Laura Donaldson, BHA Creative Writing Concentration Advisor (BH 259)

BHA Creative Writing Concentration

(81 units minimum)

In the Creative Writing concentration, BHA students develop their talents in writing fiction, poetry and other imaginative forms. While studying with faculty members who are practicing poets and prose writers, students read widely in literature, explore the resources of their imaginations, sharpen their critical and verbal skills and develop a professional attitude toward their writing. The Creative Writing program is based on a conservatory model, made up of faculty and students who have an intense commitment to their work.

Students in the Creative Writing concentration are required to take two of the introductory genre writing courses, ideally in their sophomore year. Choices include Introduction to TV Writing (76-212), Introduction to Writing Poetry (76-265), Introduction to Writing Fiction (76-260), Introduction to Screenwriting (76-269) and Introduction to Writing Nonfiction (76-261). In order to proceed into the upper level courses in the concentration (and in each of the genres), students must do well in these introductory courses (receive a grade of A or B). After completing the introductory genre writing courses, students take four workshops in fiction, poetry, TV writing, screenwriting or nonfiction. At least two of the workshops must be taken in a single genre. Workshops may be taken more than once for credit. In the writing workshops, students develop their critical and verbal abilities through close writing and analysis of poems, stories and other literary forms. Their work is critiqued and evaluated by peers and the faculty.

Introductory Genre Writing Courses (2 courses, 18 units)

		Units
76-212	Introduction to TV Writing	9
76-260	Introduction to Writing Fiction	9
76-261	Intro to Writing Creative Nonfiction	9
76-265	Introduction to Writing Poetry	9
76-269	Introduction to Screenwriting	9

Note: A student must earn a grade of A or B in the Introductory Genre Writing course in order to be eligible to enroll in a workshop of that genre. A student who earns a grade of C in an Introductory Genre Writing course may enroll in a related workshop only with the permission of the workshop professor. A student who receives a D or R in an Introductory Genre Writing course may not take a workshop in that genre.

Creative Writing Workshops (4 courses, 36 units)

Complete four Creative Writing workshops, at least two in a single genre. Workshops in all genres may be taken more than once for credit.

76-320	The Writer's Room: TV Writing	9
76-365	Poetry Workshop	9
76-460	Beginning Fiction Workshop	9
76-462	Advanced Fiction Workshop	9
76-464	Creative Nonfiction Workshop	9
76-465	Advanced Poetry Workshop	9
76-469	Screenwriting Workshop	9

English Electives (3 courses, 27 units)

Complete three courses (27 units minimum) from the English Department’s offerings. Reading in Forms classes are recommended. Please consult the list of courses published each semester by the Department for current offerings. Students should discuss curriculum choices with the concentration advisor to determine the best electives for their focus in Creative Writing.