creative writing classes berkeley

Summer Creative Writing Workshops

Our unique three-week programs offer aspiring, practicing, and experienced creative writers a community in which to create and connect., all interested students are welcome you do not need to be a berkeley student to enroll., program overview.

Our program offers daily creative writing classes in short fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a workshop that teaches you to present your work and listen and critique the creative writing of others. And, most of all, you will meet and socialize with like-minded creative writers and faculty.

Berkeley Students : Two 3-week creative writing courses count as one course for the  Creative Writing Minor . ( Visit other creative writing courses  for Summer 2024) .

Summer Creative Writing Courses

In the Academic Guide

The following four classes meet Monday through Friday and are worth 2 units.

Classes meet either face to face or online. When registering, be sure you enroll for the format you prefer. Enroll at summer.berkeley.edu

COLWRIT N131, The Craft of Creative Nonfiction

This course in creative writing focuses on the craft of reading and writing creative nonfiction. The course emphasizes an introduction to craft—how creative nonfiction is generated, what its elements are, and how finished pieces work—which students will explore through careful study of models by published writers, and through writing and revising their own short pieces.

COLWRIT N132, The Craft of Short Fiction

This two-unit creative writing course on the short story emphasizes an introduction to craft—how short stories are created, what their elements are, and how the finished pieces work—which you will explore through careful study of models by published writers and through writing and revising your own original pieces generated for this class.

COLWRIT N133, The Craft of Dramatic Writing

College Writing N133 is a creative writing course offering an introduction to the craft of dramatic writing through the study of works by professional playwrights and through composition and revision of your own playscripts. You will come to understand dramatic writing as an art and as a set of skills; you will receive an introduction to some of the elements involved in the creation of written scripts. Particular emphasis will be given to the work of generating and revising writing and, to a lesser degree, for the screen.

COLWRIT 134, The Craft of Poetry

This two-unit creative writing course on poetry & poetics emphasizes an introduction to craft—how poems are created, what their elements are, and how the finished pieces work—which you will explore through careful study of models by published writers, and through writing and revising your own original pieces generated for this class.

COLWRIT 135 The Craft of Creative Writing: Workshopping & Performance*

This is a practical and personalized class that will help writers workshop and perform their creative work. Open to multiple genres--fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry--we will discuss how to ask good questions to and integrate feedback from peers in workshop. We will help you revisit your work and produce a sustainable revision process for yourself. We will discuss how to select your work for public reading and presentation, and we will practice effective performance strategies. Above all, the class will be tailored to support your goals through individual consultation with the instructor.

*Note: COLWRIT 135 is worth 1 unit and meets twice a week.

Summer Creative Writing Workshops Instructors

Tory adkisson, miriam bird greenberg, joseph horton, judy juanita, belinda kremer, michael larkin, john levine, eric longfellow, matthew j. parker, brice particelli, bridgette dutta portman.

Left Margin LIT is a creative writing center and workspace in Berkeley dedicated to serving the East Bay’s writers and readers—whether curious, aspiring, or established. We also offer classes and programs online for writers who don't live nearby.

We begin with the belief that rigorous learning isn’t limited to the university classroom. The founders and core faculty all have extensive college teaching experience, but we know that the best classrooms are those where excited, engaged students gather, no matter their background. The literary arts legacy is one of our great treasures in the Bay Area, and Left Margin LIT seeks to continue that story. We're dedicated to nurturing the region’s literary culture, advancing writers’ artistic development, and inspiring a love of literature.

Our goal is to guide you toward your own writing destination, whether that means beginning the long labor of a novel, compiling a portfolio of work to submit for an MFA application, editing a manuscript, getting a family story down on the page, or trying out poetry for the first time. Whatever your stage or interest, if you’re serious about trying it, we want to work with you.

Who We Are 

Left Margin LIT was founded by David Roderick and Rachel Richardson in 2016. Read more about our advisory committee, instructors, and staff here .

We are building a collective of working writers dedicated to advancing the literary arts in our community. We aim to serve writers and students of the craft looking for alternative models to the academic experience, but with just as much rigor and commitment. We are a school, but we are also a community. We exist because not everyone can leave their job, their responsibilities, and their family to do a 2-year MFA program. We exist because not everyone wants to.

A great city deserves great arts, and artists need community. Left Margin LIT welcomes you to join us for coffee, writing classes, and events. Get inspired with us. Hold yourself accountable. Find your people. Write. 

Where We Are 

Our office and writing space is in North Berkeley, at the corner of Shattuck Avenue and Cedar Street. Wander over to dozens of restaurants, bars, bakeries, or Books, Inc. just down the block for inspiration and sustenance! 

Our address is 1543 Shattuck Avenue, Suite B, Berkeley, CA 94709

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Berkeley Berkeley Academic Guide: Academic Guide 2023-24

College writing programs.

College Writing Programs teach writing as a craft, and work with students at all levels of expertise, from those wishing to satisfy the University's composition requirements, through intermediate writers looking to expand their horizons, to seasoned scribes who want to hone their skills in our upper-division courses.

For information regarding the Entry-Level Writing requirement and the Analytical Writing and Placement Exam, see the Undergraduate Education section in this Guide.

Visit Program Website

COLWRIT 1 Grammar and Vocabulary of Written English 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 This course is intended to serve as a course for students who are non-native speakers of English and who wish to work on their written English. The purpose of the course is to develop students' ability to edit their own writing and to identify high frequency non-idiomatic uses of English. Intensive, individualized practice will be provided for students from different language backgrounds. Grammar and Vocabulary of Written English: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Self-selected non-native speakers of English

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture/workshop per week.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: College Writing Programs/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Alternative to final exam.

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COLWRIT R1A Accelerated Reading and Composition 6 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 10 Week Session, Spring 2024 An intensive, accelerated course satisfying concurrently the requirements of the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement and the first half of Reading and Composition. Readings will include imaginative, expository and argumentative texts representative of the range of those encountered in the undergraduate curriculum and will feature authors from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Instruction in writing a range of discourse forms and in the revision of papers. Accelerated Reading and Composition: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 6 hours of seminar per week

Summer: 10 weeks - 9 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Six hours of seminar per week. Nine hours of seminar per week for 10 weeks.

Grading/Final exam status: Final exam not required.

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COLWRIT N2 Writing the Bridge: From High School to the University 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2013 10 Week Session, Summer 2009 10 Week Session, Summer 2008 10 Week Session This 3-unit course is intended to serve students enrolled in the Summer Bridge Program. In this course, students will explore their educational experience as they read essays, poetry, and fiction on issues of language, culture, and identity. In their journals and in their essays, students will examine ways in which these forces interact to create a student identity. Writing the Bridge: From High School to the University: Read More [+]

Summer: 6 weeks - 6 hours of lecture per week 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Six hours of lecture/discussion/workshop per week for six weeks.

Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.

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COLWRIT 3A Academic Writing - Online 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session This academic writing course teaches skills of critical reading, thinking, and writing to help students meaningfully engage ideas, problems, and issues in our world. This course develops students’ abilities to read written and cultural texts critically; to analyze those texts in ways that engage their own experiences and the perspectives of others; and to write about those texts for a range of readers and purposes as a means of participating in broader conversations. Assignments emphasize the analysis and synthesis of sources in the process of making and developing well-constructed arguments. Academic Writing - Online: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W3A after completing COLWRIT 3A . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W3A may be removed by taking COLWRIT 3A .

Summer: 6 weeks - 5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Five hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W3A

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COLWRIT 3B Business English: Oral Communication - Online 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 The two goals of this course are to improve students’ ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment using business English and to become comfortable using the digital media currently being used to do business in the global economy. Course topics include cross-cultural communication, digital etiquette, web conferencing, business vocabulary, presentation skills, personal branding, and job interviewing. Business English: Oral Communication - Online: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W3B after completing COLWRIT 3B . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W3B may be removed by taking COLWRIT 3B .

Summer: 3 weeks - 10 hours of lecture per week 6 weeks - 5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Five hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks. Ten hours of lecture per week for three weeks.

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W3B

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COLWRIT 3D Legal English: Introduction to the U.S. Legal System - Online 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session This course aims to help students practice the English language specific to American law, gain an understanding of the legal context in which English is being used, and ground students in the discourse of law to the extent their professional goals or interests warrant. These goals are achieved through a focus on the U.S. legal system and specific types of law as illustrated through sample cases. The course will be useful to students currently working as legal professionals in their own countries; those who are planning to study or practice law in the United States; and anyone curious about how the law works in the U.S. and wanting to learn language related to it. Legal English: Introduction to the U.S. Legal System - Online: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W3D after completing COLWRIT 3D . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W3D may be removed by taking COLWRIT 3D .

Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W3D

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COLWRIT 3E Legal English: Oral Communication-Online 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2023 This online course focuses on helping lawyers or law students improve their speaking and listening skills for the study or practice of U.S. law or for communication with U.S. lawyers. The course will focus on three different contexts for the listening and speaking challenges: academic speaking and listening in the law school classroom, informal speaking with other lawyers, and persuasive/formal speaking in the courtroom. The course will be useful to students currently working as legal professionals in their own countries and those who are planning to study or practice law in the United States. Legal English: Oral Communication-Online: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W3E after completing COLWRIT 3E . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W3E may be removed by taking COLWRIT 3E .

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W3E

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COLWRIT 3F Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session This online course introduces basic theories and concepts of conflict and develops practical frameworks for conflict management through a range of modes, like negotiation, mediation, and conflict coaching. Students will (a) expand their understanding of conflict drawing from diverse fields, such as business, law, media, politics, psychology, and sociology; (b) refine their academic English skills to become more effective communicators; and (c) discuss ways to prevent conflict and promote peace. Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution: Read More [+]

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Summer: 3 weeks - 15 hours of lecture per week 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Seven and one-half hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks. Fifteen hours of lecture per week for three weeks.

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.

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COLWRIT 3G Grammar and Vocabulary - Online 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session Students will practice and acquire the grammar and vocabulary necessary for university courses — lectures, textbooks, discussions, papers — and in the reading, writing, and discussions that academics and professionals engage in outside classes. Weekly themes will incorporate a variety of fields for a broader perspective on rich academic vocabulary. Grammar and Vocabulary - Online: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W3G after completing COLWRIT 3G . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W3G may be removed by taking COLWRIT 3G .

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W3G

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COLWRIT 3H ESL Listening and Speaking - Online 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2023 3 Week Session In this online course, non-native speaking students will improve listening comprehension and oral skills by focusing on refining English pronunciation to minimize miscommunication. By analyzing audio/video clips, students identify features of spoken American English for better understanding. Students also learn and practice strategies to help correctly produce American English stress, rhythm, intonation, plus individual vowel and consonant sounds. Students submit audio/video recordings that are analyzed and evaluated by the instructor to help each student speak with greater clarity. ESL Listening and Speaking - Online: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W3H after completing COLWRIT 3H . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W3H may be removed by taking COLWRIT 3H .

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W3H

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COLWRIT 3I Introduction to Technical Writing - Online 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2023 This online course focuses on the fundamentals of technical writing and helps students learn related technologies. Assignments will improve students' general writing skills through lessons on how to apply theories of written communication in work situations; select, organize, and present technical information for specific audiences and purposes; as well as write and revise various types of written correspondence. Introduction to Technical Writing - Online: Read More [+]

Instructors: Wald, Beck

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COLWRIT 3J Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 Science and technology companies want to be innovative and inclusive, but these goals often elude them. In this fully online, asynchronous course, students explore and report what research has to say about the conditions that foster inclusivity and innovation, and the complex relationship that exists between them. Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 15 hours of session per week

Additional Format: Fifteen hours of session per week for three weeks.

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COLWRIT 3K American Culture and Language: Music 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 Music is both reflective of and a stimulus for social change -- a window into prevailing and emerging values. In this fully online, asynchronous course, students explore these roles and goals of music throughout American history by reading and viewing course texts, participating in online discussions and presentations, and researching specific themes of interest. American Culture and Language: Music: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 10 hours of session per week

Additional Format: Ten hours of session per week for three weeks.

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COLWRIT 3L American Culture and Consumerism 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 This course challenges students to use their critical listening, public speaking, academic research, and analytical writing skills while focusing on sociological, economic, and cultural issues related to shopping and consumerism. Students will participate in online discussions, debates, and presentations and research. American Culture and Consumerism: Read More [+]

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COLWRIT 3M Social Media, Culture, and Controversies 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 In this 2-unit, fully online, asynchronous course, students explore cutting-edge controversies in social media -- and how best to resolve them. As they do so, they have the opportunity to refine their academic English skills and hopefully become better digital citizens. Social Media, Culture, and Controversies: Read More [+]

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COLWRIT 3P AI, Culture, and Controversies 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session Given its accelerating expansion into culture and society, are we prepared for the changes AI will bring? In this course we consider the breadth, impact, benefits, and dangers of AI. Interactive online discussion – along with reading, video, and writing assignment will help students examine topics and improve academic English skills. This course is partially intended non-native English speakers, but all students are welcome. AI, Culture, and Controversies: Read More [+]

Objectives & Outcomes

Course Objectives: Students will: 1. gain a sense of the growing ubiquitousness of AI, learning to reflect on AI-related personal and shared experiences, describing and evaluating AI’s reality, potential benefits, and incipient dangers; 2. expand academic and specialized English vocabulary, enabling well-considered articulate discussion of innovative technology and AI-related issues; 3. review and improve knowledge and usage of syntax and grammar, working extensively with related verb tense and modal verb shifts; 4. hone critical thinking skills: analysis, evaluation, speculation and inference.

