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Screenwriting: From Ideation to Writing Your First Script

Are you an aspiring screenwriter ready to take the next step with your craft? Enroll in “Screenwriting: From Ideation to Writing Your First Script,” to learn from industry veteran and USC alum Gabe Sachs, a writer on many hit TV shows and movies, including Freaks & Geeks , Diary Of A Wimpy Kid , and many others. In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of storytelling as you get inspired to draft your own script for a short film.

UPCOMING START DATES June 3, 2024 June 17, 2024 July 1, 2024 July 15, 2024 July 29, 2024 August 5, 2024 August 19, 2024 September 2, 2024 September 16, 2024 September 30, 2024 October 14, 2024 October 28, 2024 November 11, 2024 November 25, 2024 December 9, 2024 December 23, 2024

FORMAT AND COURSE LENGTH Combined coursework of recorded lectures, readings, and assignments is approximately 20-25 -hours to be completed at the student’s own pace. Students are expected to complete the course in four-weeks but have 90-days of access if more time is needed.

ELIGIBILITY Students must be at least 14 years old or older and enrolled in a high school or secondary program.

Recent high school graduates, students taking a gap year or time off from college and are older than 18 can request an exemption to apply by emailing [email protected] and include a short paragraph (no more than 200 words) stating your interest and how this program will add value to your academic or career plans.

TUITION $1990 USD $35 application fee

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Coming up with an idea is something that writers struggle with all the time. But the truth is, ideas are all around you. Gabe Sachs has mastered the art of tapping into real life to bring authentic and captivating stories to the screen. As a writer on many TV shows and films, including Freaks & Geeks , Just Shoot Me , Diary Of A Wimpy Kid , and many others, will share his craft to help aspiring screenwriters bring their ideas to fruition.

Throughout this course, Gabe will offer insights and exercises from his own writing as well as his collaborators in the film industry. Students will practice generating ideas and developing those ideas into a story. Then, students will explore the fundamentals of storytelling, including: how to develop memorable characters, how to structure a story arc, how to write dialogue, how to tell a story visually, and how to bring all these parts together to create a fully realized screenplay.

In the process of earning a certificate, students will engage in creative writing exercises, hear from industry experts, and learn from clips and case studies of film and television. At the culmination of the course, students will have completed a script for a short film and will get tips on how to start pitching their work and get it out into the world.

Featured Topics

• Story Ideas
• Building Memorable Characters
• Structuring Your Story
• Telling Your Story Visually
• Writing and Rewriting

Learning Outcomes This course will guide students through the screenwriting process from the early stages of coming up with a winning idea to developing a script for a short film that is ready to be pitched. Students will learn tips, techniques, and tools of the trade used by veterans of the film industry in order to hone their own craft.

Following the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Generate story ideas and identify those with the most potential
• Build memorable characters with emotional arcs
• Create a roadmap for the beginning, middle, and end of a story
• Write scenes with dialogue and non-dialogue
• Tell a story through visual elements
• Revise a story from synopsis to treatment to first draft
• Pitch a story

Format and Course Length The course consists of recorded lectures, clips and case studies from film and television, and industry connections. Each topic provides context for key elements of developing a script from start to finish. Students will engage with creative exercises to generate and revise work in order to complete the course with a screenplay for a short film.

Combined coursework of recorded lectures, readings, and assignments is approximately 20-25 -hours to be completed at the student’s own pace. Students are expected to complete the course in four-weeks but have 90-days of access if more time is needed.

INSTRUCTOR AND INDUSTRY EXPERT

Gabe Sachs is a writer and producer known for television projects that include Freaks & Geeks , Just Shoot Me , Undeclared , Life As We know it , 90210 and The Night Shift . He co-wrote the feature films Diary of A Wimpy Kid and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules , which topped the U.S. box office its opening weekend. He was also an executive producer on the movie Magic Camp . Sachs is an avid and accomplished photographer, known for compelling portraits. He co-hosts the podcast I Dream of Cameras , which reviews the most talked about camera equipment and explores camera choice and collecting. He is also a judge for the James Beard Awards, which celebrates American food culture. Sachs is an alumnus of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His creative partner is writer/director Jeff Judah with whom he co-owns Sachs/Judah Productions.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants who submit a completed application can expect an admission decision within 3 – 5 business days.

• Include basic contact information from you and your parent(s) or guardian.
• Tell us why you want to take the course and a little about yourself through a short-answer essay.
• Share a piece of writing, video or social media content that reveals something about yourself (optional).
• Submit the $35 application fee.
• Students must be at least 14 years old or older and enrolled in a high school or secondary program.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

In addition to the requirements listed above, international applicants are expected to be proficient in English. International students who successfully complete an online course will receive a digital Certificate of Completion and by request a USC Pre-College Program transcript at no additional cost.

PROGRAM START DATE AND APPLICATION DEADLINES

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

Application fees are nonrefundable. All course cancellations requests must be made in writing to [email protected] . Any tuition paid to the university will be refunded, not including fees, if requested no more than three (3) days past the course start date. Requests to drop the course more than three (3) days after the start date will not be eligible for a refund.

