The dual degree in Creative Writing and Literature prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to critically understand the process of literary creation and begin professional writing in fiction and nonfiction genres (short story, novel, poetry, memoir, and script). Creative writing workshops and literary studies courses are integrated into the curriculum, involving the disciplines of Hispanic studies, comparative literature, and cultural studies. Students may select one of two areas of interest: narrative writing and poetic writing. The publishing industry and the different alternatives for literary management and publication are also studied. In their final year, students will work on their literary project with the mentorship of a published writer. The degree concludes with the submission of this project: an original manuscript..
The combined program consists of 137 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 through the training of creative, bold and critical writers.
- To propose literature and creative writing as tools for reflecting on the human condition, developing unique perspectives, including diverse voices, and promoting 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.
- Emphasize the role of the creative writer in the cultural ecosystem, as well as in different sectors and industries in which he acts as a manager and facilitator of the transmission of ideas and concepts.
- Understand the theoretical foundations of Literature and, with the ability to critically analyze and interpret, recognize the writing techniques that have traditionally corresponded to the most significant genres, works, and stylistic trends in canonical and contemporary literary production.
- Conceiving and practicing 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.
- Understand the traditional modes of the publishing industry as well as the emerging possibilities for creative entrepreneurship.
Take care of the readability of your texts without sacrificing innovation and aesthetic appeal. - Recognize the ethical and legal aspects of publishing, both in the creation of a manuscript and in its dissemination.
- Possess a frame of reference for 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
- Collaboration 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
Looking to the future
The combined program trains Spanish-speaking writers and literature professionals to work in the multiple fields related to the publishing world. This allows them to identify opportunities in areas such as education, drama, poetry, journalism and other professions that intersect with writing.
The global book market is expected to earn $2021 billion for 121.08[1]. With the growth of the publishing industry, the need for new authors also arises. On the other hand, basic training in Literature is offered, which paves the way for those interested in continuing doctoral studies in the area.
[1] “US Book Industry – Statistics & Facts,” Statista, May 30, 2018, https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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