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.

Summer: 3 weeks - 10 hours of session per week 6 weeks - 5 hours of session per week

Additional Format: Five hours of session per week for 6 weeks. Ten hours of session per week for three weeks.

Instructor: McClain

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COLWRIT 3S American Culture through Film 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 In this course comprised of students from around the world, students will view, review, and respond to diverse films, each of which examines a theme related to American culture. Students will discuss that theme in relation to what it says about and how it questions idyllic notions of “America.” American Culture through Film: Read More [+]

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COLWRIT 3U American Culture through Literature 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2022 3 Week Session This course examines the multiple perspectives literature can highlight for the reader, and how those perspectives shed light on the diversity, unity, and tension within American culture. Students will examine how perspective play a role in rendering, representing and interpreting events and experiences related to our course theme via the short stories and non-fiction essays/memoirs. American Culture through Literature: Read More [+]

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternate method of final assessment during regularly scheduled final exam group (e.g., presentation, final project, etc.).

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COLWRIT 3V American Culture, Sexuality, and Gender 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 Through a cross-cultural, linguistic study of gender and sexuality, students examine how gender and sexuality inform and are informed by areas of inequality, such as social class, ethnicity, race, geography, and age in the U.S. Students will also read about and share perspectives from other cultures to provide a more international perspective for the cohort. American Culture, Sexuality, and Gender: Read More [+]

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COLWRIT 3W American Culture through the Media 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2022 Based on course texts that include contemporary data, literature, and journalism from a range of digital and print resources, students discuss current topics in mass media and their impact on American culture and society. American Culture through the Media: Read More [+]

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COLWRIT R4A Reading and Composition 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Spring 2024 This writing seminar satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement. The course is designed to offer students structured, sustained, and highly articulated practice in the recursive processes entailed in reading, critical analysis, and composing. Students will read five thematically related book-length texts, or the equivalent, drawn from a range of genres, in addition to various non-print sources. In response to these materials, they will craft several short pieces leading up to three longer essays--works of exposition and argumentation. Reading and Composition: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Enrollment is limited to students who have satisfied the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement

Requirements this course satisfies: Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of seminar per week 8 weeks - 6 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Seven and one-half hours of seminar/discussion per week for six weeks.Three hours of seminar/discussion per week.

Grading/Final exam status: Alternative to final exam.

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COLWRIT R4B Reading, Composition, and Research 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session A lecture/seminar satisfying the second half of the Reading & Composition requirement, R4B offers structured and sustained practice in the processes used in reading, critical analysis, and writing. Students engage with thematically-related materials from a range of genres and media. In response, they craft short pieces leading to longer expository and/or argumentative essays. Students develop a research question, draft a research essay, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Elements of the research process--a proposal, an annotated bibliography, an abstract, a works cited list, etc.--are submitted with the final report in a research portfolio. Students write a minimum of 32 pages of prose. Reading, Composition, and Research: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English

Requirements this course satisfies: Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement

Summer: 6 weeks - 6 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Three hours of seminar/discussion per week.

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COLWRIT 5A English Language Studies: Broadway Musicals 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session Through the medium of Broadway musicals, this course will help students improve their vocabulary, reading, writing, listening comprehension, note-taking, and oral communication. Students will view musicals (video and live); learn about their plots, songs, and lyrics; examine the historical context represented in each piece; write reviews/critiques; and work on oral presentation skills. Course includes a fieldwork component. English Language Studies: Broadway Musicals: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: College Writing Program 9D

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COLWRIT 5B Language, Culture, and Drama 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This course explores the language, structure, and performance of plays. Students use film, television, journals, current events, controversial issues, and personal experience as source material to write and perform plays. Course activities include character, storyline, and dialogue exercises; and close reading and analysis of academic readings. Course goals: learn academic conventions for writing, improve critical /analytical reading skills, and hone oral skills for university success. Language, Culture, and Drama: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 10 hours of session per week 6 weeks - 5-5 hours of session per week

Formerly known as: College Writing Program 9Q

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COLWRIT 5C Language, Culture, and Film 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session Students will have the opportunity to practice critical thinking, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary skills by studying contemporary issues and learning about how the elements of film--script, cinematography, sound, lighting, and more--work together to help build a film's story and themes. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Language, Culture, and Film: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: College Writing Program 9L

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COLWRIT 5D Language, Culture, and Literature 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session Literature offers wonderful opportunities to understand societal and interpersonal conflicts, develop vocabulary, and refine analytical skills. Designed for non-native English speakers, this course engages students in close reading and discussions of conflicts in the literature. Students are expected to read, write, and speak about the texts and themes covered in class. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Language, Culture, and Literature: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: College Writing Program 9M

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COLWRIT 5E Language, Culture, and Popular Music 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session This course provides an introductory study of popular music in the U.S. and how it has shaped American culture. Through this course, students will (a) increase their understanding of American cultural history by studying the significant trends and messages of its popular music and (b) develop and apply analytical and linguistic skills for close listening, analysis, synthesis , and oral presentation. A fieldwork component encourages student engagement with the local community and topic. Language, Culture, and Popular Music: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: College Writing Program 9X

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COLWRIT 5F Language, Culture, and International Human Rights 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session This course, designed to introduce current international human rights issues to non-native English speakers, helps students improve their critical listening, vocabulary, oral communication, and note-taking skills--the skills needed for participation in university courses and in the fields of international human rights, business, and law. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Language, Culture, and International Human Rights: Read More [+]

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COLWRIT 5G Language, Culture, and California History 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session Throughout its history, California has been a destination for entrepreneurs, immigrants and displaced people, and those interested in alternative lifestyles. This course introduces ESL students to the many groups that came to California and how their presence has shaped its history. Preparing ESL students for the academic language needed in college classrooms, this course requires that students research, write, and present on course texts and themes. Course includes a fieldwork component. Language, Culture, and California History: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: College Writing Program 9H

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COLWRIT 5H Language, Culture, and Sustainability 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session In this course, students analyze critical issues and conflicts that arise related to sustainability. Course goals include improving academic English reading and research skills through completing a research review and proposal; and oral skills through engagement with video, interviews, panel discussions, and presentations. Course includes a fieldwork component. Language, Culture, and Sustainability: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: College Writing Program 9Z

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COLWRIT 5I Language, Culture, and Television 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2019 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session Students will practice critical listening vocabulary, oral communication, and note-taking skills by studying American culture and social institutions as portrayed in television programs and advertisements. Assignments attempt to prepare students for seminar-style university classes. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Language, Culture, and Television: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: College Writing Program 9U

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COLWRIT 5J English Language Studies: Consumer Culture 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 Focusing on conversation skills in and outside of academic settings, this course challenges students to use their English language critical listening, speaking, and note-taking skills while focusing on sociological and economic issues related to shopping and consumerism. Students will listen to lectures; learn new vocabulary; watch and critique video and film clips; examine articles in the media and journals; and participate in debates and presentations. Fieldwork component. English Language Studies: Consumer Culture: Read More [+]

English Language Studies: Consumer Culture: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 5K Language, Culture, and the Media 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session This course examines how the various forms of media intersect with culture to reinforce or change how we see ourselves and the world. Students examine this intersection of culture and the media through print, radio, TV, movies, music, and the Internet. Through course assignments, students will develop the following language skills: critical listening and reading; small group , whole-class, and public speaking; response writing; and academic and colloquial vocabulary. Course includes a fieldwork component. Language, Culture, and the Media: Read More [+]

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COLWRIT 5L Language, Culture, and the Environment 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 Students will improve their English language listening, speaking, reading, writing, and note-taking skills while focusing on current issues and debates related to environmental issues. Students will discuss, analyze, and critique lectures, videos, and readings; write or tape responses and syntheses; and further research and present on an environmental topic or movement of specific interest. This course has a fieldwork component. Language, Culture, and the Environment: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: Students will improve their ability to analyze written and aural texts and to craft effective presentations and essays.

Summer: 3 weeks - 10 hours of session and 15 hours of fieldwork per week 6 weeks - 5 hours of session and 7.5 hours of fieldwork per week

Additional Format: Seven and one-half hours of fieldwork and five hours of session per week for 6 weeks. Fifteen hours of fieldwork and ten hours of session per week for three weeks.

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COLWRIT 5M English Language Studies: Traditional and Modern Medicine 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 The aim of this course is to develop students' communicative competence in English as a Second Language through course content about the integration of traditional approaches to health care in modern medicine in California (Chinese medicine, herbalism, yoga, and more). Skills are practiced and assessed through reading popular and scholarly articles; writing about research findings related to course content; and listening and speaking through lectures, discussion , and presentations. English Language Studies: Traditional and Modern Medicine: Read More [+]

Summer: 6 weeks - 5 hours of session and 7.5 hours of fieldwork per week

Additional Format: 7.5 hours of fieldwork per week for 6 weeks.

English Language Studies: Traditional and Modern Medicine: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 5N Language, Culture, and Public Spaces 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This course focuses on improving critical listening, vocabulary, oral communication and writing skills in English through exploring "placemaking"--an approach to the planning, design and management of public space that focuses on people. Course topics and texts draw from landscape architecture and urban planning to illustrate how people experience and use the public spaces in their community. Students will design and conduct research about public spaces in the San Francisco Bay Area as field work and will share their findings and critique the design of public spaces in class presentations and written assignments. Language, Culture, and Public Spaces: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Seven and one-half hours of fieldwork and five hours of session per week for 6 weeks.

Language, Culture, and Public Spaces: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 5P Language, Culture, and Makerspace Creativity 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 Designed for multilingual English students, this course explores the various forms of craft and technology in current use in individual and small entrepreneurial pursuits. We explore interdisciplinary forms of creative practices and processes through expert lectures, videos, small group projects, class discussions, and field trips to a variety of Makerspaces to meet artists, designers, cultural entrepreneurs, and other creative professionals. Through these activities , students will improve their English listening, reading, writing, vocabulary and speaking skills needed for campus/workplace communication and collaboration, project planning/execution, and problem-solving. Course involves a fieldwork component. Language, Culture, and Makerspace Creativity: Read More [+]

Language, Culture, and Makerspace Creativity: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 5Q English Language Studies: Comparing Novels to Their Film Adaptations 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session This intensive course is designed for English language learners who want to improve their language skills by comparing and contrasting a novel and its film adaptation. Throughout the course, students will engage in vocabulary development exercises, explore cultural elements, and research themes. By analyzing and discussing both the novel and the film, students will enhance their reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in English. English Language Studies: Comparing Novels to Their Film Adaptations: Read More [+]

Summer: 6 weeks - 5 hours of session per week

Additional Format: Five hours of session per week for 6 weeks.

English Language Studies: Comparing Novels to Their Film Adaptations: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 5S English Language Studies: Gender and Sexuality Studies 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 Designed for non-native speakers of English, this course aims to help students improve their skills in the four chief communicative areas of English language – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – through a cross-cultural, linguistic study of gender and sexuality. Students will engage in the study of activism and how gender and sexuality inform and are informed by areas of inequality, such as social class, ethnicity, race, geography, and age, in the U.S. and internationally. Course includes a fieldwork component. English Language Studies: Gender and Sexuality Studies: Read More [+]

English Language Studies: Gender and Sexuality Studies: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6A Intensive English Practice: Academic Speaking 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session, Summer 2022 3 Week Session This course is designed to give students intensive practice in spoken English for academic purposes, preparing international students for the college experience. The course focuses on main areas of content: speaking in academic situations, giving oral presentations, and particpating in small-group and whole-class discussions. Intensive English Practice: Academic Speaking: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Ten hours of Session per week for 3 weeks.

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Intensive English Practice: Academic Speaking: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6B Intensive English Practice: Academic Vocabulary 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session, Summer 2022 3 Week Session This course aims to increase students' active command of the most common words used in academic contexts. Using material from a variety of disciplines, the course practices vocabulary through all four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on speaking and small-group discussion. In addition, students learn strategies for recording, remembering, and reviewing important vocabulary. Intensive English Practice: Academic Vocabulary: Read More [+]

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Intensive English Practice: Academic Vocabulary: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6C Intensive English Practice: Business Vocabulary 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2022, Summer 2022 3 Week Session, Summer 2021 3 Week Session This course aims to help English language learners improve their command of vocabulary used in a variety of general business contexts. Students will read short articles, watch videos, and discuss topics of general interest from the world of business. Strategies for identifying, recording, and remembering vocabulary will be discussed. Intensive English Practice: Business Vocabulary: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: Business Vocabulary: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6E Intensive English Practice: Grammar and Editing 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2017 3 Week Session, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 3 Week Session This course aims to help students immprove their grammatical accuracy in speaking and writing English. Through practice and feedback, this course introduces students to resources for grammar development, presents grammar rules, and focuses on developing editing strategies and on immproving sentence structure and variety. Intensive English Practice: Grammar and Editing: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: Grammar and Editing: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6F Intensive English Practice: Listening and Speaking 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022 The aim of this course is to provide students with practice in intensive and extensive listening, as well as practice in speaking. Speaking activities will include pronunciation practice, short presentations, and impromptu speaking activities. In this course, students will learn how to use listening texts more effectively for self study in both listening and speaking by identifying, analyzing, and then producing features of the text. Intensive English Practice: Listening and Speaking: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of session per week

Additional Format: Two hours of session per week. Five hours of session per week for 6 weeks. Ten hours of session per week for three weeks.

