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Certificate of Achievement
Creative Writing - Short Story Writing

The Short Story Writing Certificate provides students with the academic preparation and skill set needed to demonstrate their ability to author short stories, including works for personal development and/or professional application. Completion of the required courses formalizes students’ short storywriting abilities.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ENGL 101 - College Composition and ResearchM3.5
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.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

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.

Total Semester Units:3.5 
2nd Semester
ENGL 131 - Creative WritingM3.0
ENGL 131 - Creative Writing (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Transfers to: UC, CSU

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 145 / LIT 145H M3.0
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
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: LIT 145 or LIT 145H)

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
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: LIT 145 or LIT 145H)

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.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Summer 1
Select one: LIT 102 / LIT 102H M3.0
LIT 102 - Approaches to Literature (3.0 units)


Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: LIT 102 or LIT 102H)

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
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: LIT 102 or LIT 102H)

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.

ENGL 231 - Advanced Creative WritingM3.0
ENGL 231 - Advanced Creative Writing (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 131
Transfers to:UC/CSU

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.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Total Units for Creative Writing - Short Story Writing COA program 15.5 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will identify, analyze, and evaluate creative forms of writing with an emphasis on the short story to increase appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of authors’ various forms and techniques.


2

Students will brainstorm, draft, revise, and produce their own pieces of nonfiction and fiction to final completion.


3

Students will employ critical thinking skills, research strategies, revision techniques, and correct grammar and usage in the development of their own writing.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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