The university will not refund tuition for Pre-College Online Exploration courses for students who are removed from the program due to a violation of our Letter of Understanding for Online Participation and our Student Code of Conduct .

Creative Writing and Publishing | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Creative Writing and Publishing Major Minor

If you have a way with words and a passion for language, then consider studying Creative Writing and Publishing. Learn to master the art of storytelling and work towards your dream career as an author, editor, freelancer, or communications strategist.

Your studies will equip you with the skills to succeed in a broad range of publishing contexts. Experiment with different genres of writing, including novels, short stories, poetry and screenwriting, with all creative outcomes being workshopped by supportive peers and enthusiastic staff.

There will be multiple opportunities for publication during your studies. You will be mentored by a team of published authors, editors and researchers who bring real-world industry experience to the classroom.

Previous USC graduates have achieved publishing success and are now recognised as award-winning Australian authors.

View the full range of Creative Industries majors and minors .

The Creative Writing and Publishing Major can be selected in the   Bachelor of Creative Industries , Bachelor of Communication , Bachelor of Design , Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Creative Industries , Bachelor of Arts , and select double degrees that include the Bachelor of Arts.

The Creative Writing and Publishing Minor can be selected in the Bachelor of Creative Industries , Bachelor of Communication , Bachelor of Design , Bachelor of Arts , and any double degree that includes the Bachelor of Arts.

For a major in Creative Writing and Publishing, students must successfully complete 8 courses:

For a minor in Creative Writing and Publishing, students must successfully complete 4 courses:

• Pre-Professional Programs
• Study Abroad
• Internships
• Service Learning
• Honors Programs (FSH, TO)
• Academic Support
• Ambassadors
• Financial Aid

40-80 Units

32-48 units, up to 56 units, your dornsife degree, the usc core, foreign language, ap and ib credit, electives/minor/double major, up to 56 units, academic advisement.

USC Dornsife does more than just give you the world— we help you navigate it as well. At the beginning of your academic journey, our dedicated academic advisors give you a road map, and they are by your side every step of the way. Think of advisors as your personal tour guides, providing guidance on course selection and helping connect you with opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad.

At USC, you’ll have an academic advisor specific to any major or minor you declare. In addition, you’ll have access to pre-health, pre-law, and pre-graduate school advisors, as well as our Dornsife Career Pathways advisors, all of whom work together to help prepare you for life after USC.

USC Dornsife Majors

Natural sciences, social sciences.

Creative Writing at University of Southern California

Creative writing degrees available at usc, usc creative writing rankings.

Popularity of Creative Writing at USC

Usc creative writing students, usc creative writing bachelor’s program.

Of the 45 creative writing students who graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2020-2021 from USC, about 31% were men and 69% were women.

The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from University of Southern California with a bachelor's in creative writing.

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How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

The University of Southern California has a few supplemental essays and creative short answers that students must complete. Your essays are one of the only opportunities you’ll have to show an admissions officer who you are beyond the numbers, and with USC’s many different prompts, it’s clear this school wants you to seize that opportunity.

Here are our tips for responding to the USC essays in a way that will help your application stand out!

Read these USC essay examples written by real students to inspire your own writing. 

USC Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 words).

Prompt 2 (optional): Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break (250 words).

Short Answer Prompts: Respond to all the prompts below (100 characters unless otherwise specified)

• Describe yourself in three words (25 characters each)
• What is your favorite snack?
• Best movie of all time
• If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
• What TV show will you binge watch next?
• Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
• Favorite Book
• If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?

Viterbi School of Engineering Applicants

Prompt: The student body at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. Describe how your contributions to the USC Viterbi student body may be distinct from others. Please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you. (250 words)

Engineering and Computer Science Applicants

Prompt: The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and their 14 Grand Challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. Engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. Learn more about the NAE Grand Challenges at http://engineeringchallenges.org and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250 words)

Dornsife Applicants

Prompt: Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about — a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about? (250 words)

All Applicants, Prompt 1

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at usc specifically. please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 words)..

The tricky bit about this prompt is that it essentially combines the “ Why This Major ” and “ Why This College ” essay archetypes into one essay with a strict cap of 250 words. That’s a lot of information in not a whole lot of space, which might feel overwhelming. The first thing you should do is figure out the content of your essay.

Step One: Think about your academic interests (i.e. your majors). 

• How did your interests develop? 
• Why are you passionate about your interests? 
• What are your goals within your interests?
• How will pursuing your major help you achieve your goals in life? 

Step Two: Think about the answers to those questions in relation to USC. 

• How will USC help you to further develop your interests? 
• What resources does the university have that will help you achieve your goals? 

While your essay should explore resources that will aid in your academic pursuits, you should also keep it as specific to USC as possible—this essay should not be able to be copied and pasted for any other university! Here’s an example of how to achieve the specificity you need:

Bad: USC is a great school, located in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, with unparalleled academics and renowned instructors.

Why is this bad? This sentence could just as easily apply to UCLA. Without the bit about Los Angeles, the reasoning could even apply to any decent school in existence.

