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Specialized Studies Program in Nonfiction Writing

This program was established to address the industry need for more polished and experienced writers. Employment of salaried writers and editors for newspapers, periodicals, book publishers, and nonprofit organizations is expected to increase as demand grows for these publications. Magazines and other periodicals increasingly are developing market niches, appealing to readers with special interests. Businesses and organizations are developing newsletters and Web sites, and more companies are experimenting with publishing materials directly on the Internet. Online publications and services are growing in number and sophistication, spurring the demand for writers and editors, especially those with Web experience. Advertising and public relations agencies, which also are growing, should be another source of new jobs.

Who Should Enroll

This specialized studies program is intended for those individuals who wish to pursue careers in writing nonfiction, as well as those in or pursuing a career in public relations, marketing or communications. This program will also help individuals wanting to remain competitive in their current positions. The certificate of completion received at the end of the program is a wonderful addition to any résumé.

The individual courses are intended to stand alone as well so that individuals needing to build or sharpen their skill set in one or more areas within nonfiction writing can do so conveniently and affordably. These individuals might include freelance writers, those responsible for company newsletters, press releases or annual reports. The courses also benefit those interested in interviewing officials or corporate personalities and individuals.

Quarterly schedule of courses

		UNITS	F	W	SP	SU
REQUIRED COURSES	Enhancing Writing Skills for Non-Fiction Writers	2
	Research and Interviewing Techniques for Non-Fiction Writers	2
	Getting Published: The Business of Nonfiction Writing	2
	Nonfiction Writing Workshop	2
Classroom format

Required Courses

Enhancing Writing Skills for Non-Fiction Writers

2 quarter units academic credit, X410.1. .

Grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph construction and English usage will be highlighted as you focus on skills needed for non-fiction writing. Practice exercises are designed to give you greater confidence in your writing ability. Discussions will cover the elements of structure, style and tone, narrative vs. expository writing, and the different kinds of writing, such as reviews, features, how-to's, memoirs, and more. You will learn to distinguish between good and bad writing, and learn how to produce marketable pieces suitable for publication.

This course is not currently scheduled.

Research and Interviewing Techniques for Non-Fiction Writers

2 quarter units academic credit, X410.2. .

Non-fiction writing takes many forms and includes a wide variety of specializations. You will have an opportunity to explore the various forms and specializations, and gain an understanding of how to tailor your work for a chosen market. You will learn how to conduct research and interviews by practicing techniques in class and in the field. Finally, you will apply these techniques as you write a professional and publishable piece. This course can be taken individually or as a required course in the Non-fiction Writing Specialized Studies Program.

This course is not currently scheduled.

Getting Published: The Business of Nonfiction Writing

2 quarter units academic credit, X410.3. .

Essential information is provided to help turn your dream of getting published into reality. Learn to prepare materials such as query letters, cover letters and proposals that lead to professional writing assignments. In addition, exercises and discussions cover other aspects of professional writing such as contracts, taxes and working with editors and agents.

Sections of this course open for enrollment:

• Getting Published: The Business of Nonfiction Writing    starts September 16

Nonfiction Writing Workshop

2 quarter units academic credit, X410.4. .

Essential connections between classroom experience and real-world requirements for success as a non-fiction writer are provided as you prepare two pieces for publication. Refine skills learned in three prerequisite courses through in-depth, hands-on experience and on-going discussions. Gain increased knowledge of the publishing industry, useful tools for preparing articles, books and other non-fiction pieces, and a new network of peers. This course may be repeated for credit.

Sections of this course open for enrollment:

• Nonfiction Writing Workshop    starts September 24