Intensive English Practice: Listening and Speaking: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6G Intensive English Practice: Writing for Digital Media 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022 In this interactive course, students will develop their reading, writing, and speaking skills by analyzing, discussing and crafting blog posts, digital stories, and other new media selections. Course assignments will focus on vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure, pronunciation, and overall writing structure and organization. Intensive English Practice: Writing for Digital Media: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: Writing for Digital Media: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6H Intensive English Practice: Writing Creative Non-Fiction 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2020 3 Week Session, Summer 2019 3 Week Session, Summer 2016 3 Week Session This course provides students practice in drafting creative non-fiction--memoir, travel/place essays, and the personal essay. Students will focus on creating vivid details and description, using imagery and figurative language, and ordering information for impact. Through these exercises and essays, studnts will have the opportunity to improve their critical reading, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. Intensive English Practice: Writing Creative Non-Fiction: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 15 hours of session per week 6 weeks - 5 hours of session per week

Additional Format: Five hours of session per week for 6 weeks. Fifteen hours of session per week for three weeks.

Intensive English Practice: Writing Creative Non-Fiction: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6I Intensive English Practice: Conflict Resolution Skills 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session, Summer 2019 3 Week Session This intensive course helps students improve speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary/idioms skills while learning practical skills to resolve conflicts with people from different cultures. Students will act as mediators and disputants in mediation role-plays involving American culture topics based on business, law, culture, politics, and the environment. Course goal: achieve more natural fluency and listening comprehension in English for academic and professional purposes. Intensive English Practice: Conflict Resolution Skills: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 10 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Ten hours of lecture per week for three weeks.

Intensive English Practice: Conflict Resolution Skills: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6J Intensive English Practice: Academic Test Preparation 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2020 3 Week Session, Summer 2019 3 Week Session, Summer 2018 3 Week Session The goal of this course is to help students feel confident and well-prepared when taking the iBT TOEFL and IELTS exams. This course will focus specfically on the speaking and writing sections, given that the integrated writing and speaking tasks on these tests require responding to readings and short lectures/discussions—skills needed not only for standardized test-taking but also for exams and group work at the university level. Intensive English Practice: Academic Test Preparation: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: Academic Test Preparation: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6K Intensive English Practice: Academic Reading and Writing 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2019 3 Week Session, Summer 2018 3 Week Session The goal of this class is to prepare students for the types of reading and writing in first-year composition courses at U.S. universities. The course addresses the reading process, including annotation, analysis and evaluation, and the writing process, including organization and planning as well as summarizing and paraphrasing.  Intensive English Practice: Academic Reading and Writing: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: Students will improve their ability to analyze written texts and craft university-level academic essays.

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit under special circumstances: Repeatable for credit with a different instructor.

Intensive English Practice: Academic Reading and Writing: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6L Intensive English Practice: Successful Job Search and Interviewing Skills 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 In this English as a Second language course, students will develop (a) communicative competence in in job research and networking and (b) the skills and vocabulary relevant to individual students’ desired work situations. Students will practice interviewing, self-promotion, and networking and will create their own resumes and cover letters. Intensive English Practice: Successful Job Search and Interviewing Skills: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: Successful Job Search and Interviewing Skills: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6M Intensive English Practice: U.S. University Admissions and Expectations 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2019 3 Week Session, Summer 2018 3 Week Session Through this course, students will become familiar with (a) the different teaching and learning styles at U.S. universities, (b) professor expectations regarding class participation, assignments, and source use, (c) skills and strategies for becoming active, empowered learners; and (d) the ins and outs of the college application. In the process, students will practice and hone reading, writing, and speaking skills. Intensive English Practice: U.S. University Admissions and Expectations: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: U.S. University Admissions and Expectations: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6N Intensive English Practice: Art and Design 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session, Summer 2019 3 Week Session The aim of this course is to develop students’ communicative competence in English as a Second Language through an exploration of art and local museums. Through this course, students will become familiar with the language used to discuss the elements of art and the principles of design and will use this vocabulary to talk about art with evidence, to do close analyses of art as text, and to discuss art in its cultural and historical contexts. Intensive English Practice: Art and Design: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: Art and Design: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6P Intensive English Practice: Pronunciation 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 This course for English language learners emphasizes the sound system, word and sentence stress, linking, and rhythm in American English pronunciation. Activities include textbook assignments, analysis of spoken texts, oral presentations, and in-depth practice with individual sound production. Intensive English Practice: Pronunciation: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: Pronunciation: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6Q English for Alternative Dispute Resolution for Business, Law, and Other Professional Purposes 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2019 3 Week Session This course focuses on interactive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) simulations (role plays in class and via videoconferencing) in which students must work together to analyze, prevent and resolve a variety of conflicts using a complex set of English skills (grammatical accuracy; speaking and listening; pronunciation; and new vocabulary and idioms) and cross-cultural and sociolinguistic skills (body language, formality and tone). The course is designed for high-intermediate through advanced-level ESL students with a professional or academic interest in ADR. Students who are interested in conflict resolution for general communication purposes are encouraged to consider Colwrit 6I. English for Alternative Dispute Resolution for Business, Law, and Other Professional Purposes: Read More [+]

English for Alternative Dispute Resolution for Business, Law, and Other Professional Purposes: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 6R Intensive English Practice: Speaking Through Performance 2 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 In this highly collaborative course, students will practice speaking skills and learn performance techniques through dramatic scripts and oral interpretation. Course goals include building speaking confidence, clarity, and fluency. Intensive English Practice: Speaking Through Performance: Read More [+]

Intensive English Practice: Speaking Through Performance: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7A American Language and Culture: The Media 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session, Summer 2020 3 Week Session This English as a Second Language course focuses on building English skills while exploring American culture through the media. Students will listen to lectures, watch and discuss film clips, and read current news magazines. In addition, students will actively participate in large and small group discussions and debates. The course requires students to focus on and create interesting, well-organized informative speeches, and convincing persuasive written and oral responses. American Language and Culture: The Media: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 5 hours of lecture per week 6 weeks - 2.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two and one-half hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks. Five hours of lecture per week for three weeks.

American Language and Culture: The Media: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7B American Language and Culture: The Beat Poets of 1950s San Francisco 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session, Summer 2019 3 Week Session This course is designed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. The starting point of the course is to examine the Beat Generation writers, specifically Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, looking at their relevance to the 50's and 60's and how their ideas led to and shaped the counterculture movements of the 60's and 70's. Through readings and video and audio clips, students will have the opportunity to explore the Beat Generation's impact in Berkeley and San Francisco. American Language and Culture: The Beat Poets of 1950s San Francisco: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture per week 6 weeks - 2.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two and one-half hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks. Seven and one-half hours of lecture per week for three weeks.

American Language and Culture: The Beat Poets of 1950s San Francisco: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7C American Language and Culture: Business and Social Entrepreneurship 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 This course explores debates concerning the role of business in addressing social issues, while providing support for English reading, listening, note-taking, and speaking skills. Social entrepreneuship has gained popularity and sparked debate in the United States and throughout the world as individual entrepreneurs have found more efficient ways to provide medicine, social services, education, and environmentally sustainable consumer products. American Language and Culture: Business and Social Entrepreneurship: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 7.5 hours of session per week 6 weeks - 4 hours of session per week

Additional Format: Four hours of session per week for 6 weeks. Seven and one-half hours of session per week for three weeks.

American Language and Culture: Business and Social Entrepreneurship: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7D American Language and Culture: Food for Thought 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 Many sociocultural and economic factors affect the ways individuals and groups manage food. This English as a Second Language course focuses on current food movements and trends in the US--and the many ethical, cultural, and financial aspects that both underlie and result from them. Students will examine this topic through a wide variety of sources: readings, films, music, guest speakers, lectures, video clips, panel discussions , individual research, and personal experience. American Language and Culture: Food for Thought: Read More [+]

American Language and Culture: Food for Thought: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7E American Language and Culture: The Environment 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2019 3 Week Session, Summer 2017 3 Week Session, Summer 2016 3 Week Session This English as a Second Language course challenges students to use their reading, listening/speaking, note-taking, and research skills while focusing on environmental issues. Students will listen to lectures, watch and critique video and film clips, conduct research, and examine conflicting beliefs based on articles in the media and journals. The course requires students to participate in discussions and debates while reflecting on personal views. American Language and Culture: The Environment: Read More [+]

American Language and Culture: The Environment: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7F American Language and Culture: Women Poets 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2013 10 Week Session, Summer 2013 3 Week Session The class helps develop students’ communicative competence in English by exploring the place of women in the contemporary literary canon, cultural stereotypes of women and men as artists, and challenges to conventional notions of womanhood. In order to improve skills in speaking, reading, listening comprehension, and vocabulary, students will participate in classroom activities which include oral interpretation of poetry, group work, and response journal assignments. American Language and Culture: Women Poets: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT 7F after completing COLWRIT 7F . A deficient grade in COLWRIT 7F may be removed by taking COLWRIT 7F .

Summer: 3 weeks - 5 hours of session per week

Additional Format: Five hours of session per week for three weeks.

Instructor: Clark

American Language and Culture: Women Poets: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7G American Language and Culture: Community Building and Transformation 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2019 3 Week Session, Summer 2018 3 Week Session, Summer 2017 3 Week Session People around the globe are confronting limitations to freedom, health, and safety. In this class, we will study real examples of how people in different places across the U.S. and the globe are discovering and leveraging creativity and community as powerful tools to confront problems. Content goals: defining community and critically assessing local initiatives. Language goals: improving listening and speaking skills through videos, lectures, discussion, role plays, debates, and presentations. American Language and Culture: Community Building and Transformation: Read More [+]

American Language and Culture: Community Building and Transformation: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7I American Language and Culture: California Dreams and Realities 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2013 3 Week Session Using a variety of sources, students are introduced to trends from California history that have had national and international influence. Students will listen to lectures and podcasts, watch videos and movie extracts, and read articles and listen to songs about the California experience to develop their vocabulary, listening, speaking, and reading skills. American Language and Culture: California Dreams and Realities: Read More [+]

American Language and Culture: California Dreams and Realities: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7J American Language and Culture: California Culture 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session, Summer 2019 3 Week Session California remains a leader in cultural change. This class will focus on English listening and speaking skills while exploring the progressive style of California culture. Students will listen to short lectures and influential music, view and discuss featured video clips, read about California icons, and actively participate in discussions, group presentations, and fieldwork to increase fluency and learn about local culture. American Language and Culture: California Culture: Read More [+]

American Language and Culture: California Culture: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7K American Language and Culture: Humor 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session Through this course, an introductory study of humor in the U.S. and its influence on American culture, students will increase their understanding of American cultural history and current popular culture by studying the significant trends and messages of its social and political humor while developing and applying analytical and linguistic skills for close listening, critical reading, and presentations. American Language and Culture: Humor: Read More [+]

American Language and Culture: Humor: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7L American Language and Culture: The Berkeley Experience 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 3 Week Session This three-week ESL course gives students the chance to experience the culture of Berkeley and the Bay Area in and out of the classroom. Students will tour important campus venues, visit landmarks in Berkeley, and then cross the bay to visit other cities. Along the way, students will practice their language skills through readings, videos, and interactions with native speakers. In addition, students will participate in reflections, surveys/interviews, and a final project. American Language and Culture: The Berkeley Experience: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT 7L after completing COLWRIT 7L . A deficient grade in COLWRIT 7L may be removed by taking COLWRIT 7L .

Summer: 3 weeks - 5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Five hours of lecture per week for three weeks.

American Language and Culture: The Berkeley Experience: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7M American Language and Culture: Storytelling 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 In this course, students will increase their understanding of American cultural history and current popular culture by studying the significant trends and messages of its myths, legends, and folktales; learn about how America’s minorities have used storytelling for political and social advancement; develop/apply analytical and linguistic skills for close listening, conversation and presentations; improve their communication skills with native speakers of English. American Language and Culture: Storytelling: Read More [+]

Instructor: Spars

American Language and Culture: Storytelling: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7N American Language and Culture: Questioning the American Dream 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2019 3 Week Session The aim of this course is to develop students’ communicative competence in English as a Second Language through an exploration of the history, diversity, and values related to the American Dream, and the realities that hinder access to that dream. Students will listen to short lectures, watch and discuss video clips, read popular and academic articles, conduct fieldwork, and participate in small group discussions and presentations. This is your opportunity to increase speaking and reading fluency and improve listening skills. American Language and Culture: Questioning the American Dream: Read More [+]

American Language and Culture: Questioning the American Dream: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 7Q American Language and Culture: Traditional and Modern Medicine 1 Unit

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 The aim of this course is to develop students' awareness of American culture and their communicative competence in English as a Second Language through course content about the integration of traditional approaches to health care in modern medicine in California (Chinese medicine, herbalism, yoga, and more). Skills are practiced and assessed through reading, writing, listening, and speaking assignments. American Language and Culture: Traditional and Modern Medicine: Read More [+]

American Language and Culture: Traditional and Modern Medicine: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 8 English for Academic and Professional Purposes 4 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session A 60-hour course focusing on speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary and providing a level of instruction that meets students' specific needs. Classes are content-based, with a focus on contemporary high-interest topics. Students participate in oral presentations, group projects, discussions, and field trips. This course is appropriate for international and immigrant students interested in improving language skills. Online placement exam required. English for Academic and Professional Purposes: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Placement by examination

Credit Restrictions: There is currently a "Courses that will restrict credit" restriction for this course that says "Students will receive no credit for College Writing Program 8 after taking Subject A 8". We would like to remove this restriction in light of the fact that both the Subject A program and class have not been in existence for about 20 years.

