Professional Concentration in Nonfiction Writing

This program is a direct response to 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. Print and online publications are developing market niches every day, spurring the demand for writers and editors, especially those with Web experience.

Designed for people like you

This program is ideal for individuals pursuing a career in writing nonfiction, public relations, marketing or communications. It will also help individuals wanting to remain competitive in their current positions.

Courses in this program can be taken individually or as part of the professional concentration program.

Quarterly schedule of courses

		UNITS	F	W	SP	SU
REQUIRED COURSES	Enhancing Writing Skills for Nonfiction Writers	2
	Research and Interviewing Techniques for Nonfiction Writers	2
	Getting Published: The Business of Nonfiction Writing	2
	Nonfiction Writing Workshop	2
F=Fall W=Winter SP=Spring SU=Summer; Schedules subject to change Classroom format

Required Courses

Enhancing Writing Skills for Nonfiction Writers

2 quarter units academic credit, X410.1.

Often writers get so caught up in telling a great story that they don't pay close attention to good writing mechanics. Hone your skills and improve the credibility of your work by improving your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and language. Use practice exercises to build confidence in your writing mechanics. Learn more about the elements of structure, style and tone, narrative versus expository writing, and different kinds of writing such as reviews, features, how-to's, memoirs and more. Walk away from this course with the tools and techniques to produce marketable pieces suitable for publication.

This course is not currently scheduled.

Research and Interviewing Techniques for Nonfiction Writers

2 quarter units academic credit, X410.2.

When conducting research for a new article, or nonfiction story or report, where do you begin gathering information? How do you track down the best sources to interview? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this eight-week course designed to get your writing primed for publications or professional review. Learn how to conduct research and interviews using techniques practiced in class and then applied in the field to create finished articles or reports. Spend time outside of class interviewing subjects for class assignments. In addition, explore different forms and specializations of nonfiction writing and learn how to tailor your work for each audience. While this course focuses on writing for nonfiction publications, the research and interviewing skills will also benefit anyone who has a role in creating written content for businesses or business communication.

This course is not currently scheduled.

Getting Published: The Business of Nonfiction Writing

2 quarter units academic credit, X410.3.

Turn your dream of being published into reality. Learn to prepare materials such as query letters, cover letters and proposals that lead to professional writing assignments. Exercises and discussions cover other aspects of professional writing, including contracts, taxes and working with editors and agents. Also, weekly assignments will provide the discipline and accountability necessary to move your writing projects forward.

This course is not currently scheduled.

Nonfiction Writing Workshop

2 quarter units academic credit, X410.4.

Essential connections between classroom experience and real-world requirements for success as a nonfiction writer are provided as you prepare your writing for publication. Refine skills through in-depth, hands-on experience and ongoing discussions. Gain increased knowledge of the publishing industry, useful tools for preparing articles, books and other nonfiction pieces, and meet a new network of peers. Weekly assignments will provide the discipline and accountability necessary to move your writing projects forward. This course may be repeated for credit.

This course is not currently scheduled.