Creative Writing — Bachelor of Fine Arts

Program Overview

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The Creative Writing program at the University of the Fraser Valley fosters advanced writing skills in fiction, drama, poetry, and screenwriting. Through small class sizes, workshops, and experienced instructors, students develop their writing abilities, build a portfolio, and prepare for careers in writing and related fields. The program also offers opportunities for publication, internships, and graduate studies.

Program Outline

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Creative Writing - Bachelor of Fine Arts - University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)

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Degree Overview:

You will benefit from small class sizes, which create a supportive environment for critique and feedback.

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced creative writing skills.
• Explore a range of writing genres.
• Gain writing and editing experience.
• Build a writing portfolio.
• Prepare for a career in writing or related fields.

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Outline:

The program consists of 60 credits, including:

• Core courses (18 credits):
• Introduction to Creative Writing
• Creative Writing Workshop I
• Creative Writing Workshop II
• Literary Editing
• Creative Writing: Theory and Practice
• Creative Writing Thesis Project
• Elective courses (42 credits):
• Choose from a variety of electives in creative writing, including fiction, drama, poetry, screenwriting, and creative non-fiction.

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Course Schedule:

• The program is offered full-time or part-time.
• Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 years.
• Part-time students can complete the program at their own pace.

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Individual Modules:

• Introduction to Creative Writing: This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of creative writing, including character development, plot, setting, and point of view.
• Creative Writing Workshop I: This course provides students with an opportunity to develop their writing skills through regular writing exercises and workshops.
• Creative Writing Workshop II: This course builds on the skills developed in Creative Writing Workshop I and focuses on more advanced writing techniques.
• Literary Editing: This course teaches students how to edit and proofread their own work and the work of others.
• Creative Writing: Theory and Practice: This course examines the theory and practice of creative writing, including different approaches to writing, the role of the writer in society, and the relationship between writing and other art forms.
• Creative Writing Thesis Project: This course is the culminating project for the program, in which students will write a creative writing thesis of their choice.

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Assessment:

• Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Assignments
• Workshops
• Presentations
• Exams
• The creative writing thesis project

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Assessment Criteria:

• Students are assessed on their ability to:
• Develop strong characters and storylines
• Create vivid settings
• Use language effectively
• Edit and proofread their work
• Meet deadlines
• Follow instructions

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced and published creative writers.
• Small class sizes allow for individual attention and feedback.
• Workshops provide a supportive environment for students to share their work and receive constructive criticism.
• The program offers a variety of unique approaches to teaching creative writing, including:
• guest lectures by published authors
• field trips to literary events
• opportunities to publish student work in literary magazines

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Careers:

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Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Publishing
• Journalism
• Freelance writing
• Marketing
• Business
• Media and communications
• Education
• Creative occupations (e.g., motion picture industry, art gallery and museum work, broadcasting, performing arts, photography, entertainment)

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Other:

• Students have the opportunity to join the editorial board of Louden Singletree, UFV's student-run literary and visual arts magazine.
• Students can also become a contributor to the Cascade, UFV's student newspaper.
• The program offers optional paid work placements through the UFV Co-operative Education program.