Summer: 3 weeks - 20 hours of lecture per week 6 weeks - 10 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Ten hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks. Twenty hours of Lecture per week for 3 weeks.

English for Academic and Professional Purposes: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9A Academic Research for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2019 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session This course introduces the basic terminology, techniques, and strategies necessary for academic research in American universities. Students will refine topics; evaluate/use outside sources to support claims; practice citation, summary, and paraphrasing skills; and write multiple drafts. Each section will craft literature reviews and research on a specific theme; each student can approach the theme within the framework of his or her discipline or interest. Course includes a fieldwork component. Academic Research for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Five hours of Session per week for 6 weeks. Ten hours of Session per week for 3 weeks.

Academic Research for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9B Academic Vocabulary for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2015 Second 6 Week Session Academic writing and speaking require a wide understanding of vocabulary. In this course, students are introduced to numerous online and paper resources and learn strategies for improving vocabulary development, including effective ways to build vocabulary and recall new vocabulary through a series of readings, writings and other class activities. Course includes a fieldwork component. Academic Vocabulary for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Academic Vocabulary for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9C Academic Writing for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Spring 2024 In this class, students learn about the content, structure, and organization of academic essays. Through in- and out-of-class writing, students work on focusing topics, organizing arguments, and supporting claims with evidence and reasoning. Sentence structures, summarizing, paraphrasing, correct use of citations, and editing skills will also be addressed. Academic Writing for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Enrollment in CW 9C: ESP- Academic Writing is restricted to international students and other multilingual student writers

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of session per week

Academic Writing for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9E Business English for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session In this course, students will have the opportunity to improve communication skills in order to do business in English. The following topics will be covered: negotiating; writing business letters, memos, and resumes; developing business vocabulary; improving business social skills; reading and discussing case studies; and exploring Internet business. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Business English for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Business English for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9F Business Speaking for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session This course focuses on oral language in business contexts, including meetings, negotiations, presentations, debates, interviews, and informal social settings. Students learn appropriate phrases and topics for business conversation and improve their abilities through practice both in and out of class. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Business Speaking for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Business Speaking for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9G Medical and Health Care English for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2013 Second 6 Week Session This course, designed for current or future medical professionals, focuses on mastery of medical idioms and vocabulary essential to work in health care fields. Students learn standard phrasal and vocabulary, critically read and respond to case studies and medical journals, and gain perspectives on medicine through the eyes of practitioners, patients, and families. Students also interact with working professionals and observe practices on site via fieldwork assignments. Medical and Health Care English for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Medical and Health Care English for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9I Conflict Resolution Communication Skills for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2019 Second 6 Week Session This course is an introduction to conflict resolution for intermediate-advanced level ESL students. It includes interactive mediation role–plays requiring students to develop a complex set of English skills (grammatical accuracy; speaking and listening; pronunciation; and new vocabulary and idioms) and sociolinguistic skills (body language, formality, and tone). Course includes a fieldwork component to help students improve problem-solving and communication skills. Conflict Resolution Communication Skills for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Conflict Resolution Communication Skills for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9J Academic Language and Writing Style for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session Aimed at intermediate-advanced multilingual students, the goal of this course is to help students improve and expand their knowledge of sentence structure and variety to achieve an academic style. Using their own and professional writers' work, students will expand their repertoire of grammatical structures and improve the clarity and sophistication of their writing. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Academic Language and Writing Style for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Academic Language and Writing Style for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9M The U.S. Constitution: An Introduction 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session Open to native and non-native speakers, this class introduces students to the U.S. Constitution’s language and legal substance, to its historical background, and to its political and cultural significance. Students examine debates over the document’s interpretation and the ongoing struggle to realize the ideals reflected in its Articles and Amendments. Special attention will be paid to key provisions of the Bill of Rights. Reading, class discussion, and journaling offer the opportunity to practice and strengthen English skills. Especially appropriate for international students entering an LL.M. program, the class welcomes anyone interested in learning about U.S. law, history, and society. The U.S. Constitution: An Introduction: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT 9M after completing COLWRIT 9M . A deficient grade in COLWRIT 9M may be removed by taking COLWRIT 9M .

The U.S. Constitution: An Introduction: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9N Introduction of the U.S. Legal System for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2019 Second 6 Week Session Designed for non-native speakers of English, this course introduces the basics of U.S. federal and state court systems, judge and jury trials, case law method, and selected areas of law based on student interest. The course requires students to use new vocabulary and idioms; read and analyze judges' decisions; organize, write, and edit arguments about legal issues; give oral presentations; and participate in formal and informal discussions and role-plays. Course includes a fieldwork component. Introduction of the U.S. Legal System for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Introduction of the U.S. Legal System for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9O Legal Writing for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2019 Second 6 Week Session This course helps international lawyers and law students understand how to communicate effectively in writing in an American legal context. In this course, students will learn a brief overview of the American legal system; strategies for reading legal cases; and strategies for legal writing, research, and analysis. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Legal Writing for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Legal Writing for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9P English for Specific Purposes: Conflict Resolution for Business, Law, and International Relations 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2015 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2014 10 Week Session, Summer 2014 Second 6 Week Session Introducing negotiation and mediation to intermediate-advanced academic or professional ESL students. The course focuses on strategies to prevent and resolve conflicts, including cross-cultural ones, in business, law, and international relations. Tasks include interactive negotiation and mediation simulations requiring students to develop a complex set of language (grammar, speaking/listening , pronunciation, vocabulary/idioms) and sociolinguistic skills (body language, formality, and tone). English for Specific Purposes: Conflict Resolution for Business, Law, and International Relations: Read More [+]

English for Specific Purposes: Conflict Resolution for Business, Law, and International Relations: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9R Academic and Public Speaking for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2019 Second 6 Week Session In this course, ESL students learn and practice the rhetorical and oral skills needed to speak in various situations in the U.S. The course focuses on designing formal and informal presentations for varied purposes and audiences, constructing/defending arguments, and fielding critical questions. Also emphasized are communication skills needed for interacting in group and in one-on-one formats. Course includes a fieldwork component. Academic and Public Speaking for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Academic and Public Speaking for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9S Pronunciation for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session This course is designed to help students improve their ability to communicate effectively in social and academic settings by means of a detailed, systematic study of the sounds and patterns of spoken American English. Audio journals and in-class assignments provide in-depth practice with individual sound production as well as stress, rhythm, and intonation. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Pronunciation for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Pronunciation for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9V Science and Engineering English for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session This course is designed to help students improve English speaking and writing skills essential for functioning well in academic and professional science and engineering activities. A significant portion of the course is devoted to developing the style, vocabulary, and grammar used most frequently in technical communication. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment of interests and needs. Science and Engineering English for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Science and Engineering English for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9W Speech and Debate for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2015 Second 6 Week Session Aimed at intermediate-advanced multilingual students, this course presents the basics of speech and debate. Students will learn to construct basic arguments, work on speaking style, watch sample speeches and debates, write speeches, and participate in Parliamentary-style debates. In completing course assignments, students will have the opportunity to practice and improve all aspects of their oral skills in English. Course includes a fieldwork component. Multiple sections: placement based on Day 1 assessment. Speech and Debate for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Speech and Debate for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 9Y Creative Writing for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2019 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session In this course, we will focus on those elements that make for effective creative writing (poetry, fiction, and the personal essay): descriptive detail; imagery and figurative language; rhythm and structure/build; and authentic tone, dialogue and characterization. By completing analytical and practical exercises and by crafting multiple drafts, students will have the opportunity to improve their critical reading, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. Course includes a fieldwork component. Creative Writing for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Creative Writing for Multilingual Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 10A Introduction to Public Speaking 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Spring 2024 This is a strictly introductory course. It presumes no formal training of any kind on the part of the students. Emphasis will be on organization and delivery with goals of improving control over speaking habits and enunciation. Part of the intent of the course is to introduce students to the rudiments of the rhetorical theory which lies behind the practice of public speaking. Introduction to Public Speaking: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 8 hours of lecture per week 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Eight hours of lecture/discussion per week for six weeks. Six hours of lecture/discussion per week for eight weeks.

Introduction to Public Speaking: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 10B Advanced Public Speaking 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018 This is an advanced course that presumes introductory training in public speaking. Emphasis will be on real-world speaking situations. The course combines both theory and practice: it incorporates extensive speaking performance and individualized critiques from instructor and students, as well as analysis of advanced speaking models, and it explores theories, speech genres, and rhetorical processes beyond those in the introductory course. The intent of the course is to advance students' ability to deliver polished and informed public speeches adapted to a wide range of audiences and speaking situations. Advanced Public Speaking: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 10A or equivalent

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week.

Advanced Public Speaking: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 11 Berkeley Changemaker: Public Speaking 1 - 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Spring 2024 Emphasizing the Berkeley Changemaker pillars of critical thinking and communication, this variable unit (1 or 2) practicum is designed to help students refine their academic speaking skills. Students will learn the techniques of effective public speaking, practice their skills, and develop confidence in oral communication. Online, asynchronous class sessions will be complemented by “live” opportunities that enable students to practice course content in front of an instructor and audience and receive feedback. Berkeley Changemaker: Public Speaking: Read More [+]

Student Learning Outcomes: Build confidence and expertise in oral communication, practicing skills in self-presentation, informative presentations, and persuasive speaking Deliver effective oral presentations Develop a better understanding of communication strategies, practices, and theories Improve skills in speaking and listening Understand cultural differences in communication

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit up to a total of 2 times. Students may enroll in multiple sections of this course within the same semester.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0.5-1 hours of seminar and 1-2 hours of discussion per week

Summer: 3 weeks - 2-4 hours of seminar and 4-8 hours of discussion per week 6 weeks - 1-2 hours of seminar and 2-4 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: One to two hours of discussion and one-half to one hours of seminar per week. Two to four hours of discussion and one to two hours of seminar per week for 6 weeks. Four to eight hours of discussion and two to four hours of seminar per week for three weeks.

Berkeley Changemaker: Public Speaking: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 20 Communicating in Class: Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013 This advanced oral communication course for multilingual international students offers opportunities to practice listening to lectures and taking notes, participating in discussions and taking on various roles, and devising strategies for success when presenting orally in different formats. The course focuses on authentic language use in the U.S. university classroom--in terms of the lecture students will view, projects students will complete, and in-class interactions students will participate in. Communicating in Class: Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Students: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Instructors: Baptiste, Crisp, Wald, Sokolik

Communicating in Class: Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Students: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 21 Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Students: Conflict Management for Academic Success at the University 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014 This advanced oral communications course is reserved for first-year international students who speak a first language other than English. Students learn and practice university level cross-cultural communication strategies to help them fully participate in academic life. Applying Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) theories and methods used in business and law, students develop strategies for resolving communication problems, misunderstandings , and conflicts that can arise in academic settings and beyond. CW 21 is designed to improve class participation skills, including understanding lectures and instructions; contributing to and leading group discussions; speaking up in class; and asking for and using feedback from professors. Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Students: Conflict Management for Academic Success at the University: Read More [+]

Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Students: Conflict Management for Academic Success at the University: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 25AC Reading in and about U.S. Education Institutions 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Spring 2024 In this course, we will read, discuss, and write about the expectations of the American educational system, especially within a multicultural context. The goal is to deepen the understanding of the history and diversity of American educational institutions, while strengthening reading and seminar participation skills through critique and analysis of communication patterns. This course is intended for international stud ents. Reading in and about U.S. Education Institutions: Read More [+]

Summer: 6 weeks - 7 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week. Seven hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Instructor: Sokolik

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COLWRIT 50AC Researching Water in the West: Its Presence, Its Absence, and Its Consequences for the Peoples of California 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018 Examines the subject of water in California, drawing upon scholarly articles, essays, memoir, film, photographs, legislation. In collaboration with the Teaching Library, 50 explores techniques for conducting online archival research and using primary sources. Cosiders a variety of players in the story of water rights in California, including federal and state representatives, conservationists, Native Americans, and Japanese Americans. Researching Water in the West: Its Presence, Its Absence, and Its Consequences for the Peoples of California: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of first half of the reading and composition requirement

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 50AC after taking 150AC.

Requirements this course satisfies: Satisfies the American Cultures requirement

Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture per week 8 weeks - 5.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. Five and one-half hours of Lecture per week for 8 weeks. Seven and one-half hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Instructor: Steenland

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COLWRIT 75AC Sacred Places and the American Western 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2019 This class will explore the central themes of the American Cultures curriculum through the concept of place, specifically the "West". The Western landscape gives the Western genre its name, but the concepts that inform the portrayal of that landscape are not interrogated by the genre. The class will unpack the theoretical framework behind that depiction. Each section of the class will be framed by texts that offer a theory of place that, when closely examined , will reveal previously invisible concepts of race and class. Sacred Places and the American Western: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of both halves (Parts A and B) of the Reading & Composition Requirement

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week. Five and one-half hours of lecture per week for 8 weeks. Seven and one-half hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Sacred Places and the American Western: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 98 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 Supervised seminar for group study of selected topics. Directed Group Study: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Enrollment is restricted; see the Introduction to Courses and Curricula section of this catalog.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of directed group study per week

Additional Format: One to Four hour of Directed group study per week for 15 weeks.

