The Creative Writing Certificate provides students with the academic preparation and skill set needed to demonstrate their ability to author works in creative writing, including works for personal development and/or professional application. Completion of the required courses formalizes students’ creative writing abilities applied across a variety of genres.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.| Course | Units | Typically Offered |
| 1st Semester | ||
| ENGL 101 - College Composition and ResearchM | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
| Select one: LIT 114 / LIT 114H / LIT 140 / LIT 140H / LIT 141 / LIT 141H / LIT 145 / LIT 145H / THTR 160 M | 3.0 | |
LIT 114 - Children's and Adolescent Literature (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is an introduction to children’s and adolescent literature in its three general literary forms: the short story (including myths, legends, fairy tales, and folk tales), the novel, and poetry. Stress is placed upon critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. The course explores works of children’s literature from ancient times to the present, analyzes the literary elements of these works, assesses their value for both children and adults, and examines the historical periods and cultural environments in which they were written. This course is beneficial for English majors, students planning to transfer to a university, parents, and future elementary and secondary teachers. LIT 114H - Children's and Adolescent Literature Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is an introduction to children’s and adolescent literature in its three general literary forms: the short story (including myths, legends, fairy tales, and folk tales), the novel, and poetry. Stress is placed upon critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. The course explores works of children’s literature from ancient times to the present, analyzes the literary elements of these works, assesses their value for both children and adults, and examines the historical periods and cultural environments in which they were written. This course is beneficial for English majors, students planning to transfer to a university, parents, and future elementary and secondary teachers. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 140 - Introduction to the Novel (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to the novel. Course readings focus on novels selected from different historical periods and within a variety of cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish the novel as a literary genre, including narrative structure, point of view, character development, setting, theme, style, imagery, and symbolism. This course is designed for students interested in learning more about literary expression, and students intending to major in a literary- or arts-related field of study. LIT 140H - Introduction to the Novel Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to the novel. Course readings focus on novels selected from different historical periods and within a variety of cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish the novel as a literary genre, including narrative structure, point of view, character development, setting, theme, style, imagery, and symbolism. This course is designed for students interested in learning more about literary expression, and students intending to major in a literary- or arts-related field of study. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 141 - Introduction to Poetry (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to poetry. Course readings include poems on diverse topics representing poetry’s fundamental modes, historical periods, and cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish poetry as a literary genre, including techniques of sound, tropes and figurative language, and thematic development. The course is appropriate for both English majors and those students who want to expand their knowledge and appreciation of poetry. LIT 141H - Introduction to Poetry Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to poetry. Course readings include poems on diverse topics representing poetry’s fundamental modes, historical periods, and cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish poetry as a literary genre, including techniques of sound, tropes and figurative language, and thematic development. The course is appropriate for English majors as well as students who want to expand their knowledge and appreciation of poetry. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 145 - Introduction to the Short Story (3.0 units) Prerequisite: Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition This course is designed for students interested in exploring short fiction from a variety of different periods and traditions in order to increase appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of its various forms and techniques. Students will compare and contrast authors’ works in writing and class discussion. The course emphasizes the short story as a genre from the Nineteenth century to the present. LIT 145H - Introduction to the Short Story Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 The course is designed for students interested in exploring short fiction from a variety of different periods and traditions in order to increase appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of its various forms and techniques. Students will compare and contrast authors’ works in writing and class discussion. The course emphasizes the short story as a genre from the Nineteenth century to the present. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. THTR 160 - Introductory Playwriting Screenwriting (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts. This course is designed for the student interested in the art of writing for theatre or film. It will include writing exercises, theatre field trips and a final staged reading of finished scripts. Students will complete a one-act or 10-minute play which will be considered for production the following semester. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 6.5 | |
| 2nd Semester | ||
| ENGL 131 - Creative WritingM | 3.0 | |
ENGL 131 - Creative Writing (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is for students interested in various types of writing as forms of expression. It offers students a workshop setting in which to develop their writing skills in various genres such as fiction, poetry, and playwriting. Students will learn to "read as writers" by analyzing published writings in various genres with a focus on authorial techniques and effectiveness. Students also will be required to write regularly, present their own work in class for discussion, and develop critical standards for evaluating the merit of their own work and the work of their peers. | ||