Good: At USC, I plan to participate in the Joint Educational Project (JEP) to find a community of students who, like me, are passionate about the intersections of teaching and social justice. Through JEP, I will be able to actively use the teaching principles I learn in my classes about the Dynamics of Early Childhood.

Why is this good? It references a unique resource at USC and relates to the student’s academic interests.

The Final Step: Write a cohesive essay that tells admissions officers why you are pursuing your field and why USC is the right place for you to pursue it. Some examples could include:

• An Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering student who was obsessed with the launching of the Antares rocket, movies like Gattaca and The Martian , and their physics summer camp as a middle schooler. They could describe their goal of working for NASA, then discussing their interest in the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL).
• An English student who ultimately wants to write romance novels discussing the Creative Writing Hour series that is hosted by English faculty. They might want to reference some of the big-name professors at USC—like Maggie Nelson, Aimee Bender, Dana Johnson, and T.C. Boyle—who have inspired their love of writing.
• A Fine Arts applicant mentioning the Fisher Museum of Art that is on USC’s campus. It was after a school field trip to the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) that they first tried working with graphite and learned of their life goals. They know the power of art museums for inspiration and are excited to have a constant source of inspiration just minutes away.

If you are worried about the word count, one way to maximize the little space you have is to find a way to relate your first- and second-choice majors. This way, your explanations of each wouldn’t read like separate essays; rather, they would be telling different parts of the same story. A student with a first-choice major in Physics and a second-choice major in English might want to write about their ultimate goal of writing Science Fiction novels. A student with a first-choice major in History and a second-choice major in East Asian Languages and Culture might write about their goal of curating Asian American history museums.

Make sure you focus on your academic interests/goals and tell admissions officers the ways that USC will help your academic dreams come true, and you will be set!

All Applicants, Prompt 2 (optional)

Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. you do not need to address a summer break (250 words). .

USC’s second prompt is optional and won’t apply to most students. However, if you do have a gap in your educational history, then be sure to use this space to address it. Give a brief explanation of the reasoning for the gap—be it illness, a move, etc.—as well as an overview of how you spent this time outside of school. 

For example, let’s say your family moved across the country and you took a term off during the transfer. You can describe your role in the move (perhaps you were in charge of organizing a yard sale), why the circumstances warranted an educational gap (maybe the new school doesn’t allow mid-term transfers), and any other projects or commitments to which you dedicated your time. 

Ideally, you want to demonstrate how you made the most of this time off and why the time off was necessary.

All Applicants, Short Answer Prompts

Respond to all the prompts below (100 characters unless otherwise specified), 1. describe yourself in three words (25 characters each), 2. what is your favorite snack, 3. best movie of all time, 4. dream job, 5. if your life had a theme song, what would it be, 6. dream trip, 7. what tv show will you binge watch next, 8. which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate, 9. favorite book, 10. if you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be.

In this section, USC lets you have a little fun. The questions ask for short, rapid-fire responses that give you the opportunity to let your individuality shine.

The most important thing to keep in mind with the short answer supplements is that USC is asking you to provide new information that sheds light on different aspects of your personality. 

Don’t repeat tidbits you’ve already mentioned, although you can and should develop new angles of themes you’ve already established. Most importantly, have fun in this section! If you’re having fun writing it, chances are your admissions officer will have fun reading it.

You can leave descriptions or notes in your responses, though remember that you have 100 characters max. If your choices are more offbeat, we recommend giving a brief description, as your admissions officer certainly won’t have the time to look things up. If your choices are pretty well-known, you can still leave a note about why you chose them (as in the sample response to #8). It’s another opportunity to share your personality, which is valuable!

• Describe yourself in three words (25 characters max each).

Example: Cinephile. Cynophile. Logophile. 

Tip: Be creative!

Example: My Gram’s Lebuchken, tiny gingerbread-esque German cakes that my family devours each holiday season.

Tip: This is an opportunity to show your roots or quirky favorites. Make your response more interactive by including descriptive words that appeal to the senses, especially taste and smell. Also, if you’re using another language or describing a less common food, feel free to provide a short description or explanation so that someone who’s never heard of it before can still imagine it. 

Example: October Sky; Homer’s rockets remind me of my own homemade science creations, like my DIY lava lamp.

Tip: A lot of applicants will write Harry Potter . Be genuine in your response, but take this opportunity to stand out rather than providing a generic answer. 

Example: A math professor; sharing my love of topology to positively shape students’ view of the subject. 

Example: Crossword Puzzle Writer; my mornings aren’t complete without a cup of OJ and my daily brain teaser.

Tip: If you go with a serious answer, make a clear connection to your major to show that you’re focused on your academic path. Don’t give a generic answer like “doctor” or “lawyer;” talk about what specialty or subfield interests you most. That said, you could also go for a more lighthearted answer, like a crossword puzzle writer, to use the space to show personality.

Example: The [TV show] Intro; I’d like to think of myself as a [character], but I have to admit I’m more of an [character]. 

Example: Happy Birthday by AJR – a catchy tune with funny/sarcastic lyrics about the reality of modern life.

