Program Requirements

Major Program

Students in the Writing Major program are required to take:

1. WRIT 100 with a grade of B+ or better
2. FA 101
3. 6.0 units from WRIT 201, 202, 203, 204 or 218
4. 15.0 units of 300- or 400-level Writing, including 4.5 units of workshops in a single genre. Only 1.5 units of WRIT 320 or 325 can be used towards the workshop requirement.

WRIT 215 may not be counted as part of a Writing Major.

WRIT 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 314, 315, 316, 320, 321, 322, 329, 330, 335, 336, 340, 410, 412, 416, 420 and 440 may count toward either a Major in Writing or a Professional Writing Minor in Journalism and Publishing, but not both.

Students are advised to work toward a Double Major, since enrolment in workshops is limited, and spaces are not guaranteed. Without a concentration of courses in a separate discipline, students may find themselves delayed in graduating.

If at least 9 units of electives are chosen from courses offered by other departments within the Faculty of Fine Arts, the degree awarded may be either the BFA or the BA of the Faculty of Fine Arts. If fewer than 9 units of electives from the Faculty of Fine Arts are chosen, the degree awarded will be the BA of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Minor in Professional Writing in Journalism and Publishing

The Department of Writing offers a Minor in Professional Writing emphasizing journalism, media studies and publishing.

Please note that the Minor in Professional Writing in Journalism and Publishing is a separate program from the Minor in Professional Writing offered by the English Department.

Prerequisite Courses

Before declaring a Professional Writing Minor, students must take 3.0 units from the following options, with a grade of B or better in each course: WRIT 100, 102, 140, ENGL 135, 146, 147, ECON 225, ENGR 240.

Program Requirements

To obtain a Professional Writing Minor in Journalism and Publishing, students are required to take:

1. WRIT 215
2. WRIT 315
3. 4.5 units from WRIT 306, 314, 316, 320, 321, 322, 330, 335, 336, 340, 416, 417, 420, 440
4. 3.0 additional units from WRIT 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 314, 316, 320, 321, 322, 329, 330, 335, 336, 340, 410, 412, 416, 417, 420, 440, ENGL 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 401, 406, 407, 408, 412, 416.

Students who intend to use Professional Writing courses from the English Department as electives must ensure that they acquire the necessary ENGL prerequisites.

Courses taken for the Minor cannot be used to complete requirements for a Major or Honours Program.

While participation in the Professional Writing Co-op (see below) is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.

Writing/Theatre Focus

Students wishing to pursue a double major in Writing and Theatre must be accepted into both departments. Students must apply to Writing by March 31 and to Theatre by February 28 for a September start. Please visit each department's web site to determine what is required for admission. Students should contact Fine Arts Advising to obtain assistance with planning their program.

Writing Program Co-op Option

General regulations pertaining to Co-operative Education Programs of the University of Victoria are found on this page.

The Humanities, Fine Arts and Professional Writing Co-operative Education Program offers paid employment to students who are working towards a career in journalism, publishing or communications. The Co-op is open to students who are:

• undertaking a Major in Writing, or
• undertaking the Professional Writing Minor in Journalism and Publishing, or
• undertaking an interfaculty General program where the Professional Writing Minor in Journalism and Publishing is one of the two programs which forms the General program.

Students undertaking the Professional Writing Minor must follow the guidelines specific to their program and the Professional Writing Minor in Journalism and Publishing (see this page). Professional Writing Minors must satisfactorily complete four work terms to receive a Co-op notation upon graduation.

For further information about the Humanities, Fine Arts and Professional Writing Co-operative Education program, see this page or visit <www.uvic.ca/hfpwcoop>.