Directed Group Study: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 99 Supervised Independent Study 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016 Independent study in topics not covered by regularly scheduled courses. Student must initiate topic and present a written proposal. Supervised Independent Study: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, lower division standing

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of tutorial per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 1.5-7.5 hours of tutorial per week

Additional Format: One to Four hour of Tutorial per week for 15 weeks. One and one-half to Seven and one-half hours of Tutorial per week for 8 weeks.

Supervised Independent Study: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 105 Intermediate Writing: Finding Your Voice with Others 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016 Engaging with issues of authorial voice, the writing process, and technology, students hone the ability to read and write academic prose. A hybrid composition course, this course meets in the classroom and online. Students use Web 2.0 writing tools and think critically about how such tools affect writing processes. Further, this course offers students opportunities to collaborate on projects, as is often required for academic and workplace writing , and which Web 2.0 writing tools are designed to support. Intermediate Writing: Finding Your Voice with Others: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of both halves of Reading and Composition requirement

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of web-based lecture per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of Lecture and One and one-half hours of Web-based lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Online: This is an online course.

Intermediate Writing: Finding Your Voice with Others: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 106 Intermediate Composition: Argument in the Disciplines 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016 This course prepares students to write and analyze arguments in a range of academic disciplines, from the humanities and liberal arts, to the sciences and social sciences. The course emphasizes the rhetorical strategies, reasoning, and conventions that characterize persuasive arguments in each field. This course does not include instruction in the research process. Intermediate Composition: Argument in the Disciplines: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of both halves of the Reading and Composition Requirement (Parts A and B)

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. Seven hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Intermediate Composition: Argument in the Disciplines: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 107 Translation in Practice 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024 This course provides an English language setting for an immersive dive into translation studies, as well as evaluating and producing original translated texts. Students will reflect on processes and decisions in that work, which will culminate in a significant translation project designed around principles of discovery: challenging conventional notions of a translator’s visibility and creating opportunities for paratextual study, engagement, and impact. Our approach to the topic of translation will be interdisciplinary and worlded, and students are encouraged to bring their own interests, experiences, and creative agency to the classroom. Fluency reading and writing in at least one language other than English is required to take this class. Translation in Practice: Read More [+]

Student Learning Outcomes: This course aims to help students become more practiced translators and translation critics, producing stronger and more purposeful translations while gaining mastery over the terminology and philosophies that guide these practices. Students will apply discovery practices that contextualize their work as translators in social, political, historical, or cultural frameworks.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 2 hours of workshop per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 6 hours of workshop per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture and two hours of workshop per week. Three hours of lecture and six hours of workshop per week for 6 weeks.

Translation in Practice: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 108 Advanced Composition: New Media 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Fall 2011 This advanced nonfiction writing course offers an opportunity to explore the definition of text in a digital era. It offers students an opportunity to read and write about how contemporary uses of social media influence how we think, act, interact, and learn. Advanced Composition: New Media: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Reading and Composition requirement up to and including 1B or consent of instructor

Summer: 6 weeks - 8 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. Eight hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Advanced Composition: New Media: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 109C Academic Writing for Multilingual Students 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 In this class, students learn about the content, structure, and organization of academic essays. Through in- and out-of-class writing, students work on focusing topics, organizing arguments, and supporting claims with evidence and reasoning. Sentence structures, summarizing, paraphrasing, correct use of citations, and editing skills will also be addressed. Academic Writing for Multilingual Students: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Enrollment in College Writing 109C: ESP- Academic Writing is restricted to international students and other multilingual student writers. Graduate students welcome

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week. Five hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks. Ten hours of lecture per week for three weeks.

COLWRIT 110 Advanced Composition: Challenging Writing 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018 This writing workshop will offer students an opportunity to write essays and other nonfiction prose that speak both personally and politically to the issues and audiences they wish to address. The readings will focus on the rhetorical strategies of writers who have used the essay as a cultural form to challenge the norms of the time and place in which they live(d). Advanced Composition: Challenging Writing: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Completion of reading and composition requirement (1A-1B) or consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Four hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Advanced Composition: Challenging Writing: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 121 Issues in Teaching English Internationally 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 First 6 Week Session This course offers students an opportunity to consider relevant academic and professional issues related to the teaching of English internationally. Through readings, discussions, and assigned projects, students learn about principles of language policy and planning, linguistics, methodology, and assessment. These topics contribute to students' understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of effective English language teaching abroad, leading to responsible engagement in the international community of English language teachers and learners. Issues in Teaching English Internationally: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture, 2 hours of discussion, 0 hours of web-based discussion, and 0 hours of web-based lecture per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 0 hours of lecture, 0 hours of discussion, 2.5 hours of web-based discussion, and 5 hours of web-based lecture per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture and two hours of discussion and zero hour of web-based discussion and zero hour of web-based lecture per week. Zero hour of lecture and zero hour of discussion and two and one-half hours of web-based discussion and five hours of web-based lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Issues in Teaching English Internationally: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 130 Introduction to the Craft of Creative Writing 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course in creative writing focuses on three genres: the personal essay, the short story, and the one-act play. The course emphasizes an introduction to craft--how these types of writing are generated, what their elements are, and how the finished pieces work--which students will explore through careful study of models by published writers and through writing and revising their own short pieces. Introduction to the Craft of Creative Writing: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Completion of Reading and Composition sequence (1A/1B)

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. Six hours of Lecture per week for 8 weeks. Eight hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Instructors: Larkin, Levine, Oakes

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COLWRIT 131 Introduction to the Craft of Creative Nonfiction 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2019, Fall 2018 This course in creative writing focuses on the craft of reading and writing creative nonfiction. The course provides an introduction to craft: how creative nonfiction is generated, what its elements are, and how finished pieces work. Students will explore these aspects of craft through careful study of models by published writers, and through writing and revising their own short pieces. Introduction to the Craft of Creative Nonfiction: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of both halves of the Reading and Composition Requirement or permission of instructor

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week. Eight hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Instructor: Oakes

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COLWRIT N131 Creative Nonfiction: Cultural Critique 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 This course in creative writing focuses on the craft of reading and writing creative nonfiction. The course emphasizes an introduction to craft—how creative nonfiction is generated, what its elements are, and how finished pieces work—which students will explore through careful study of models by published writers, and through writing and revising their own short pieces. Creative Nonfiction: Cultural Critique: Read More [+]

Summer: 3 weeks - 10 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Ten hours of seminar per week for three weeks.

Creative Nonfiction: Cultural Critique: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 132 Introduction to the Craft of Short Fiction 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2019, Fall 2016 This course in creative writing focuses on the craft of reading and writing short fiction. The course provides an introduction to craft: how short fiction is generated, what its elements are, and how finished pieces work. Students will explore these aspects of craft through careful study of models by published writers, and through writing and revising their own short pieces. Introduction to the Craft of Short Fiction: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of both halves of the Reading and Composition Requirement or consent of instructor

Instructor: Sloan

Introduction to the Craft of Short Fiction: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT N132 The Craft of Short Fiction 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 This two-unit course on the short story emphasizes an introduction to craft—how short stories are created, what their elements are, and how the finished pieces work—which you will explore through careful study of models by published writers and through writing and revising your own original pieces generated for this class. The Craft of Short Fiction: Read More [+]

The Craft of Short Fiction: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 133 Introduction to the Craft of Dramatic Writing 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Fall 2017 This course in creative writing focuses on the fundamentals of reading and writing dramatic scripts. Students learn dramatic writing as an art and as a set of skills. They learn the elements involved in the creation of scripts by analyzing published scripts, as well as by drafting their own scripts and critiquing their peers' work. Particular emphasis is given to the work of generating and revising drafts, in addition to the critique and appreciation of works written for the stage, and to a lesser degree, for the screen. This introduction to craft is applicable to stage scripts as well as screenplays. Introduction to the Craft of Dramatic Writing: Read More [+]

Instructor: Levine

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COLWRIT N133 The Craft of Dramatic Writing 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 College Writing N133 is an introduction to the craft of dramatic writing through the study of works by professional playwrights and through composition and revision of your own playscripts. You will come to understand dramatic writing as an art and as a set of skills; you will receive an introduction to some of the elements involved in the creation of written scripts. Particular emphasis will be given to the work of generating and revising writing for the stage and, to a lesser degree, for the screen. The Craft of Dramatic Writing: Read More [+]

The Craft of Dramatic Writing: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 134 The Craft of Poetry 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 This two-unit course on poetry & poetics emphasizes an introduction to craft—how poems are created, what their elements are, and how the finished pieces work—which you will explore through careful study of models by published writers, and through writing and revising your own original pieces generated for this class. The Craft of Poetry: Read More [+]

The Craft of Poetry: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 135 The Craft of Creative Writing -- Workshopping & Performance 1 Unit

Terms offered: Summer 2024, Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Summer 2023 In this one-unit workshop, we will focus on strengthening skills in workshopping, selecting and publicly performing your creative writing. Composing, editing, and revising your works will also be an important emphasis. As a class focused on craft across genres, we will read a variety of strategies by published story writers, essayists, poets and playwrights. We will study performances by established and emerging artists, and develop a sustainable in-person and online writing community that you can rely on long after the three-week summer intensive has ended. The Craft of Creative Writing -- Workshopping & Performance: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: This course requires simultaneous enrollment in COLWRIT N131 , N132 , N133 , or 134

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction. Students may enroll in multiple sections of this course within the same semester.

Summer: 3 weeks - 5 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Five hours of seminar per week for three weeks.

The Craft of Creative Writing -- Workshopping & Performance: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 140A Readings on Creative Writing 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2013 10 Week Session, Summer 2013 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2012 First 6 Week Session Before we write, we must read. This course will offer the opportunity for careful examination and discussion of masterworks--many of them recent--in creative writing, with special focus on the craft of the writing. Students will enroll in a section of the course corresponding to the genre they would like to study: creative nonfiction, short fiction, poetry, or one-act playwriting. 140A must be taken concurrently with a section of 140B in the same genre. Readings on Creative Writing: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Completion of both parts of the Reading and Composition sequence for UC students; equivalent proficiency for non-UC students. Corequisite: enrollment in 140B: Seminar-Workshop in Creative Writing

Additional Format: Seven hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Readings on Creative Writing: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 140B Seminar-Workshop in Creative Writing 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2013 10 Week Session, Summer 2013 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2012 First 6 Week Session This seminar will offer students the opportunity to craft several pieces of creative writing, and to consider the formal aspects of creative writing. Students' writing will be critiqued by the class and the instructor with special focus on the formal elements of each piece. Students will enroll in one of four sections of the course: creative nonfiction, short fiction, poetry, or one-act playwriting. 140B must be taken concurrently with a section of 140A in the same genre. Seminar-Workshop in Creative Writing: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Completion of both parts of the Reading and Composition sequence for UC students; equivalent proficiency for non-UC students. Corequisite: enrollment in 140A: Readings in Creative Writing

Seminar-Workshop in Creative Writing: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 141 Seminar-Workshop on Creative Writing: The Novel 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2013 10 Week Session, Summer 2013 First 6 Week Session This course offers opportunities to craft several works of creative writing in service of the production of a novel, and to consider formal aspects of the novel with reference to assigned readings. Students consider the general principles governing the form, and the wide latitude the writer has in addressing these principles. Students will develop skill at analyzing a work, presenting descriptive feedback, and identifying the possibilities for revision suggested by the draft itself. Seminar-Workshop on Creative Writing: The Novel: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of both halves of the Reading and Composition requirement

Seminar-Workshop on Creative Writing: The Novel: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 142 Grammar for English Language Instructors 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 First 6 Week Session This course covers the knowledge you need as a future instructor to explain English grammar to learners in your own classroom. You will gain an understanding of the structure of the English language, how other languages have influenced its development, and how to explain grammatical principles clearly so that learners from a variety of language backgrounds can understand. Grammar for English Language Instructors: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: A deeper understanding of the history of and influences on the English language An understanding of the specific vocabulary and structure of English grammar Practice and confidence in explaining grammatical constructions to others

Summer: 6 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 4.5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Six hours of lecture and four and one-half hours of discussion per week for 6 weeks.

Grammar for English Language Instructors: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 143 Foundations of English Language Education 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 First 6 Week Session An introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of English language education in both local and global contexts. This course covers theory and methods behind teaching reading, writing, listening, and speaking to diverse populations of English language learners in a variety of academic contexts. Foundations of English Language Education: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Completion of two-semester R&C requirement or the equivalent

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W143 after completing COLWRIT 143 . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W143 may be removed by taking COLWRIT 143 .

Summer: 6 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 6 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture and six hours of discussion per week for 6 weeks.

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W143

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COLWRIT 144 Teaching English as a Second Language: Practicum 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session This course will provide students with an understanding of theories and practices in teaching English to students from multilingual backgrounds. Course topics will include reflective practices, teacher decision making, learner-centered classrooms, and general knowledge about language learning and cognition. Field experience will include working with learners in the practicum-students' geographical areas, in collaboration with the practicum instructor and local instructors. Students will produce a portfolio of teaching plans, observation notes, and reflections. Teaching English as a Second Language: Practicum: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Any of the following at UC Berkeley: Education W142 or W140AC; College Writing W143 or W145, or their equivalents elsewhere. These may also be taken simultaneously with this practicum

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W144 after completing COLWRIT 144 . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W144 may be removed by taking COLWRIT 144 .

