Creative Writing

The English Division at Glendale Community College offers two options for the study of creative writing: Creative Writing Option for an AA degree in English, and a Creative Writing Certificate. We offer courses in introduction to creative writing, fiction, poetry, screenwriting and creative nonfiction. Our award-winning creative writing faculty provide both rigor and support to growing writers, and courses focus on a diverse group of contemporary American and international writers. The English Division also curates two reading series during the academic year.

For more information on our creative writing programs, please contact our Division Chair, Sarah McLemore.

CREATIVE WRITING COURSES

English 103: Creative Writing Workshop

English 103 consists of an introduction to the theory and practice of creative verbal expression in the major imaginative literary forms: (1) non-fiction and fiction prose, (2) poetry, and (3) drama. Emphasis is placed on step by step instruction in creating the finished piece of writing, with much group discussion of student writing. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: Eligibility for English 101 or equivalent. Note: This course may be taken 3 times; a maximum of 9 units may be earned. Transfer credit: CSU, UC, USC (CAN ENGL 6)

English 115: Intro to Fiction: Creative Writing

English 115 is an introduction to the craft and practice of fiction, including study of the structural, stylistic, and thematic elements of various fictional forms, such as short stories, novels, plays, and screenplays. In addition to studying strategies and techniques of fiction, attention will be given to authorial subject position, the historical and social contexts of writing, and creative writing theory. The course will take contemporary literature as its focus, highlighting both canonical, marginalized and underrepresented voices. In addition to composing their own works of fiction, students will read, discuss, and write extensively about contemporary works. Lecture 3 hours. Transfer credit: CSU, UC, USC

English 118: Intro to Creative Nonfiction: Creative Writing

ENGL 118 is an introduction to the craft and practice of creative nonfiction, such as memoir, literary journalism, profiles, and flash, lyric or researched essays. In addition to studying strategies and techniques of nonfiction, attention will be given to authorial subject position, the historical and social contexts of writing, and creative writing theory. The course will take contemporary literature as its focus, highlighting canonical, marginalized and underrepresented voices. In addition to composing their own works of creative nonfiction, students will read, discuss and write extensively about contemporary works. Lecture 3 hours. Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

English 114: Intro to Poetry: Creative Writing

English 114 is an introduction to the craft and practice of poetry, including study of the structural, stylistic, and thematic elements of various poetic forms, such as lyric, narrative, free verse, and experimental. In addition to studying strategies and techniques of poetry, attention will be given to authorial subject position, the historical and social contexts of writing, and creative writing theory. The course will take contemporary literature as its focus, highlighting both canonical and marginalized and underrepresented voices. In addition to composing their own works of poetry, students will read, discuss, and write extensively about contemporary works. Lecture 3 hours. Transfer credit: CSU, UC, USC.

English 112: Screenwriting

English 112 is a basic course in the principles and practice of writing for movies and television. Emphasis is placed upon the essentials of structure, characterization, and format as required by this type of writing. Students must complete a finished script by the end of the course. Lecture 3 hours. Recommended preparation: Eligibility for English 101.Note: This course may be taken 3 times; a maximum of 9 units may be earned. Transfer credit: CSU

Creative Writing Option for AA Degree in English

Students complete two creative writing classes in addition to the requirements for the AA Degree in English. English 103: Creative Writing Workshop is a survey of approaches to creative writing and an introduction to fiction, poetry, drama and creative nonfiction. The advanced creative writing course in the sequence specializes in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting or playwriting.

Creative Writing Certificate

Students design a unique course of study in creative writing and can choose from literature electives such as English 111: Women in Literature, English 117: Film as Literature, English 110: Introduction to Literature of the Western World and English 130: Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature in addition to their creative writing studies. The certificate program supports students who are not looking to transfer and may or may not have a 4-year degree already. It’s great for those looking to change careers, transfer to a graduate creative writing program, submit work for publishing or work on longer writing projects.

Creative Writing Faculty

Gannon Daniels
Deirdre Mendoza
Angela Morales
Joanna Parypinski
Amarnath Ravva
Kate Martin Rowe
Michael Schilf
Steve Taylor

Get to know the creative writing faculty!

Readings

The LA Writers Reading Series at Glendale Community College brings LA writers to campus two or three times per year. Luminaries such as Robin Coste Lewis, Zinzi Clemmons, Sarah Manguso, Brian Evenson, Charles Yu, Tony DuShane, Dana Johnson, Janet Sarbanes, among others, have visited GCC for the series.

The Student Reading Series is held yearly in partnership with the art gallery Avenue 50 Studio in Highland Park. In conjunction with the reading, Avenue 50 Studio produces a dazzling zine featuring work by GCC students.