Three people reading out loud into a microphone from works placed on a music stand in front of them.
Writing

Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Writing students follow an individualized curricular pathway that allows them to explore a wide range of possibilities for writing and integrating text with the visual arts. Here are the requirements you must meet to earn a BFA in Writing.

    Writing Core Curriculum24 
    • HUM 2001 Literature Survey I (3)
    • HUM 3002 Literature Survey II (3)
    • WRIT 1101 Introduction to Writing as Art (3)
    • WRIT 2040 Writing Workshop (3)
    • WRIT 3140 Advanced Writing Workshop (3)
    • WRIT 4001 Generative Seminar (6)
    • WRIT 4900 BFAW Thesis Workshop (3)
    		 
    Studio36
    • CP 1010 Core Studio Practice I (3)
    • CP 1011 Core Studio Practice II (3)
    • CP 1020 Research Studio I (3)
    • CP 1022 Research Studio II (3)
    • SOPHSEM 2900 (3)
    • PROFPRAC 3900 (3)
    • Studio Electives—May include additional Writing courses (18)
    		 
    Liberal Arts36
    • ENGLISH 1001 First Year Seminar I (3)
    • ENGLISH 1005 First Year Seminar II (3)
    • Humanities (9)
    • Social Sciences (9)
    • Natural Sciences (6)
    • Liberal Arts Electives (6)
    		 
    Art History12
    • ARTHI 1001 World Cultures/Civilizations: Pre-History to 19th Century Art and Architecture (3)
    • Additional Art History course at 1000-level (e.g., ARTHI 1002) (3)
    • Art History Electives at the 2000 to 4000 level (6)
    		 
    General Electives—Studio, Liberal Arts, Art History, and/or BFAW courses12
    Total Credit Hours120

    Transfer Students
    Total credits required for minimum residency: 66
    Minimum Writing Studio credit: 42

BFAW Thesis Reading

BFAW students participate in the BFAW Thesis Reading in their final spring semester; those students who demonstrate a visual art practice may also apply to exhibit in the fall semester BFA Thesis Exhibition. BFAW students collaboratively conceptualize, edit and produce an annual publication in the Writing Program’s own BookLab, in addition to producing many other independent print, web and performance-based projects.

Courses

The information below updates twice a week—it is possible that changes may occur between updates. Up-to-the-minute information for enrolled students can always be found at PeopleSoft Self-Service.

Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

Description

In this intensive course we'll study and practice the ideas, materials, tools, and forms of small press print production and publishing. We'll use the class as a hands-on laboratory to gain skills to develop mock-ups and models for self-determined goals, such as tabling your own work at small press/indie publishing events; pursuing editorial or design roles in print publishing; or aspiring to start your own indie press. Students are invited to bring projects-in progress; to regularly present work for discussion and feedback; and to participate in Independent and small group tutorials. We'll augment our practice with field trips to look at both historic and contemporary examples of independent publishing - from the early, artisanal books of the Hogarth Press, to the counter- and subculture publications of the mid 20th century, to contemporary zines, comics, and artists' books. Course work includes developing multi-stage models and mock-ups for a self-generated print publication(s); an editorial statement about your publishing project/goals; and a short bibliography of indie/small press publishers you admire.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: WRIT 1102 or WRIT 2040 or permission of the instructor.

Class Number

1045

Credits

3

Department

Writing

Location

Lakeview - 808

Take the Next Step

Visit the undergraduate admissions website or contact the undergraduate admissions office at 800.232.7242 or ugadmiss@saic.edu.