Summer: 6 weeks - 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of discussion, and 3.5 hours of fieldwork per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture and two hours of discussion and three and one-half hours of fieldwork per week for 6 weeks.

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W144

Teaching English as a Second Language: Practicum: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 145 Creating Materials for English Language Education 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session An introduction to developing instructional materials and assessment methods in English language teaching in both local and global contexts. This course covers theory and methods behind choosing, adapting, and writing materials that are suitable for diverse populations of English language learners in a variety of academic contexts. Creating Materials for English Language Education: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W145 after completing COLWRIT 145 . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W145 may be removed by taking COLWRIT 145 .

Summer: 6 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 5.5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture and five and one-half hours of discussion per week for 6 weeks.

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W145

Creating Materials for English Language Education: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 146 Teaching Online in a Global Context 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session This course addresses the skills and knowledge needed as future instructors teaching English online in multiple contexts. Both the possibilities and limitations of online instruction will be addressed. The advantages, of course, include being able to reach a wider audience of learners than previously possible. However, we are still faced with limitations of technology, having to find new ways to engage students, and socio-economic differences in access to technology. Students will develop an online learning module. Teaching Online in a Global Context: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: Build the ability to inspire learners, even from a distance Develop an awareness of the limitations of online instruction Develop an understanding of the ways in which technology can be leveraged to teach English Understand how socio-economic factors influence online access and learning

Summer: 6 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 6 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Six hours of lecture and six hours of discussion per week for 6 weeks.

Teaching Online in a Global Context: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 150AC Researching Water in the West: Its Presence, Its Absence, and Its Consequences for the Peoples of California 3 Units

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 150AC after taking 50AC.

COLWRIT 151 Introduction to Principles of Professional Communication 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2017 This course introduces students to key principles and rhetorical strategies of writing texts in non-academic settings. Although the course may address issues of oral communication, the primary focus will be on learning and practicing strategies to generate written documents in a business context. Introduction to Principles of Professional Communication: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Reading and Composition 1A-1B, junior or senior standing during the academic year. No prerequisites in the summer session

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT 151 after completing COLWRIT C151.

Summer: 6 weeks - 6 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week. Six hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Instructor: Cole

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COLWRIT 152 Advanced Professional Communication 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 In this course, students build upon introductory coursework in professional communication to develop and refine their proficiency in non-academic writing. Students, in teams of three to four, propose and generate authentic workplace documents for a local organization or business; the course culminates in formal presentations. Discussions and activities regarding workplace genres, rhetorical techniques and strategies, and context-specific discourse conventions throughout term. Advanced Professional Communication: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 151

Advanced Professional Communication: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 161 Writing in the Biological Sciences 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session Intended for both Biology majors and non-majors, College Writing 161 provides students with a rhetorical framework for understanding the conventions of writing within the Biological Science to help them write more effectively for readers in Biology, as well as for readers outside the field. Exploring ideas of audience, genre, style, and authorship, students will read a wide variety of texts, including critical texts from Rhetoric and Composition that analyze writing in Biology, as well as genres specific to Biology and genres intended for wider audiences (e.g., editorials, grant application letters, explanatory articles). Students will also write a variety of these genres. Writing in the Biological Sciences: Read More [+]

Student Learning Outcomes: This course aims to help students to not only produce better writing for Biology, but to develop a rhetorical awareness they can transfer to other disciplines and writing situations.

Prerequisites: Completion/Satisfaction of the University’s R&C Requirement and at least one course in a biological science. No prerequisites in the Summer Session

Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week. Seven and one-half hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Writing in the Biological Sciences: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 171 Writing in the Social Sciences 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 Intended for both social sciences majors and non-majors, College Writing 171 provides students with a rhetorical framework for understanding the conventions of writing within the social sciences. The goal is to write more effectively to reach readers both inside and outside the field. Exploring ideas of audience, genre, style, and authorship, students will read a wide variety of texts, including critical texts from rhetoric and composition that analyze writing in the social sciences, as well as genres specific to it, and genres intended for wider audiences (e.g., editorials, grant application letters, explanatory articles). Students will also write a variety of these genres. Writing in the Social Sciences: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Completion of required R&C (R1A/R1B) courses, or permission of the instructor. No prerequisites in the Summer Session

Additional Format: Three hours of seminar per week. Six hours of seminar per week for 6 weeks.

Writing in the Social Sciences: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 175 Players, Spectators & Fanatics: Writing on the Cultures of Sports 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2020 This class will examine some of the very best sports journalism with a critical lens, looking at intersections of business, race, culture, disability, gender, performance, technology, politics, social justice, and above all else attention to inquiry through thoughtful writing. At the same time, students will write in a variety of creative nonfiction genres on multimedia platforms, including the writing of a sustained final project on a topic of their own choosing. Players, Spectators & Fanatics: Writing on the Cultures of Sports: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of both halves of the Reading and Composition Requirement, or permission of instructor

Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Three hours of seminar per week. Seven and one-half hours of seminar per week for 6 weeks.

Players, Spectators & Fanatics: Writing on the Cultures of Sports: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 180 Travel Writing 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2013, Spring 2012 This course focuses on European travel writing in the modern period, bracketed on one end by imperial exploration and expansion and on the other by the experience of comtemporary tourism. Students will write academic essays reflecting on the political, historical, and cultural meanings of travel writing. Travel Writing: Read More [+]

Instructor: Lang

Travel Writing: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 181 Global London 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This course focuses on the development of London: as a global city, as an amalgam of histories in the modern world as represented in its neighborhoods, museums, and monuments. It presents an understanding of how modern landscape both preserves the past and is remade. Global London: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of both halves of the Reading and Composition requirement. Simultaneous enrollment in Colwrit W181

Summer: 6 weeks - 12 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Twelve hours of lecture per week for 5 weeks.

Global London: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 192AC Advanced Composition: Community-Based Ethics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 2013 Communities are challenged by issues of security, poverty, and environmental sustainability. These issues intersect with those of race, class, and culture in U.S. society. This course focuses on ethical decisions as they apply to issues of diversity, sustainable practices, economic impacts on neighborhoods and nations, and issues of security and identity. This course focuses on writing and research skills. Advanced Composition: Community-Based Ethics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first semester of Reading and Composition

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. Seven and one-half hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Advanced Composition: Community-Based Ethics: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 195 Special Topics 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Fall 2018 This course covers various writing-related topics. Topics will change from semester to semester. See department website for current information. Special Topics: Read More [+]

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week

Summer: 3 weeks - 5-20 hours of lecture per week 6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week 8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week 10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: One to four hours of lecture per week. One and one-half to six hours of lecture per week for 10 weeks. Two to seven and one-half hours of lecture per week for 8 weeks. Two and one-half to ten hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks. Five to twenty hours of lecture per week for three weeks.

Special Topics: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 198 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Supervised seminar for group study of selected topics. Directed Group Study: Read More [+]

COLWRIT 199 Supervised Independent Study 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014 Independent study in topics not covered by regularly scheduled courses. Student must initiate topic and present a written proposal. Supervised Independent Study: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, upper division standing

COLWRIT 200 Writing for Academic Publication 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session This online course aims to help students develop an awareness of the Research Article (RA) genre, different approaches to RA development, and how to navigate the academic publishing process in general. The course is designed for international graduate students (MA and PhD), but may be useful to anyone seeking to develop their RA writing skills. Participants may begin the course at any stage of the research process, but the course will be especially useful to those who already have some data collected. Involvement of the student’s advisor is encouraged, but not mandatory. Writing for Academic Publication: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COLWRIT W200 after completing COLWRIT 200 . A deficient grade in COLWRIT W200 may be removed by taking COLWRIT 200 .

Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5 hours of lecture per week 10 weeks - 1.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of lecture per week for 10 weeks. Two and one-half hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Subject/Course Level: College Writing Programs/Graduate

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Instructors: Wald, Martinez

Formerly known as: College Writing Programs W200

Writing for Academic Publication: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 310 Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2006 10 Week Session, Summer 2005 10 Week Session, Summer 2002 10 Week Session This course will allow qualified graduate students an opportunity to teach ESL in both an intensive ESL program and a community-based adult ESL course. Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: One year of graduate study in a TESL/TEFL or related program. Appropriate course work in theory and methods of teaching ESL; instructor permission

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit up to a total of 6 units.

Summer: 6 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Six hours of lecture plus one and one-half hours of discussion, and a minimum of thirteen hours of classroom teaching/assisting per week for six weeks, supervised by one or more lead teachers.

Subject/Course Level: College Writing Programs/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers

Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language: Read Less [-]

COLWRIT 375 Introduction to Theories and Practices of Teaching College Composition 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020 The course will focus on teaching philosophies, course designs, instructional methods, and assessment issues in relation to teaching composition in a pluralistic setting. Introduction to Theories and Practices of Teaching College Composition: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Appointment as GSI or consent of instructor

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture/discussion per week.

Formerly known as: College Writing 300

Introduction to Theories and Practices of Teaching College Composition: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

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Exploring Creative Writing

ENGLISH X438

Get an overview of common forms and genres of written self-expression, including personal essay/memoir, poetry, short fiction and novel. You experiment and discover in a safe environment. The course curriculum helps you learn and practice a variety of genres, forms and styles toward further developing your skills as a creative writer.

In class assignments, you focus on the shorter forms to maximize the number of genres in which you can experiment.

Course Outline

Course Objectives

• Share a structural overview of several different forms of written self-expression, and write in each of those forms
• Develop the discipline of regular writing in order to understand the importance of revision and develop your ability to revise
• Apply feedback on your work and assess your own strengths and areas of interest
• Offer constructive advice on the work of others

What You Learn

• Personal essay 
• Voice and humor
• Poetry craft
• Short story craft
• Novel synopsis
• Beginning a Long Form (novel, memoir, poetry collection) 
• On being a writer

How You Learn

• Discussion assignments
• Written assignments, including essays, poems, short stories, novel synopsis and long form opening
• Reading assignments

Summer 2024 enrollment opens on March 18!

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Creative Writing

Storytelling.

If you’ve ever finished a good book with the urge to write a better one… if you’ve always thought of taking a creative writing class but been reluctant to commit… if you’re ever tempted to let the dishes pile up and lock yourself with your laptop in a room of your own… then this course is your chance to explore the storytelling impulse in a supportive environment completely free of intimidation and pretension.

This course will suit the needs of beginning creative writers, but more experienced writers will find themselves engaged and challenged as well.  Whatever a student’s level of skill or experience, his or her work will receive individual attention, and each student will be taken on individual terms.

Class time will be divided between lectures by the instructor, student-led discussion of assigned readings, in-class writing exercises, and readings and workshops of student writing.  Readings will range from classic short stories to hip poetry and prose by just-emerging writers.  Discussion will focus on the nuts and bolts of craft: on how good writers do what they do, and on what we can learn from them.

Students will complete several assigned writing exercises.  By the end of the semester, each student will produce a significant, polished, rigorously revised work of around twenty pages, for example: the first chapter of a novel, a short story, a personal essay, or several short shorts.  Our discussions will focus primarily on fiction, and most students will choose to produce works of fiction as their final projects, but students with compelling interests in narrative non-fiction, poetry, screenplay, drama, the graphic novel, and other storytelling formats will be encouraged to pursue those interests, with the instructor’s permission.

Good citizenship is mandatory, and each student’s grade will be influenced by the quality of his or her participation.  Students must engage enthusiastically with the workshop process, and be supportive of their fellow writers.  Most importantly, students must be willing to share their love of literature, and to have fun!

• Summer 2024
• Spring 2024

Turn Your Words into Art

For 25 years, we have helped writers bring their voices to the page..

The classes I took at the Salon were my first exposure to workshop critique and participating in the creative process with other students. I felt as the sessions progressed, I read work (mine and others’) more critically, saw areas for growth and clarity, and identified how to better help my peers by asking questions. Sam Jacobs

Upcoming Classes

Write that novel.

6:30pm - 9:00pm

The Green World: Writing about Nature

10:00am - 4:00pm

Sparks of Light: Flash Fiction, Flash Memoir & Prose Poems

Mining for gold: looking to the everyday for creative inspiration, intro to creative nonfiction: let your story unfold.

10:30am - 1:00pm

Writing Salon News

Congratulations to our 2023 Jane Underwood Poetry Prize winner, Angel Bista! Check out her winning poem, “ Notes on the War, from My Mother .” The contest finalists are Fay Dillof, Julia B. Levine, and Melissa McKinstry.

Join us for the the May 4 Salon Reading Series featuring Writing Salon instructors, Kathy Garlick and Nina Schuyler, and their students, Geetanshi Sharma and Michael French. Learn more and RSVP here .

Let’s find you a class.

Generative Writing

Publishing & Professional Development

Children’s & Young Adult Audience

Screenwriting & Playwriting

Featured events.

San Francisco Event

The Salon Reading Series with Kathy Garlick, Nina Schuyler, Geetanshi Sharma and Michael French

5:00pm - 6:00pm

The Writing Salon has a wonderful feeling for me of home and security, a place where I can bond with people while learning and perfecting my craft. I’m very grateful to you all for providing all this in one package! Maria Sanchez

Supporting Your Writing

“The Writing Salon has offered creative writing classes in the Bay Area since 1999…”

“along with empowerment, the writing salon also provides constructive guidance in the craft and art of writing.”, “whether you’re an aspiring novelist who needs the structure of fixed deadlines or just a dabbler looking to broaden your creative horizons, the writing salon has something for you…”, read our news & reviews, “everyone looked as if they were having the best time, all flickering in candlelight…”.

Announcing the 2019 Jane Underwood Poetry Prize Winner

The 2019 Jane Underwood Poetry Prize winner is John Sibley Williams for his poem “Armistice.” The finalists are Heather Campbell, Sharon Coleman, and Grace Li.

Read the Winning Poem

Announcing the 2020 jane underwood poetry prize.

The Jane Underwood Poetry Prize was established to celebrate and memorialize Jane Underwood, the founder and long-time director of The Writing Salon. Open to all poets, the prize is awarded for a single poem. This year’s final judge is David Hernandez. The submission deadline is December 1, 2020.

Learn More about the Prize

Announcing the black writers matter scholarship.

This fall we will offer three Black writers of promise a credit of $300 toward a Winter 2021 class of their choice. We welcome applications from Black writers over the age of 18 who reside in the Bay Area. The deadline to submit is November 15.

Announcing the Covid-19 Scholarship Recipients

The Scholarship recipients are Rachel Hurwitz, Joseph Kim, Lydia Kim, Victoria Turner, and Joe Vigil. Each recipient will receive a $150 credit toward a fall Writing Salon class of their choice.

The Writing Salon is a place of non-judgment, a place for mutual encouragement and dialogue, a place where ideas spark and I become inspired. Laura Koehn

I’ve finished the first draft of a novel . . . A significant accomplishment that would not have happened without the Writing Salon. Brian Byrne

I learned that I do not have to be published to find value in my own writing. That literature has an enormous value to modern society and to the individual producing it. Roger Mills

For 20 years, we have helped writers bring their voices to the page.

The Writing Salon, founded in 1999, is a creative writing school for adults. We believe that creativity empowers, heals, and transforms; that a love for language and story binds people together as a community of independent voices; that the study of the craft of writing should be open to everyone; and that critique of our own and others’ writing can be, at once, constructive and compassionate.

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Tag: Academics

Art of Writing

Art of Writing at UC Berkeley celebrates writing as a teachable art that requires critical thinking and reading and that demands patience and careful revision. Intimate undergraduate seminars of 15 students, led by Berkeley faculty member and graduate student teams, are at the heart of the program. These seminars prepare students to communicate lucidly in a variety of styles in collaborative communities across the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and professional schools. Topics include food writing, popular cultural criticism, and the built environment.

Art Practice

Art Practice provides critical, conceptual, and skill-based learning across diverse disciplines, including digital media, ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, performance, photography, printmaking, sculpture, social practice, and video.

Berkeley Language Center

Founded in 1994, the Berkeley Language Center (BLC) is a department in the Division of Arts and Humanities of the College of Letters and Science. The BLC’s mission is to support the learning and teaching of heritage and foreign languages on the Berkeley campus and, where appropriate, in the University of California system.

Berkeley Master of Design (MDes)

The Master of Design (MDes) is a professional graduate program in design for emerging technologies that emphasizes critical design and social practice to address the new realities of emerging technologies in the 21st century. 

Berkeley Writing | College Writing Program

We teach writing as a craft, and work with students at all levels of expertise, from those wishing to satisfy the University's composition requirements, through intermediate writers looking to expand their horizons, to seasoned scribes who want to hone their skills in our upper-division courses.

The literature of Greco-Roman antiquity never gets old.  In the Department of Classics, a world-renowned center of innovative research and inspiring teaching, students explore the masterpieces of classical literature, discovering how these texts continue to shape the ways we write, read, and think. Courses, in translation and in the original languages, incorporate mythology, epic, lyric, tragedy, the novel, the poetry of desire, sexualities, and much more.

College of Environmental Design

CED stands among the nation’s top environmental design schools. It is one of the world’s most distinguished laboratories for experimentation, research, and intellectual synergy. The first school to combine the disciplines of architecture, planning, and landscape architecture into a single college, CED led the way toward an integrated approach to analyzing, understanding, and designing our built environment.

Comparative Literature

A vibrant home for the study of literatures and cultures from a transnational and cross-cultural perspective. We offer innovative, interdisciplinary programs in literature, art, and global cultures, with courses in creative writing, literary translation, and a new artist residency.

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing Minor Program at the University of California, Berkeley is offered by the Office of Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies in the Undergraduate Division of the College of Letters and Science. The approved courses students take to satisfy the minor course requirements are offered by over thirty departments on campus. Interested undergraduate students in any major may earn an interdepartmental minor in Creative Writing by completing three approved upper-division creative writing courses and two approved upper-division literature courses from any department that offers them, satisfying the minor requirements, and declaring the minor.

Design Innovation

The Berkeley Certificate in Design Innovation assumes that innovation will not come from any one discipline, but rather from the meaningful integration of methods, technologies, knowledge, and thought from a wide range of different disciplines. As such, the certificate connects the design approaches and disciplines from four schools (College of Engineering, College of Environmental Design, College of Letters and Science – Arts and Humanities Division, and the Haas School of Business) to ensure that students know how to innovate. The program trains students to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of innovation, from idea to execution and beyond.

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Creative Writing Classes & Camps

Parent q&a.

Select any title to view the full question and replies.

11 year old son has a strong interest in writing

For the past several years, my now 11 year old, has really enjoyed all his writing assignments at school and usually goes above and beyond the requirements of the assignemnt.  He sometimes wakes up at 5:30 am to write.  He has recently expressed an interest to be a writer as a profession (what type TBD).  Are there any camps, groups, seminars, or activities in the East Bay to encourage and hone his writing skills?

That's great! One option is to check in with their English teacher for ideas. Otherwise I'd encourage you to subscribe to Cricket or Muse magazine (same publisher) and/or Week Jr. Both have lots of opportunities for young readers to submit their writing in various formats. Another option to look at for summer is ATDP through Berkeley. We've had mixed experiences with their classes for our now 12 & 14 yos., but no harm in checking out the catalog and seeing if something appeals to your child and if the logistics work for your family. Finally, when my now 14 yo was in 4th grade, he had a pretty good experience with an online Greek Myths class through CTY; it involved a lot of advanced reading and writing, with opportunities to read and comment on other students' work. [Note that CTY had a very bumpy summer in 2022 with their in person courses, but I think online is probably still running very smoothly, and it's easy to fit in during the school year.]

I don’t know of any local creative writing programs, but Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan has a great creative writing program… far afield obviously, and expensive, BUT they have a generous scholarship program, and in addition to the general growth benefits of sleep away camp, there’s not the worry of fires and smoke we now have on the west coast. Interlochen is amazing place, even if it seems a reach, if you have a young writer, it’s definitely worth looking into. 

So exciting!

He could consider writing for The Teen Magazine:  https://www.theteenmagazine.com/apply

Also, The Writing Salon used to have a Berkeley location. Now they are just in SF. But they also have online classes. He could check them out.  https://www.writingsalons.com/ - It's mainly for adults, but very welcoming and supportive. 

Albany middle school teacher Abby Skrivan runs amazing afterschool and summer camps -- check them out here:  http://www.writeonyouth.com/ .

Sometimes ATDP has good summer writing classes. We had good luck with 826 Valencia, in San Francisco. In high school, there is the State Summer School for the Arts, which is at Cal Arts. That was a wonderful program, where the teachers really understood how to create a space for young people to write. They are starting a writing workshop at the San Pablo Branch of the Contra Costa County library. There is also a student writing workshop at the Mill Valley Library. Ideally, you will find workshop/class led by a writer, rather than someone who wants to "teach" and focuses on the kind of goals that are necessary in school, but aren't helpful in creative writing.

Please look into the Bay Area Writing Project Young Writers Camps!  The Young Writers camps are designed and taught by Writing Project Teaching Fellows, all of whom have been selected for their expertise in teaching and motivating young writers.  THese camps are hugely popular and fill up fast; the kids have a great time and their development in a few weeks is nothing short of amazing.  The emphasis is on creating a fun, nurturing environment that young writers can grow in.    There are a number of sites around the Bay Area.   Here's a link: https://bawp.berkeley.edu/youth-programs

Check out the programs at Chapter 510 ( https://www.chapter510.org/workshops/ ). He may also be interested in doing National Novel Writing Month, which just started and has a Youth program ( https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/ ) - it's self-paced/virtual, but they offer some guidance/structure and free writers' workbooks ( https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/pages/writer-resources ), and sometimes local libraries offer writing workshops in conjunction with NaNoWriMo. If his school has a school paper, encourage him to join - even if he doesn't want to be a journalist, planning, interviewing, meeting deadlines and being meticulous about grammar are valuable experience for any kind of writing. The great thing about writing is that just writing and reading, with or without an instructor, will make you a better writer, so he's on the right track already!

Came here to second ATDP!

https://bawp.berkeley.edu/youth-programs,&nbsp ;

My daughter had similar interests and push to writing. When she attended her first after school program with BAWP, it was like she found her people! She has taken summer camps with them too. Highly recommend. 

What a wonderful post to read!

Professional writer here, who started at age 11.

While others will have more current info on camps and classes, I will just note that there are many opportunities now that did not exist when I was that age:  blogging, online publishing, National Novel Writing Month.  The latter is probably an inappropriate amount of work for an eleven-year-old:  those who sign up write 1700 words per day in a thirty-day period, typically in the month of November. This results in a 50,000 word novel.  It's great for high school age and up, and for writers who are more productive when facing deadlines.

One of my first projects, in fifth grade, was to "publish" a weekly comic book for my friend-group.  Perhaps your son could parlay his talent and enthusiasm into writing about a topic that his friends would enjoy.  That takes his writing from the realm of solitary pleasure into a social activity.  If he has buddies who are so inclined, they might turn into a writers' group.

One word of caution:  love for writing may diminish if it ceases to be fun and starts to become work. As a parent, you would be wise to ensure  he can maintain his sense of agency.  He has to feel that his writing is HIS idea, not something that adults are pressuring him to do.

Congratulations on having a kid who loves to write.

Some of my friends' kids have enjoyed the Written Out Loud storytelling program. The program includes weekly small group Zoom brainstorming meetings and individual writing "missions," and the kids end up with a published book! The next cohort starts the week of November 14.

Hooray for young writers! One thing that is happening now, is National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). They have a young writers program. Here is the link. It can connect them with many other writers.  https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/ Good luck!

I’m following this! My son is the same.  I saw last year that Bay Area Writing project had writing camps. One was sci fi which my son was into but they were all virtual. I’m hopeful they will have in person this summer. 

I also agree that the CTY courses can be great. My kids had wonderful experiences at CTY, the Center for Talented Youth sponsored by Johns Hopkins at various sites around the country. Maybe this course in San Mateo would work?  https://cty.jhu.edu/programs/summer/courses/being-a-reader--becoming-a-…

ISO: High Quality Summer Residential Writing Program for High School Student

Hello Wonderful Community,

I am in search of a high quality summer residential writing program for my rising junior with a talent and passion for creative writing. She would prefer to travel outside of the area for the experience of living elsewhere, if only for a week, or two, or three, although will consider local programs if compelling. I realize we are a little late in terms of application cycles, yet hoping someone knows of a gem out there that might still have openings.

Sincere thank you in advance!

It's too late for this year but for next year, consider applying to Iowa Young Writers' Studio in Iowa. They have a very prestigious program that my daughter attended the summer after her junior year of high school. She produced, in my opinion, the best writing she had ever done during her time at the studio, and she loved the experience. She was able to interact with young writers from throughout the country and a group of teens from the Middle East. The deadline to apply is in late January or early February.

This recommendation is too late for this year, but there is a little known (around here) but excellent program available to all HS students called California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA). It's a month long residential program, held at Cal Arts in Valencia. Admission is competitive, and the applications take place in the winter. They accept around 70 students in the creative writing program, 70 in dance, 70 in music, 70 in fine arts, 70 in acting, and 70 in animation. Students are housed in the dorms. It's a great pre-college learning experience. Tuition is very reasonable, and there are scholarships available.  https://www.csssa.ca.gov/

I recommend the Iowa Young Writers' Studio  https://iyws.clas.uiowa.edu/summer-residential-program.&nbsp ; The program is a residential program at the University of Iowa which has one of the best creative writing programs in the country.

My daughter attended Iowa as well and had a great experience with her teachers there! The University of the South in Sewanee Tennessee also has a wonderful summer residential program---it might be worth a call to see if they have rolling admission after the deadline for applications!

The University of Iowa program is amazing, so I hear. My daughter will be attending another excellent program - Kenyon College, Young Writers. I believe those are two of the best, but there are lots of others. Sewanee is another good option. The application deadlines for the top programs are Jan or Feb, and admission, which is extremely competitive, has already been announced. There may still be some other programs accepting young writers.

Writing camp for 11 year old

My 11 year old daughter is looking for a summer writing camp to work on fiction.  Does anyone have any strong recommendations?  We live in Berkeley but could commute a reasonable distance for a great camp, even to SF.  Thanks!!!

My 11yo son is signed up for the Bay Area Writing Project, which is run by UCB and will be held at School of the Madeleine in Berkeley. They focus on creative writing. It's a 3 week, 9a-12 noon program. If you need a full day program, look into ATDP and its writing program (and other topics) in Richmond. It's more academic and encompasses a variety of writing disciplines; it's supposed to be excellent. Good luck with your budding writer!

