Please note:
To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.
Creative Writing
Admission to this program has been suspended effective Fall 2021.
This certificate allows students to investigate the theory and practice of creative writing from a variety of approaches, including creative practice in poetry, fiction, and screen writing, and aspects of material production/publishing.
Admission Requirements
Admission to this program has been suspended effective Fall 2021.
Normal requirements for admission to Simon Fraser University apply. Prior to formal program admission, students must complete two of
- CMNS 110-3 Introduction to Communication Studies
- ENGL 208-3 Twenty-First Century Literatures in English
- CA (or FPA) 136-3 The History and Aesthetics of Cinema I (or CA (or FPA) 137)
Program Requirements
Students successfully complete a minimum total of 20 units, including one of
A seminar-workshop in the theory and practice of creative writing with specific emphasis on poetry. Prerequisite: 30 units; or two 200-division English courses; or formal declaration in the creative writing minor and ENGL 272.
A seminar-workshop in the theory and practice of creative writing with specific emphasis on prose fiction. Prerequisite: 30 units; or two 200-division English courses; or formal declaration in the creative writing minor and ENGL 272.
and at least two of
This course introduces the methodologies of writing for the screen in various styles, including dramatic, documentary and experimental forms, with an emphasis on structure and the creative expression of visual ideas. Students will perform a variety of writing assignments and each will be expected to complete one or more short original scripts. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 136, 137 or 253 and prior approval. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 332 or 238 for credit may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 238W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
A study of different historical methods of measuring poetry in English, with practice in scanning and analyzing poems using different methods of quantitative analysis (e.g. Syllabic, rhythmic, alliterative). Prerequisite: 12 units or one 100-division English course. Students with credit for ENGL 212 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Students will engage in theoretically informed practice of writing in various non-academic genres. Emphasis will be placed on the kinds of writing that students are likely to use after graduation. Prerequisite: 30 units or two 200-division English courses. Recommended: One of English 199, 199W, or 214. This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught, though students who obtained credit for English 371 prior to Summer 2015 may not take this couse for further credit.
A seminar-workshop in the theory and practice of creative writing with specific emphasis on poetry. Prerequisite: 30 units; or two 200-division English courses; or formal declaration in the creative writing minor and ENGL 272.
A seminar-workshop in the theory and practice of creative writing with specific emphasis on prose fiction. Prerequisite: 30 units; or two 200-division English courses; or formal declaration in the creative writing minor and ENGL 272.
An analysis of the various facets of the book publishing industry in Canada including ownership patterns, legal foundations, criteria for book selection and marketing. Includes examination of both commercial and educational publishing. The industry will be analysed within the framework of Canadian cultural and other government policies affecting the industry. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for CMNS 371 may not take this course for further credit.
Students will follow the book-publishing process from the acquisition and editing of manuscripts through to production, promotion and distribution. Each topic proceeds from basic concepts and precepts to case studies of particular kinds of publishing companies (e.g., literary, regional and general trade) and particular types of books (e.g., children's, genre, fiction and poetry). The publishing decision-to-publish process is simulated. Required readings focus on the history of book publishing, as well as on current developments. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for CMNS 372 may not take this course for further credit.
A project course covering core issues in magazine media publishing whether it is in print, online, video, audio, or interactive media. The course covers best practices for team work, publishing, editorial, design marketing and distribution. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for CMNS 375 may not take this course for further credit.
A creative writing workshop focusing on students' production of original works, translingual writing, and/or literary translation. This course may be repeated for credit when different topics are offered. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
and
An advanced seminar-workshop in the theory and practice of poetry or fiction. Genre varies from term to term. Prerequisite: ENGL 372 or 374. Students with credit for ENGL 472 prior to fall 2015 may not complete this course for further credit. Otherwise, course may be repeated for credit when the genre varies. Writing.
and at least two of
Examines aspects of critical writing associated with the historical and contemporary arts and encourages students to participate as writers in the artistic and cultural debates of their day. Forms examined will include but not be limited to reviews, articles, descriptive synopses for exhibition and festival programs, curatorial essays, project proposals and artists' statements. Prerequisite: 60 units including at least six units in CA (or FPA) history/theory courses. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 319 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 319W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
This course will present advanced theory and techniques for writing dramatic, experimental and documentary film and video scripts. Additional topics covered include script analysis, production breakdown, and the writing of treatments and proposals. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 238 or 353 or 457 and prior approval. Strongly recommended for all students developing projects for production in CA (or FPA) 430. Students with credit for FPA 338W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Advanced seminar in linguistic, pragmatic, historical and social theories of the English language. Prerequisite: 45 units including at least one upper division English course, or permission of instructor. Reserved for English honours, major, joint major and minor students. The course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught, though students who obtained credit for English 470W prior to Summer 2015 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ENGL 470 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Advanced seminar on selected works of North American poets and/or poetry theorists. May be organized by author, genre, or critical approach. This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units or two 300-division English courses. Writing.
An in-depth study of the design methods fundamental to books in print and digital media. Students evaluate, and engage in the design and repurposing of publications, exploring current practices of content delivery online and through mobile devices. Emphasis is placed on innovative methods and design practices for screen-based publishing. Prerequisite: PUB 231.
An exploration and application of marketing concepts to book publishing. Concepts and skills taught focus on differentiation of product categories and markets, and the creation of a marketing strategy for existing or new publications. Consideration of reading trends for all publication forms is included. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for CMNS 472 may not take this course for further credit.
This course examines business practices within book publishing firms. It emphasizes financial planning and operations, acquisitions, marketing and promotion. Prerequisite: 75 units. Students with credit for CMNS 474 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Of the six required courses, no more than four may be in any one department, while a minimum of two must be in the Department of English. Substitutions may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the student advisor. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required in the courses used for the certificate.