Creative Writing Workshops
Q: What types of creative writing workshops does the department offer?
A: English 20W is an introductory creative writing workshop that fulfills the Writing II requirement. English 136 is an upper-division poetry workshop. English 137 is an upper-division prose or short fiction workshop. English M138 is a variable topics workshop, and the focus of the course changes according to the interest and expertise of the instructor.
Q: Do I have to be an English major or minor to take a creative writing workshop?
A: No, all majors and minors are welcome to apply.
Q: How does enrollment work for creative writing workshops?
A: During the academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring), creative writing workshops enroll using an application process. Students are asked to submit short statements of interest and/or writing samples in specific genres. The exact application requirements vary, and application requirements are set by the course instructor. To read the application instructions for the upcoming quarter, use the “Courses” menu option and select “Courses for the English Major.”
Q: When will I find out if I have been accepted into a workshop?
A: Acceptance notifications are delivered at the start of the quarter (typically the beginning of Week 1). We advise that all workshop applicants enroll in an alternate course during their second enrollment pass to ensure that they enter each quarter with a full study list planned. Should you be accepted into a workshop, you can drop your alternate class anytime before the Friday of Week 4.
Q: May I apply to multiple workshops?
A: Yes, you may, but please disclose that you are doing so on your applications. This practice will allow the course instructors to coordinate rosters and keep the courses balanced.
Q: I’m considering/declared for the English major. What’s the difference between the standard English major pathway and the English major with a creative writing concentration?
A: Both major pathways provide ample opportunities to explore creative writing at UCLA. The main difference is the degree of specialization required to complete the creative writing concentration pathway. Students who wish to complete the concentration must complete three upper-division workshops in the same genre. Genre options on the concentration are poetry (136) or prose (137). Students may add the concentration to their major once they have been admitted to their third workshop in the same genre.
English majors who wish to explore creative writing but seek more flexibility are welcome to complete workshops on the standard major pathway. The standard major allows for up to three creative writing workshops in any genre to count towards the major. One workshop can fulfill a Breadth requirement, and two more may fulfill major Elective requirements.
Q: Does the department host any creative writing contests?
A: Every Spring the department releases a call for entries in a number of creative writing contests. If you are interested in receiving the call for applications, please use MyUCLA Message Center to contact the English undergraduate advising office and request to be added to the student email listserv.
Q: How else can I get involved in creative writing at UCLA?
A: The Department hosts a number of reading series’ that we encourage undergraduates to attend. Readings and related events may take place in the English Reading Room, the Hammer Museum, or any number of venues around campus. Check the events section or our website to browse upcoming events.
The Department also hosts two organizations dedicated to the creative arts. Westwind is UCLA’s journal for the arts, and is staffed by UCLA students. UCLA Poem creates and sponsors poetry events and readings throughout the year. Participation in either organization can earn 2-units of upper-division credit. To learn more and to enroll, use the “Courses” menu option and select “Courses for the English Major.”