Capilano University announces new Bachelor of Arts in Writing & Literature

Release date: September 19, 2024

Tag(s): News & Announcements

NEWS RELEASE: CapU announces new Bachelor of Arts in Writing & Literature (PDF)

NORTH VANCOUVER B.C. September 19, 2024 – Capilano University (CapU) is pleased to announce a new baccalaureate degree—the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Writing & Literature, launching in Fall 2025. This comprehensive program in the literary arts with an applied focus emphasizes writing versatility and the study of literary cultures. This program of study offers two concentrations for students to choose from: Critical and Creative Writing or Literature and Culture.

Both the writing and the literature concentrations combine the study of literary history, genre and cultural networks with the development of writing strategies and creative practices. The two concentrations share a core curriculum designed around high-impact immersive learning environments, applied cultural practices and community connections. Students will be trained in cross-genre, creative, multi-modal and web-based forms of writing. As the only program in B.C. that intentionally integrates literary study and creative writing within a single degree, while also offering distinct applied and experiential program elements, the Writing & Literature major is a destination degree attracting students from both within and beyond the region and province.

Through this degree, students have structured opportunities to work with community partners in the field. For example, students may gain hands-on tutoring experience useful to a variety of future writing-centred pursuits by working in collaboration with the Capilano University Writing Centre. A practicum provides work-placement opportunities for students with local organizations such as The Capilano Review, the North Vancouver City Library and others. Students may also spend a term abroad with one of CapU’s many international post-secondary partners.

The backbone to the degree is a series of small and highly engaged Words in the World seminars that brings creative writers and literary scholars together to share ideas of craft, theory, analysis and creative formation. An Indigenous Writer in Residence program will host a new visiting writer in the faculty each year. Land-based learning opportunities will connect story with land, and history with culture, so that degree students do more than step outside to learn about Indigenous ways of knowing; they are invited to embody them as they analyze, create and form communities.

Students will produce the annual literary journal The Liar, learning about literary publishing through a year-long course that guides them through every stage, from publicity to acquisitions, to layout and launch. At the end of the degree, a capstone course will provide an opportunity for students to work collaboratively to create an anthology publication under the publication imprint CUE Books.

Graduates from the Writing & Literature major will have labour market connections in four high-opportunity occupations: teaching, writing and editing, journalism and publishing, and advertising and marketing. This credential is a strong pathway to professional careers in academia, the law, human resources, government and research organizations.

Students interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Writing & Literature are invited to attend an information session on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Students may also contact the English department at Capilano University: BAwritingliterature@capilanou.ca.

Submitted by: Communications