The dual degree in Creative Writing and Literature equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to critically understand the literary creation process and to begin professional writing in fiction and nonfiction genres (short story, novel, poetry, memoir, and screenplay). The curriculum integrates creative writing workshops and literary studies courses, incorporating disciplines such as Hispanic studies, comparative literature, and cultural studies. Students may choose one of two areas of interest: narrative writing or poetic writing. The publishing industry and various literary management and publishing options are also explored. In their final year, students will work on their literary project under the mentorship of a published author. The degree culminates in the submission of this project: an original manuscript.
The combined program consists of 134 credits distributed over eight semesters (4 years) and three quarters (1 year).
Skills acquired
- Promote the study of literature from broad, diverse and inclusive critical perspectives.
- To stimulate the development of contemporary literature by training creative, bold, and critical writers.
- To propose literature and creative writing as tools for reflection on the human condition, the development of unique perspectives, the inclusion of diverse voices, and social transformation.
- To broaden the understanding of creative writing as an artistic and interdisciplinary practice that connects with knowledge and practices from other areas, such as journalism, strategic communication and audiovisual production.
- To emphasize the role of the creative writer in the cultural ecosystem, as well as in different sectors and industries where he/she acts as a manager and facilitator of the transmission of ideas and concepts.
- To understand the theoretical foundations of literature and, with the ability to analyze and critically interpret, recognize the writing techniques traditionally associated with the most significant genres, works and stylistic trends of canonical and contemporary literary production.
- To conceive and practice innovation as one of the foundations of the creative ingenuity of the writer's craft.
- Conceiving and practicing writing as a social product, which is part of the framework of discourses and social contexts, and therefore has the capacity to insert itself into the cultural dialogues that take place both in academia and in the artistic community.
- Understanding the traditional modes of the publishing industry, as well as the emerging possibilities for creative entrepreneurship.
Maintain the readability of your texts without sacrificing innovation or aesthetic appeal. - Recognize the ethical and legal aspects of the publishing process, both in the preparation of a manuscript and in its dissemination.
- Possess a frame of reference in literary studies, as well as the skills of analysis and theoretical understanding of the intratextual and extratextual elements of literary discourses.
Experiences provided by the program
- Developing a creative writing project
- Opportunity to publish on the blog La Corcheta
- Collaborative spaces with students from other disciplines, such as animation, graphic design, music, etc.
- Participation in co-curricular events such as Editorial Nights
- Opportunity to participate in poetry readings
- Direct support from mentors with experience in the discipline
Duration and modality
The combined Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Literature and Master of Arts in Creative Writing program consists of 134 credits to be completed in 8 semesters and 3 trimesters (5 years). All bachelor's degree courses and workshops are offered in person, while master's degree courses are offered remotely with synchronous interactions (hybrid virtual format).
Credits
General Requirements (RG) – 39
Institutional Requirements (KI) – 24
Concentration requirements (KU) – 45
Exploration (EX) – 12
Specialty Requirements (KE) – 14
TOTAL CREDITS: 134
Admission requirements
- Admission request
- Official transcript of credits
- College Board test scores, SAT or ACT
- Vaccination certificate (under 21 years old)
Looking to the future
The combined program trains Spanish-speaking writers and literature professionals to work in the diverse facets of the publishing world. This allows them to identify opportunities in areas such as education, playwriting, poetry, journalism, and other professions that intersect with writing.
The global book market is projected to reach $121.08 billion in revenue in 2021.[1] With the growth of the publishing industry comes a growing need for new authors. Furthermore, basic training in literature is offered, paving the way for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in the field.
[1] “US Book Industry – Statistics & Facts,” Statista, May 30, 2018, https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/