Tip: Just as with the best movie prompt, you may want to avoid mainstream selections and instead put forward a title that says something about you. What song would you want the admissions officer to play while reading your application? Make sure the song you choose is appropriate. 

Example: Road trip around Iceland’s perimeter; stops include Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Springs.

Tip: Be more specific than simply “Hawaii” or “Europe.” Also, just as with all the prompts, you want to convey something about yourself in your response, so avoid mainstream or overly luxurious answers.

Example: Aggretsuko (anime about a red panda who relieves job stress by singing death metal at karaoke bars)

Tip: Follow similar guidelines to the theme song prompt—mainstream selections are fine and are potentially relatable to the reader, but that quirkier show you have your eye on might make for a more fun response. If your selection is lesser-known, consider adding a brief description.

Example: Rory Gilmore – there definitely won’t be a shortage of coffee or good conversation.

Tip: It’s okay to go with a more well-known character here, since that will allow the reader to relate. It’s just important to use that extra space to elaborate on why you’d want to live with this person.

• Favorite book

Example: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – I read the entire book in my favorite pair of Air Max 97s.

Tip: Follow the same advice for best movie of all time.

Example: SETI: Using the Drake Equation to Find E.T., complete with a field trip to outer space!

Tip: You can have some fun with this prompt; try thinking outside the box of the generic “Intro to Calculus.” You can also have the class relate back to your intended major, though that’s not absolutely necessary.

The student body at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. Describe how your contributions to the USC Viterbi student body may be distinct from others. Please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you. (250 words)

USC’s engineering school is extremely competitive to get into, forcing admissions officers to choose between many qualified applicants who look relatively similar on paper. This essay wants to get down to the heart of why they should pick you over others. 

The most important word in this prompt that should job out to you is “contributions”. In this essay, you need to convey what you will bring to the engineering community that is unique. You might be saying to yourself “what can I contribute to an established university?”, but there’s actually a lot to work with here. The prompt gives suggestions of sources that could contribute to your uniqueness so let’s look at some examples of traits and how they relate to contribution to USC.

Trait: You’re from a coastal town in Florida that is experiencing flooding.

Contribution: You plan to join the Structures and Material Lab in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to discover which materials are erosion-resistant.

Trait: You’re the only daughter among four brothers.

Contribution: Since you’re no stranger to asserting your voice as a woman in a male-dominated setting, you want to become a mentor through the Women in Science and Engineering’s Young Researchers Program and encourage female high schoolers to pursue STEM.

Trait: You have OCD.

Contribution: Rather than being a hindrance, you channel your obsessive tendencies into meticulously completing complex calculations which you are excited to do as an Aerospace Engineering major.

Trait: You started an iPhone repair business out of your garage in high school.

Contribution: Your experience working with technology has given you insight into specific aspects of hardware design that could be improved that you plan to experiment with under the supervision of X professor.

As you can see from these examples, there are many ways to approach what you can contribute to the Viterbi community. When it comes to actually writing this in your essay, you should start by highlighting the unique aspect of yourself that you are choosing to focus on with a short anecdote. For example, the student writing about being from a coastal town might open with a vivid description of the damage caused by erosion from the most recent flood.

Once you’ve caught the reader’s attention and communicated what your unique background is, explain how that has positioned you to bring something special to the USC community. It’s important to be as detailed as possible by including specific programs or institutes, professors, classes, or research projects you are interested in. You can also mention more than one way that you will contribute—just ensure that each one is fully fleshed out.

Finally, end your essay with a concise conclusion. This might look like returning back to your anecdote from the beginning, talking about your future plans and how USC will get you there, or something else entirely. 

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and their 14 Grand Challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. Engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. Learn more about the NAE Grand Challenges at http://engineeringchallenges.org and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250 words)

Before you can start answering this prompt, you need to do a little research! Once you go to the website linked above, click on the Challenges button at the top of the page and it will take you to the 14 Grand Challenges that engineers across the globe are committed to addressing. These challenges are broken up into four categorical themes (Sustainability, Health, Security, and Joy of Living) and they range from providing access to clean water to improving urban infrastructure to engineering better medicines to preventing nuclear terror attacks.

Your job is to pick one of these challenges that speaks the most to you. Keep in mind, we didn’t say pick the challenge you think is the “trendiest” or the admissions officers would be most impressed by; in order to write a successful and engaging essay your genuine passion and fascination with the issue has to come through. 

Once you have a challenge in mind, now you have to connect it to you. This is where you will bring in your previous experiences, your academic interests, and personal anecdotes to demonstrate why that particular issue resonates with you. For example, maybe you picked Manage the Nitrogen Cycle because your favorite memories from when you were little were gardening with your grandma which started your fascination with how plants sustain themselves and interact with the environment.

It’s important to connect to the challenge with both past experiences and future goals. So, continuing the nitrogen cycle example, maybe your dream one day is to own your own farm that is pesticide-free, so you are passionate about engineering nitrogen-free fertilizers. They don’t all have to be this personal—it’s just as valid to say you are committed to providing clean water because you dream of a world where no one is denied basic human rights like water—but you should have some explanation of the impact overcoming one of these challenges would have on you and the broader community. This helps demonstrate to the admissions officers that you appreciate the weight of these issues.

