COURSE CURRICULUM

The Creative Writing and Journalism BA program at VIU offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience across multiple genres of writing, allowing students to explore and refine their craft in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, dramatic writing, and publishing. In Year 1, students build foundational skills with introductory courses in journalism, poetry, fiction, and dramatic writing (12 credits). In Year 2, they must complete at least six credits of 200-level courses in two different genres, choosing from non-fiction, poetry, fiction, publishing, and drama, which prepares them for advanced-level work. Years 3 and 4 require a minimum of 30 credits (ten courses) from a wide selection of upper-level Creative Writing (CREW) offerings. Students are encouraged to work across at least three genres to broaden their writing capabilities and gain diverse perspectives. Upper-level courses include intensive workshops in long-form fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, digital storytelling, and book publishing, with practical projects like *Portal* magazine production and special writing and publishing projects. This structure promotes hands-on experience and creative experimentation, while also developing professional writing, editing, and publishing skills. The program is ideal for aspiring writers, editors, journalists, and content creators seeking careers in literature, media, publishing, and communication industries.