| Select one: LIT 114 / LIT 114H / LIT 140 / LIT 140H / LIT 141 / LIT 141H / LIT 145 / LIT 145H / THTR 160 M | 3.0 | |
LIT 114 - Children's and Adolescent Literature (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is an introduction to children’s and adolescent literature in its three general literary forms: the short story (including myths, legends, fairy tales, and folk tales), the novel, and poetry. Stress is placed upon critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. The course explores works of children’s literature from ancient times to the present, analyzes the literary elements of these works, assesses their value for both children and adults, and examines the historical periods and cultural environments in which they were written. This course is beneficial for English majors, students planning to transfer to a university, parents, and future elementary and secondary teachers. LIT 114H - Children's and Adolescent Literature Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is an introduction to children’s and adolescent literature in its three general literary forms: the short story (including myths, legends, fairy tales, and folk tales), the novel, and poetry. Stress is placed upon critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. The course explores works of children’s literature from ancient times to the present, analyzes the literary elements of these works, assesses their value for both children and adults, and examines the historical periods and cultural environments in which they were written. This course is beneficial for English majors, students planning to transfer to a university, parents, and future elementary and secondary teachers. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 140 - Introduction to the Novel (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to the novel. Course readings focus on novels selected from different historical periods and within a variety of cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish the novel as a literary genre, including narrative structure, point of view, character development, setting, theme, style, imagery, and symbolism. This course is designed for students interested in learning more about literary expression, and students intending to major in a literary- or arts-related field of study. LIT 140H - Introduction to the Novel Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to the novel. Course readings focus on novels selected from different historical periods and within a variety of cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish the novel as a literary genre, including narrative structure, point of view, character development, setting, theme, style, imagery, and symbolism. This course is designed for students interested in learning more about literary expression, and students intending to major in a literary- or arts-related field of study. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 141 - Introduction to Poetry (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to poetry. Course readings include poems on diverse topics representing poetry’s fundamental modes, historical periods, and cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish poetry as a literary genre, including techniques of sound, tropes and figurative language, and thematic development. The course is appropriate for both English majors and those students who want to expand their knowledge and appreciation of poetry. LIT 141H - Introduction to Poetry Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to poetry. Course readings include poems on diverse topics representing poetry’s fundamental modes, historical periods, and cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish poetry as a literary genre, including techniques of sound, tropes and figurative language, and thematic development. The course is appropriate for English majors as well as students who want to expand their knowledge and appreciation of poetry. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 145 - Introduction to the Short Story (3.0 units) Prerequisite: Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition This course is designed for students interested in exploring short fiction from a variety of different periods and traditions in order to increase appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of its various forms and techniques. Students will compare and contrast authors’ works in writing and class discussion. The course emphasizes the short story as a genre from the Nineteenth century to the present. LIT 145H - Introduction to the Short Story Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 The course is designed for students interested in exploring short fiction from a variety of different periods and traditions in order to increase appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of its various forms and techniques. Students will compare and contrast authors’ works in writing and class discussion. The course emphasizes the short story as a genre from the Nineteenth century to the present. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. THTR 160 - Introductory Playwriting Screenwriting (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts. This course is designed for the student interested in the art of writing for theatre or film. It will include writing exercises, theatre field trips and a final staged reading of finished scripts. Students will complete a one-act or 10-minute play which will be considered for production the following semester. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 6.0 | |
| Summer 1 | ||
| Select one: LIT 114 / LIT 114H / LIT 140 / LIT 140H / LIT 141 / LIT 141H / LIT 145 / LIT 145H / THTR 160 M | 3.0 | |
LIT 114 - Children's and Adolescent Literature (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is an introduction to children’s and adolescent literature in its three general literary forms: the short story (including myths, legends, fairy tales, and folk tales), the novel, and poetry. Stress is placed upon critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. The course explores works of children’s literature from ancient times to the present, analyzes the literary elements of these works, assesses their value for both children and adults, and examines the historical periods and cultural environments in which they were written. This course is beneficial for English majors, students planning to transfer to a university, parents, and future elementary and secondary teachers. LIT 114H - Children's and Adolescent Literature Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is an introduction to children’s and adolescent literature in its three general literary forms: the short story (including myths, legends, fairy tales, and folk tales), the novel, and poetry. Stress is placed upon critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. The course explores works of children’s literature from ancient times to the present, analyzes the literary elements of these works, assesses their value for both children and adults, and examines the historical periods and cultural environments in which they were written. This course is beneficial for English majors, students planning to transfer to a university, parents, and future elementary and secondary teachers. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 140 - Introduction to the Novel (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to the novel. Course readings focus on novels selected from different historical periods and within a variety of cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish the novel as a literary genre, including narrative structure, point of view, character development, setting, theme, style, imagery, and symbolism. This course is designed for students interested in learning more about literary expression, and students intending to major in a literary- or arts-related field of study. LIT 140H - Introduction to the Novel Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to the novel. Course readings focus on novels selected from different historical periods and within a variety of cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish the novel as a literary genre, including narrative structure, point of view, character development, setting, theme, style, imagery, and symbolism. This course is designed for students interested in learning more about literary expression, and students intending to major in a literary- or arts-related field of study. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 141 - Introduction to Poetry (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to poetry. Course readings include poems on diverse topics representing poetry’s fundamental modes, historical periods, and cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish poetry as a literary genre, including techniques of sound, tropes and figurative language, and thematic development. The course is appropriate for both English majors and those students who want to expand their knowledge and appreciation of poetry. LIT 141H - Introduction to Poetry Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to poetry. Course readings include poems on diverse topics representing poetry’s fundamental modes, historical periods, and cultural traditions. Students gain an understanding of the features that distinguish poetry as a literary genre, including techniques of sound, tropes and figurative language, and thematic development. The course is appropriate for English majors as well as students who want to expand their knowledge and appreciation of poetry. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. LIT 145 - Introduction to the Short Story (3.0 units) Prerequisite: Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition This course is designed for students interested in exploring short fiction from a variety of different periods and traditions in order to increase appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of its various forms and techniques. Students will compare and contrast authors’ works in writing and class discussion. The course emphasizes the short story as a genre from the Nineteenth century to the present. LIT 145H - Introduction to the Short Story Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 The course is designed for students interested in exploring short fiction from a variety of different periods and traditions in order to increase appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of its various forms and techniques. Students will compare and contrast authors’ works in writing and class discussion. The course emphasizes the short story as a genre from the Nineteenth century to the present. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. THTR 160 - Introductory Playwriting Screenwriting (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts. This course is designed for the student interested in the art of writing for theatre or film. It will include writing exercises, theatre field trips and a final staged reading of finished scripts. Students will complete a one-act or 10-minute play which will be considered for production the following semester. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 3.0 | |
| 3rd Semester | ||
| ENGL 231 - Advanced Creative WritingM | 3.0 | |
ENGL 231 - Advanced Creative Writing (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 131 This course is for students interested in continuing their studies in various forms of writing. It offers students a workshop beyond ENGL 131 in which to develop more advanced writing skills in various genres such as fiction and poetry. Students will continue to learn to “read as writers” by analyzing published writings in various genres, with a focus on authorial techniques and effectiveness. Students also will be required to write regularly, present their own work in class for discussion, and develop critical standards for evaluating the merit of their own work and the work of their peers. | ||
| Select one: LIT 102 / LIT 102H M | 3.0 | |
LIT 102 - Approaches to Literature (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is designed for students who wish to study the four general literary forms: poetry, drama, short story, and novel. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. Compositions will be based upon discussion, analysis and interpretations of literature, and upon the relationship of Western and Non-Western literature to contemporary thought. LIT 102H - Approaches to Literature Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is designed for students who wish to study the four general literary forms: poetry, drama, short story, and novel. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. Compositions will be based upon discussion, analysis and interpretations of literature, and upon the relationship of Western and Non-Western literature to contemporary thought. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 6.0 | |
| Total Units for Creative Writing COA program | 21.5 | |
| AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
| M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
| Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
Students will identify, analyze, and evaluate creative forms of writing including the novel, short story, poetry, adolescent literature, screenwriting, and playwriting.
Students will brainstorm, draft, revise, and produce their own pieces of nonfiction and fiction to final completion.
Students will employ critical thinking skills, research strategies, revision techniques, and correct grammar and usage in the development of their own writing.
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
Comments? Questions?
Contact Us
© 2013 - 2019 Rio Hondo Community College | Non-Discrimination Statement | Accessibility Statement
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply
