (Certificate)

Total Credits:	30 +
Credential:	Certificate in Creative Writing
Program Code:	CRWR.CERT
CIP:	23.0501

Overview

Students in the Creative Writing Certificate Program will come face-to-face with the power and beauty of the written word. They will read, analyze, and write creative pieces in different genres – such as fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and scriptwriting – as well as gain exposure to the writing industry.

Students will be immersed in a supportive writing community where they can explore and reflect on their unique identity and culture as a means of developing their voice and discovering the most suitable literary modes through which to express themselves.

Classes combine theory and practice, lecture and workshop. Learning from experienced, published writers, students will explore their creativity, share their work, and engage in constructive feedback and revision. They will practice editing strategies, learn about publication processes, and develop a sense of what it would be like to have a career in the literary arts. They will have an opportunity to be published in Camosun’s literary journal as well as to acquire hands-on experience in shaping imagination into audience-ready pieces, both in their own work and in that of their peers. They will learn how publishing houses operate and have opportunities to meet people working in the local writing community.

Graduates can apply their program credits to several Camosun College credentials or continue into Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts programs across BC. Others may find employment in authorship, publishing, entertainment, media, or journalism. Their credential will attest to the effective writing skills that many employers value, as well as to enhanced creativity, oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students will also have material for a portfolio that can exhibit their best work to prospective academic institutions and/or employers.

Students have the option to participate in an internship so they can extend and apply their skills, earn a better understanding of the field, and receive support and mentorship in the creative writing field.

Admissions

One of:

C+ in English 12
C in English 12 Camosun Alternative

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the learner will be able to

Distinguish the defining characteristics of at least two literary genres
Analyze the published works of diverse professional writers in order to identify their crafting techniques
Produce several pieces, in at least two genres, of creative writing
Identify different methods of conducting research and use research to give credibility to written pieces
Collaborate with peers by offering supportive and constructive criticism on each other’s creative work to identify opportunities for improvement and to inform writing techniques
Identify areas for editorial revision (micro, macro, or stylistic) in one’s own work as well as in the creative work of others, and, when appropriate, perform the required edits to meet professional publication standards in a range of employment settings
Identify various avenues for publication, production, and/or performance of creative literary pieces and strategies for sharing one’s own writing in a public setting
Articulate the advantages and responsibilities of being an active participant in a writing community, both in the college setting and in the greater literary space

Curriculum

Year One

All of:

Two (2) additional Creative Writing (CRWR) courses Credits: 6

Two of:

ENGL 151 - Academic Writing Strategies Credits: 3
ENGL 161 - Literary Genres Credits: 3
ENGL 163 - Intro to Literary Traditions Credits: 3
ENGL 164 - Indigenous Literature Credits: 3

All of:

Three (3) approved electives Credits: 9 *

Note:

*Any 100-level or higher course which must transfer to at least one post secondary college, institute, or university per the British Columbia Council of Admissions and Transfer guide at B C Transfer Guide.

Optional Program Credential Designation

Internship

All of:

CDEV WPS - Workplace Preparation Skills Credits: 0
CRWR 102 - Internship Work Experience 1 Credits: 6