One thing to remember that trips up some students: you aren’t asked to solve the challenge in this essay. Although you can definitely contribute ideas you have, especially if you have previous experiences that relate to addressing the issue, it’s not required. The major point of this essay is to learn more about global issues you care about and why you are choosing to address them through an engineering perspective.

Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about — a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about? (250 words)

This prompt requires less deep thought than the former. The “education” prompt asks students to think deeply about a question they have probably never thought about before, while this prompt asks you “what are you thinking about all the time?”  

If an idea comes to mind when you first read this prompt, that’s probably where you should start. USC is not looking for wild answers where students turn the holes in swiss cheese into a complex metaphor—they really just want to hear what you care about. That being said, what you care about can totally be weird or nuanced, as long as your interest in the subject tells admissions officers something about you.

Some examples of how you could work this prompt:

• Writing about a social justice issue. Introducing a specific anecdote (that you would introduce during your hypothetical talk). Providing insightful and unique commentary on the issue—whether that be how we got here or where we should go from here.
• Writing about a school of thought in science or philosophy. Explaining the importance of certain types of questions. Giving specific examples (historical, fictional, and anecdotal) that show that you have thought through the importance of rationalism, taoism, sensationalism, or any other school.
• Writing about a lecture on a specific book. Discussing how White Teeth, Giovanni’s Room, or Moby Dick tells multiple important life lessons in one pretty package. Drawing connections between the fictional world and the real world.
• Writing about the valuable lessons that can be learned from another culture. Introducing stories from your past that show the value of Japanese respect, Persian hospitality, or Indian selflessness. Recognizing negative aspects of cultures, but recognizing the lessons that can be learned when you take the time to learn them.

While these are just some examples, this prompt leaves the door open for you to explore whatever you care about. Because this essay is the simpler option, make sure that your writing is impeccable if you choose this second prompt. Engage with anecdotes and a unique personal voice to keep your essay engaging. Don’t give the reader the option to stop reading!

