Concurrent Certificate in Creative Writing and Narrative Arts (CWNA)
Concurrent Certificate in Creative Writing and Narrative Arts (CWNA)
Starting in 2022-2023, the Department of English and Cultural Studies began welcoming students into our Concurrent Certificate program in Creative Writing and Narrative Arts (CWNA). Responding to strong student interest and building on our already successful creative writing courses and Writer in Residence program, the Certificate is designed for students who wish to develop their creative writing and narrative practices through workshops, groups, public-facing community work, and individual projects.
Quick facts about the Certificate
When and how do students apply?
Applications will be accepted starting February 2nd, 2024, application deadline is extended to April 15, 2024. Applying to the certificate is a two-step process:
- Complete an application form via Mosaic Service Request.
- Upload to MacDrive (https://macdrive.mcmaster.ca/u/d/71a4c61ee46a4b4ea1e4/) in a single Word or PDF document with your name and student number in the filename:
- a 1-page statement of interest
- a writing portfolio of 10 double-spaced pages of original creative writing in more than one genre.
Admission to the certificate will be based on the portfolio and applicants’ cumulative GPA.
Who is eligible to apply?
Undergraduate students in any program in Level 2 or above who have completed 3 units of Level 1 English and Cultural Studies + 3 units of Creative Writing electives (from 2CW3—Genre and Creative Writing, 3CP3–Writing Practices and 3CW3—Creative Writing in/for with Communities).
What are the CWNA Certificate’s requirements?
18 units of courses, including a 3-unit capstone seminar that gives students the opportunity to develop a single piece or set of smaller pieces over the course of the year. Any student wishing to also complete the Minor in English and Cultural Studies should make note that no more than 6 units may be double-counted toward both the concurrent certificate and minor requirements.
What is unique about this program?
Recognizing that creative writing isn’t just an individual pursuit but one that happens in and for community, the CWNA program emphasizes the responsibility that engagement entails, and the forms that it can take, whether students are engaged in writing, editing, organizing literary events, or other allied activities.