Where to Get Your USC Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your USC essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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	University of Southern California
	Jul 29, 2024   USC Catalogue 2018-2019     USC Catalogue 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE] Return to: USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences     Writing Program courses are designed to help students develop practices of reading, writing and critical reasoning that are necessary for success in academic and professional discourse. Writing Program pedagogy emphasizes small classes and frequent conferences in order to provide the highly individuated instruction and careful feedback necessary to extend the writing process and enhance the rhetorical judgment of each student. To meet the university’s writing requirement, students must complete WRIT 150    (or its equivalent) and an advanced writing course, WRIT 340   . Jefferson Building 150 (JEF 150, mc 1293) (213) 740-1980 FAX: (213) 740-4100 Email: [email protected] dornsife.usc.edu/writing-program   Director: Norah Ashe, PhD Professor (Teaching): Diana Blaine, PhD Associate Professors (Teaching): Norah Ashe, PhD; Stephanie Bower, PhD; Michael Bunn, PhD; Jeffrey Chisum, PhD; James Condon VII, PhD; Andrew De Silva, MPW; William Feuer, PhD; Nathalie Joseph, PhD; Stephen Mack, PhD; Matthew Manson, PhD; Mark Marino, PhD; Indra Mukhopadhyay, PhD; John Murray, EdD; Erika Nanes, PhD; Shefali Rajamannar, PhD; Eric Rawson, PhD; Sandra Ross, MA; Scott Smith, PhD; David Tomkins, PhD; Robert Waller Jr., MPW; William Wyatt, MPW Assistant Professors (Teaching): Jennifer Sopchockchai Bankard, PhD; Jessica Wells Cantiello, PhD; LauraAnne Carroll-Adler, PhD; James Clements, PhD; Carlos Delgado, MFA; Elizabeth Durst, PhD; Antonio Elefano, JD; Jay Fisher, MPW; Farida Habeeb, PhD; Amanda Hobmeier, PhD; Ashley Karlin, PhD; Rory Lukins, PhD; P.T. McNiff, MPW; Sarah Mesle, PhD; Amy Meyerson, MPW; Cory Nelson, PhD; Daniel Pecchenino, PhD; Steve Posner, MPW; DeAnna Rivera, JD; Deborah Sims, PhD; Ellen Wayland-Smith, PhD Lecturers: Emily Artiano, PhD; Justin Bibler, PhD; Tamara Black, PhD; Amanda Bloom, PhD; Ryan Boyd, PhD; Brent Chappelow, PhD; Nicholas De Dominic, MFA; Daniel Dissinger, PhD; Amber Foster, PhD; Mary Glavan, PhD; Rochelle Gold, PhD; William Gorski, PhD; Taiyaba Husain, MFA; Meridith Kruse, PhD; Kate Levin, MFA; Dana Milstein, PhD; Meghan Olivas, PhD; Vanessa Osborne, PhD; Benjamin Pack, MPW; Leah Pate, PhD; Stephanie Payne, MFA; Jessica Piazza, PhD; Alisa Sanchez, PhD; Atia, Sattar, PhD; Anne Schindel, PhD; Mary Traester, PhD Lower-Division Requirement WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches    focuses on the rhetorical principles and techniques necessary for successful college-level writing. Special attention is paid to critical thinking and reading, sentence-level fluency, research techniques, and the elements of academic argument and reasoning. WRIT 150    will not satisfy the lower-division writing requirement if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. Advanced Writing Requirement All students at USC, except those who satisfy their general education requirements through the Thematic Option Program, must complete WRIT 340 Advanced Writing   , an upper-division course designed to help students write on topics related to their disciplinary or professional interests. Students usually enroll in WRIT 340    in their junior year, and may not take the course earlier than their sophomore year. Different schools within the university offer sections of this course. Students should consult their major departments to determine which version of WRIT 340    best complements their program of study. WRIT 340    will not satisfy the university’s advanced writing requirement if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. All classes that meet the university’s advanced writing requirement teach students to write clear, grammatical, well-structured prose; to discover and convey complex ideas critically; and to appreciate the nuances of effective argumentation. The principal aim of the requirement is to develop a student’s capacity to formulate thoughtful and compelling writing for specific academic, professional and public audiences. Preparatory Course Work Some students are better served by taking a preparatory course before they enroll in WRIT 150   . Entering freshmen who score below a specified level on the verbal portion of the SAT take the University Writing Examination. Based on the results of this examination, certain students enroll in WRIT 120 Introduction to College Writing    or  WRIT 121 Introduction to College Writing in a Second Language    during their first semester at USC. International students take the University Writing Examination after having completed any course work required by the American Language Institute. Transfer Credit Students may complete the lower-division requirement by completing an equivalent second-semester composition course that is taken for a letter grade option (not Pass/No Pass) at another institution after high school graduation and prior to enrolling at USC. Equivalent transfer credit is determined by the university’s articulation officer. The advanced writing requirement must be completed at USC. Time Limits Students should complete the lower-division writing course requirement by the end of their first year at USC and must complete it before they enroll in their sixty-fifth unit. Transfer students who have not completed the lower-division requirement prior to entering USC should enroll in WRIT 150    during their first semester at USC, and must enroll in WRIT 150    no later than their nineteenth unit (second semester) at USC. WRIT 095x Writing Tutorial WRIT 120 Introduction to College Writing WRIT 121 Introduction to College Writing in a Second Language WRIT 130 Analytical Writing WRIT 133 College Writing for International Students WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches WRIT 340 Advanced Writing WRIT 440 Writing in Practical Contexts WRIT 450 Advanced Research Writing WRIT 499 Special Topics WRIT 501a Theory and Practice in Teaching Expository Writing WRIT 501b Theory and Practice in Teaching Expository Writing WRIT 540 Writing for Master’s Students Jul. 25, 2024 Rice creative writing camp inspires new generation of wordsmiths to ‘find their voice’, over 1,000 houston-area students register for annual event. Rice University hosted students in grades 6-12 for the  Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies’  annual  Creative Writing Camp  this summer, providing young learners with opportunities to sharpen their writing skills. Inspiring new writers for more than 30 years now, Creative Writing Camp is a collaboration between  Writers in the Schools  and the Glasscock School’s  School Literacy and Culture  program (SLC). “Writing is not simply a valuable skill,” said Karen Capo, director of SLC. “Writing allows students to find their voice, to develop their creativity and confidence, to explore realities beyond their own experiences and process their emotions. Writing is the fertile ground where we grow thoughtful leaders, passionate learners and curious thinkers who will change our world, and that’s what has made Creative Writing Camp such a magical experience for so many over more than three decades.” This year, over 1,000 Houston-area students registered in hopes of gaining this immersive experience provided at one of six camp locations serving students from kindergarten to 12th grade. From folklore to nature, fantasy and essay writing, the courses provided at Creative Writing Camp offer an array of interactive activities and customized exercises designed to help students develop their unique voices, broaden their imaginations and boost their confidence as writers. The online and in-person camps dive deep into writing topics that hone creativity and prepare students for future success. With low student-teacher ratios and mentorship from professional writers, the camp aims to offer an intimate writer’s workshop experience. To learn more and stay in the know about the planning for next year’s Creative Writing Camp, click  here . What are you looking for? Suggested search, english major. Within the English major, there are two tracks: Literature (ENGL) or Creative Writing (CRWT) . Each of these tracks will prepare you for a B.A. in English. Major Requirements Please note requirements for this major have been changed in 2023: If you have been admitted in the program as of 2023 or are a prospective student, please see “Major Requirements post-Fall 2023”. If you have been admitted in the program before 2023, please see “Major Requirements pre-Fall 2023”. Note that students under the ‘pre-Fall 2023’ requirements may opt to change their requirements to the that of the 2023 catalogue year. See advisor for more information. Literature Track One sophomore seminar: ENGL 240 Two courses in early literatures (one lower-division and one upper division) Two courses in later literatures (one lower-division and one upper-division) Race, gender, and/or sexuality Genre and media studies Two upper-division electives One senior seminar: ENGL 491 Creative Writing Track One course in early literatures One course in later literatures One course in interpretive lenses One introductory poetry workshop One introductory prose workshop One 400-level workshop One contemporary/modern literature course One upper-division elective All majors take three introductory courses: ENGL-261g  “English Literature to 1800” ENGL-262g  “English Literature since 1800” ENGL-263g  “American Literature” All three courses should be done or in progress of being done before enrolling in upper-division courses or workshops. Two courses in Literature written before 1800 One course in 19th-century literature One course in American literature One senior seminar One course in literature written before 1900 One course in literature written after 1900 Finalized course lists for major requirements pre-Fall 2023 Finalized course lists for major requirements post-Fall 2023 Course Plans Dive into our sample course plans to get an idea of what your schedule would look like. Double Majoring An English degree can help prepare you for a career in entertainment, journalism, business, technology, law, medicine, public policy, or many other fields. Because of this, many of our students combine English with other majors for a double major. While students cannot double major in Literature and Creative Writing, since they each belong to the single English major, it is possible to combine a major in English with a major in our interdisciplinary Narrative Studies program. Getting Involved Students in the English major participate in overseas studies through USC Dornsife to study Anglophone literature on many continents in many countries. In recent semesters, students have taken classes like “Satire, Scandal, and Society, 1700-1740” at Queen Mary University of London, “Twentieth-Century Children’s Fiction” at the National University of Ireland in Galway, and “Romance to Realism” at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. As part of your application to study abroad, you will select courses to be pre-approved by your academic adviser to meet your major requirements. Visit  dornsife.usc.edu/english-overseas/  to explore your opportunities abroad. The English Honors Program is open to students in English Literature and in Creative Writing. The program provides a unique opportunity to pursue in depth a critical project of your own design. If you are thinking about applying to graduate school or professional school (such as law school) you will find the program especially rewarding. The Honors Thesis is a critical research project and typically runs upwards of 40 pages. Upon successful completion of a critical Senior Honors Thesis your USC transcript will record departmental honors. Learn more about the Honors Thesis Program Our students complete internships and volunteerships tutoring students at neighborhood elementary schools with the Joint Education Project, assisting with faculty research and research at USC Libraries, volunteering on political campaigns, and working in publishing, marketing, and media. These opportunities complement the intensive study and professionalization on campus in classes and co-curricular activities, and they guide students toward the diverse set of careers open to those with liberal arts educations. Students can find these opportunities through the USC Career Center at  careers.usc.edu , and students majoring in English are eligible to apply for the  USC Dornsife Gateway Internship Program . Students majoring in English are eligible to apply to our progressive degree program in Literary Editing and Publishing and earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from USC Dornsife in just five years. Learn more about the progressive degree program Graduates of our programs in English Literature and Creative Writing have pursued graduate school;  published  fiction, nonfiction, and poetry; worked in publishing and social media; pursued law school; and worked at film and television production companies in Los Angeles. Alumni who pursue graduate school have enrolled in education programs, the top MFA programs across the country, and research-based programs overseas. Please share your stories, updates, and projects with us by contacting our  undergraduate student coordinators . Additional Resources For advisement and to declare a major in the Department of English, please contact one of our undergraduate student coordinators. Contact Details Usc department of english. 3501 Trousdale Parkway Taper Hall of Humanities 404 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0354 Office Hours Monday – Friday 8:30am- 5pm Times may adjust in accordance with university holidays. Stay Up-to-Date 249 IMAGES USC/ Creative Writing by Konner Kienzle on Prezi Creative Writing Summer Program Creative Writing Program Usc ‒ Creative Writing Creative Writing Creative Writing usc creative writing masters VIDEO The First Ecologist: John Ruskin and the Futures of Landscape The Carbonaro Effect Funniest Wildest Moments Part 17 (1080p HD) By this scarf we make a beautiful flower #trendingshorts#art #creative #craft#flowerart #viralvideo Part of You (Radio Edit) Amazing Ideas and Techniques Unique to China! Mana ki tum sath nahi ho mere dilke pas nahi ho COMMENTS - PhD in Creative Writing & Literature A dual Ph.D. program that combines creative writing and literature coursework and dissertation. Learn from award-winning faculty, pursue interdisciplinary studies, and enjoy LA's arts scene and events. Literature and Creative Writing (PhD) USC Catalogue 2023-2024 ... The program provides dual emphasis in literature and creative writing, culminating in the dissertation, which combines critical analysis with creative originality. Roughly half of the dissertation is based on original research, that is to say, research contributing to knowledge which enriches or changes the field. ... Undergraduate About the Undergraduate Program. We offer a broad range of courses in English, American and Anglophone literature of all periods and genres, but also in related areas such as creative and expository writing, literature and visual arts, ethnic literature and cultural studies, the history of the English language and of literary criticism, and ... Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Literature Janalynn Bliss, Graduate Coordinator. Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Literature. Department of English. Taper Hall 431. University of Southern California. University Park Campus. Los Angeles, CA 90089-0354. (213) 821-0477. Program: English (BA) USC Catalogue 2018-2019 ... Majors emphasizing creative writing must take seven upper-division courses, including two introductory creative writing workshops in poetry and prose, and a third workshop at the 400-level. The remaining upperdivision courses must include one course in literature written before 1900, one course in literature written ... PDF ENGLISH For additional information, please consult the USC Catalogue. ENGLISH - CREATIVE WRITING All writing is creative — fiction or fact, prose or poetry, with sight or sound — and words matter. Stories make us human, and studying English with an emphasis in Creative Writing is a way of knowing our stories. Students explore literatures, PDF ENGLISH For additional information, please consult the USC Catalogue. ENGLISH - CREATIVE WRITING All writing is creative — fiction or fact, prose or poetry, with sight or sound — and words matter. Stories make us human, and studying English with an emphasis in Creative Writing is a way of knowing our stories. Students explore literatures, Creative Writing Summer Program USC Pre-College Programs. 649 W. 34th St., Suite 108 Los Angeles, CA 90089-1627; 213-740-5679 213-740-6417 (fax); Join our Mailing List Programs, Minors and Certificates USC Catalogue 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE] Programs, Minors and Certificates Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window) ... • Writing for Screen and Television Certificate; ... • Literature and Creative Writing (PhD) • Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography (PhD) • Materials Science ... PhD in Creative Writing & Literature at USC PhD in Creative Writing & Literature at USC, Los Angeles, California. 1,314 likes · 2 talking about this · 4 were here. Study and write in the rich cultural and literary milieu of Los Angeles with... Welcome to English! Learn how to write and analyze literature with USC's distinguished faculty and professional writers. Explore the history, theory, and practice of creative writing in a variety of genres and forms. University of Southern California Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we've published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests ... Haven't heard too much about the Creative Writing major : r/USC The Creative Writing program is literature focused in its teachings so there's a lot of literature classes and the actual writing workshops are very basic and not very challenging. Not any of it really. ... But like I said I haven't been very happy with my dornsife classes though I'm thankful to even be at USC, the only thing keeping me sane is ... Online Screenwriting Course In the process of earning a certificate, students will engage in creative writing exercises, hear from industry experts, and learn from clips and case studies of film and television. ... Sachs is an alumnus of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His creative partner is writer/director Jeff Judah with whom he co-owns Sachs/Judah Productions. Creative Writing and Publishing If you have a way with words and a passion for language, then consider studying Creative Writing and Publishing. Learn to master the art of storytelling and work towards your dream career as an author, editor, freelancer, or communications strategist. Your studies will equip you with the skills to succeed in a broad range of publishing contexts. Program: Playwriting Minor USC Catalogue 2022-2023 ... This minor offers a foundation for extended expression in dramatic writing and creative writing genres in general; fostering skills in research, development, communication, collaboration and craftsmanship in the process of preparing a play for its realization on stage. The minor in playwriting is a 20-unit program. Graduate In addition to our Ph.D. in English Literature, USC English is one of a very small group of institutions in America to offer a combined Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Literature.Students admitted to this track take a series of writing workshops taught by our internationally renowned creative writing faculty and graduate literature seminars with their cohorts in the literature track. Curriculum As part of the core curriculum, all USC first-years take Writing 150, a small group experience that develops your voice as a writer. As a junior, we prepare you with specific writing skills for your intended profession. Our program bridges the academic and the practical, enabling you to master styles of writing for the classroom and beyond. Creative Writing at University of Southern California USC Creative Writing Bachelor's Program. Of the 45 creative writing students who graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2020-2021 from USC, about 31% were men and 69% were women. The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from University of Southern California with a bachelor's in creative writing. How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 An English student who ultimately wants to write romance novels discussing the Creative Writing Hour series that is hosted by English faculty. They might want to reference some of the big-name professors at USC—like Maggie Nelson, Aimee Bender, Dana Johnson, and T.C. Boyle—who have inspired their love of writing. The Writing Program Transfer students who have not completed the lower-division requirement prior to entering USC should enroll in WRIT 150 during their first semester at USC, and must enroll in WRIT 150 no later than their nineteenth unit (second semester) at USC. Courses. Writing Program. WRIT 095x Writing Tutorial; WRIT 120 Introduction to College Writing People FACULTY. USC CREATIVE WRITING FACULTY include recipients of Guggenheim Fellowships, the National Book Award, National Endowment for the Arts grants, Pushcart Prizes and other prestigious recognitions for their exemplary writing and dedication to their creative and scholarly work. As professors, the faculty are committed to developing innovative ... Rice Creative Writing Camp inspires new generation of wordsmiths to Photos by Jeff Fitlow. Rice University hosted students in grades 6-12 for the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies' annual Creative Writing Camp this summer, providing young learners with opportunities to sharpen their writing skills. Inspiring new writers for more than 30 years now, Creative Writing Camp is a collaboration between Writers in the Schools and the Glasscock School ... English Major An English degree can help prepare you for a career in entertainment, journalism, business, technology, law, medicine, public policy, or many other fields. Because of this, many of our students combine English with other majors for a double major. While students cannot double major in Literature and Creative Writing, since they each belong to ... essay homework paper phd project resume review speech study thesis