Not sure if you are aware of the Bay Area's Writing Camp. I think she will love it. It is for students who love to write. There are many locations in the Bay Area so you can find one that will work for you. 

Check their website:  https://bawpwritingcamp.org/

-All the best

826 Valencia, aka "The Pirate Shop." My daughter took many classes there which were taught by young writers -- they had a camp, but I can't remember the specifics.

I want to recommend Deborah Davis' writing camps. My teen went to Deborah's camps for years and really enjoyed them and liked and trusted her a great deal. She also helped our kid with college essays. Now our kid is college-bound. Campers start beginning 7th grade... Here's her website:   http://www.deborahdavisauthor.com/2018-teen-workshop.html

Write On! Youth Writing Labs is having weeklong summer camps in Albany. I don't have any experience with the class, but teacher Abby also teaches martial arts at my son's studio and she is amazing! Abby is a middle-school English teacher too. Check it out. https://www.writeonyouth.com/

ADTP vs. BAWP for writing camp

Hi -- My 11yo son likes to write, mostly creative writing. Has your (current or former) middle schooler gone to the writing class at ATDP or the summer program at the Bay Area Writing Project (or any other summer writing program)? ATDP gets great reviews, but my son thinks it's too much like school. He wants a more relaxed, fun, creative learning environment. He's only done science-related ATDP classes, so it would be good to hear what the writing course is like. There are very few reviews of BAWP -- a couple are very positive and a couple of bad, but none seems to refer to the summer program in Berkeley (this year at the School of the Madeline's.) He's open to working on different genres of writing, but he wants to spend a bulk of the time discussing, learning and practicing creative writing. His goal is to write short stories and eventually a novel. Thanks!

If you are able to go to San Francisco, I'd recommend 826 Valencia. My daughter took some terrific workshops there, and they are led by writers which is a bit different than a workshops that are taught by teachers from the "everyone is a writer" perspective. My daughter also took a couple writing classes at ADTP and they were more like "classes" so I can see where your son is coming from. She had a better experience with the science and math programs at ADTP which seemed more oriented towards exploration.

826 Valencia has a branch in downtown Oakland now as well.

Writing coach or class for teen poet

my daughter writes poetry and would like to get feedback on it from a professional.  I’d love her to take a class or be in a writing group, but they all conflict with her schedule. Does anyone know of a writer/editor/coach that might work with a teen one on one?

Hi, that is wonderful that you're encouraging your daughter' s love of poetry. I can recommend Alison Seevak, who teaches poetry in the Albany schools aseevak [at] gmail.com > and I just met Maw Shein Win, who is the El Cerrito poet laureate and has worked a lot with youth  http://el-cerrito.org/966/Poetry-Place

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Creative writing for homeschooled 10 year old, summer creative writing for college student, creative writing camp for rising 7th grader, creative writing summer camp for 8-year-old boy, summer writing class for graduating high school senior.

• Earlier Recommendations

My 10 year old homeschooled daughter is 112 pages into her first novel (an elaborate fantasy) and needs someone to act as a mentor to support its completion and revision. I taught middle school English and, frankly, she has gone beyond my expertise. Anyone know of an experienced tutor out there that would enjoy working with a talented young fiction writer? anon

I'm so glad you posted this and want to congratulate you in supporting your daughter in her writing.

As an author, I would not suggest a tutor. Your description sounds more like hiring an editor. An editor can help with re-writes and structure but this is very costly (hundreds of dollars) and is not recommended until the manuscript is completed and the writer had made several passes of editing the manuscript themselves.

I would recommend taking classes in the craft of fiction writing (and fantasy since that is what your daughter is writing) as well as joining writing organizations.

Locally, the Writing Salon (SF and Berkeley) has classes conducted by authors in various genres as well as general fiction writing. Writers taking the classes come from various levels of the writing process. The quality of the classes is excellent and the commitment by the students and teachers is amazing and fosters a nurturing writing environment. I personally have benefited by the expertise of the instructors and highly recommend the Writing Salon.

Additionally, there are various writing organizations (on-line and locally) that provide support, advise as well as craft instruction, some for particular genres and others for all types of writing. I do not write fantasy and thus cannot direct you specifically, but a 'google' search will probably find them. Through these organizations your daughter could find a critique group to also help her in the writing process.

Starting with the Writing Salon and local writing organizations would immediately help your daughter. Writer

Check out what's available at 826valencia.org. Might be a good match for you!

I've been thinking about your post, as a writer, and as the parent of a teen who writes. My daughter also wrote a few novels, and plays during the years from 5th to 9th grade. One of the plays was produced with little adult intervention (probably too little in terms of stress on the children), and it was performed as part of another event, so it had a large audience. In terms of the novels, I had a friend, a YA novelist, read one. She liked the novel and provided few suggestions for revision. However, by the time my daughter was ready to revise she had already changed so much that she couldn't go back to the same project.

What's been most valuable for her is reading as a writer, i.e. discussing techniques, while continuing to write. She's taken classes at 826 Valencia and through ATDP, and the parts of those classes that have been most helpful have been the writing exercises.

In terms of teaching writing to children and adults, I always found that reading good models, actually writing, and seeing what they did well helped students more than the formal revision process that some in K-12 education advocate. Only in the latter part of high school, has she been able to do productive revision. The best revisions have been when she's reimagined a story and written it again from a different character or starting point. My suggestion would be to encourage the writing, and to help your daughter find other young writers to talk to about writing and reading. anon

My son, a first-year college student, might be interested in a creative writing workshop in the Bay Area when he comes home this summer. He is a serious, motivated student who enjoys writing short fiction. I'm looking for recommendations for a workshop or course he could take with people of a similar age. He doesn't need, or especially want, a college-credit course, but rather some structure, feedback, and camaraderie. Thanks!

I too have a teen interested in a summer creative writing program. I think Dave Eggers has something on Valencia St in SF. If you hear of anything, I would appreciate your passing it on to me too. There has got to be more out there for older teens interested in more advanced creative writing.

Did you check local colleges' and UC Extension class schedules?

My current 6th grade daughter likes to write and is pretty good at it. I would love to nurture her interest by enrolling her in a fun writing camp this summer. Does anyone know of one geared towards 12 year olds? Alameda mom

My daughter loved the writing course she took on the UC Berkeley campus with the Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP)! The website for the secondary decision course is http://atdp.berkeley.edu/about/sd/catalog/. You can contact me if you have questions for either of us. Brenda

My 8 year old son, who will be entering 4th grade, has expressed an interest in going to a writing summer camp. I'm looking for a 1 or 2 week camp for summer 2012. He has expressed an interest in being an author and illustrator one day so I wanted to give him an opportunity to explore and work on his creative writing skills (as well as work on his writing skills for 4th grade!). Something in the Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Richmond area would be the most ideal although we would consider Oakland and San Francisco. Thanks for any ideas! Potential Future Author's Mom

Try ATDP for the summer, the program that's run by UC Berkeley's school of education. Google ATDP and it will come up right away. http://atdp.berkeley.edu/

My kids have done the writing courses for years, and the creative writing class in third grade is especially rewarding and valuable. Heather MacLeod is teaching it again, I believe, and she is a wonderful, warm, encouraging, and thoughtful teacher. Both kids have learned so much and love to write!

Good luck - the application process is a bit complicated, and the deadline is in March, so best get started as soon as possible. You won't be sorry, it's been great for our kids. Parent of writers

My daughter attended ATDP the summer after 3rd Grade and took a wonderful writing class for 3 weeks with Heather MacLeod called Author's Corner. Here's the link for ATDP http://atdp.berkeley.edu/about/overview/ The application process is somewhat onerous but my kids have loved EVERY class they have done so far! And Heather is a dynamic and inspiring teacher!

For my daughter the class really put her on the road to considering herself a writer. She is now 10 and is an editor for a kid's magazine called Our Words Magazine ourwordsmagazine.com Maybe your son would like to submit a piece to the next issue, deadline March 1st )

Heather also teaches small writing groups, here is her website http://giftedyoungwriters.wordpress.com Good luck! Kristine

My daugher, 17, a graduating senior, will off to college in Fall. She wants to imporve her writing skills in summer before attending college. I tried a few places already, bay area writing project, class matters... But they don't take high school graduates. Do any of you know any writing class that fits her age? Thanks! I appreciate any thoughts. Karen

Hi there, you might not realize it, but UC Berkeley Extension offers writing courses and will take recent high school grads. Here's a link to our http://extension.berkeley.edu/subject/write.html UC Berkeley Extension

Earlier Recommendations 

Summer reading/writing camp for 10yo.

Can anyone suggest a summer program/workshop that focuses on reading and writing? My 10 yr old son needs practice during the summer. Ideally, it should be a part-time program that includes camp in the afternoon. Any suggestions, even an informal (home based) program could work. I'd prefer the Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville areas. Richmond mom

Sondra Hall's Berkeley-based creative writing and art summer day camp - Take My Word For It - is perfect for a 10yo writer. Exercises range from shape poems to onomatapoeaic story hooks (campers learn about these topics, and then write original pieces), all in a fun and supportive creative environment. Sondra uses current kids' books in her lesson plans, and has a great fun and funky attitude that engages her students. You can find out more at the website www.takemywordforit.net! Lauren

Summer classes or camp for young writers

I'd like to sign my daughter up for a story writing class or short camp this summer. Does anyone know of any good camps or classes for children? My daughter is 9, going in to 4th grade and loves creative writing, so I'd like to feed that a little bit this summer if possible.

'My daughter and her friend went to Take My Word For It camp last summer and enjoyed it. It is for something like 9 to 13 year old girls. There were about five girls in the class. They do art projects for half the day and writing projects for the other half. At the end of two weeks they have a show to show off what they've done. I think the girls were particularly pleased with the wearable art that they made, but I was particularly pleased that they got to do writing in a fun, supportive environment. Bay Area mother Dove

I signed up my nine-year-old daughter for the three-week session of the Bay Area Writing Project at Longfellow middle school. She hasn't done it before, but I've heard good things about it. http://www.bayareawritingproject.org/bawp/ robin

Creative Writing Workshop for Teen Daughter

Wondering if anyone might recommend a creative writing workshop this coming summer? Our daughter loves the literary arts, writes short stories and fiction on her own, and is an avid reader. Turns out she has a few unscheduled weeks early in the summer, so a workshop that is one-two weeks in length would be great for her. She'd also be interested in pursuing something like this in the fall, so a recommendation for that would be much appreciated as well. She's just finishing up ninth grade at BIHS. We're in North Berkeley but are mobile. Many thanks

Hi. There's a writer's workshop with Deborah Davis for teens going on in North Berkeley this summer that might be just the ticket! It's from 9 to 12 June 22-26 6th to 9th grade June 29th - july 2 6th to 9th grade July 6 - 10 9th to 12th grade. Contact info: Deborah Davis 510-541-2199 deborah [at] deborahdavisauthor.com http://www.deborahdavisauthor.com Summer Teen Writing Workshops (in Berkeley) Info at http://www.deborahdavisauthor.com I hope that helps! Sara

If you're mobile, you might check out 826 Valencia. Founded by Dave Eggers, this writing studio in San Francisco's Mission District really meets young people where they are and works with them to foster and build on their love of writing. My daughter has told me that she wishes she lived there; she has found a community of peer authors, support and challenge for her work, and a fun, respectful atmosphere. Workshops are free; donations are welcome. www.826valencia.org Author's Mom

Basic writing skills course for unmotivated 14-year-old

Looking for summer writing courses in basic writing for 14 year old boy entering highschool in the Fall who doesn't like to write. Many years behind in writing. Needs help on expressing himself in writing and basic writing mechanics. amy

My daughter, a current sophomore at BHS, took the Classroom Matters Summer Writing Course last year and it improved her writing. ks

Summer creative writing class for teens

My 15-year old daughter enjoys creative writing, particularly short stories and plays. Does anyone know of a good, enjoyable, creative writing class offered in the Berkeley-Albany area during the summer? Berkeley Mom

Bay Area Writing Project (organized by UC Berkeley) runs a Young Writers Summer Camp every summer. This summer's session starts next Monday, June 25. They are in multiple Bay Area locations. Maria

Teen Writing Class for Summer

My Berkeley teen (age 15), who took part in the Bay Area Writing Project a couple of summers ago, is looking for a creative writing class for the summer. I think she wants something fairly challenging. She could take a Berkeley City College class this summer, but the schedule doesn't quite work. She enjoys writing short stories and essays. Any suggestions? sarah

826 Valencia Street has excellent workshops -- they will be doing a one-month high school camp. They treat the students as writers, rather than kids who need to be cajoled into doing something good for them. I wish my daughter was old enough for the camp.

Some colleges have overnight writing programs. I know the University of Iowa does -- you probably could get more info on overnight programs at Poets & Writers. anon

2004 - 2006 Recommendations

Need to brush up on writing and editing skills.

I want to take a class or seminar to brush up on my writing and editing skills. In my job I proofread materials with lots of syntax and grammar problems and I need more confidence that I am making the correct edits. Has anyone taken or heard of a class that sounds appropriate? Thanks! Elizabeth

UC-Berkeley Extension offers two one-day classes that sound perfect: Grammar Intensives 1 and 2. Jenifer

English 657 at SF State sounds like the class you are looking for.

Beginning Creative Writing class

Any recommendations for a beginning creative writing course? Thanks. Jennifer

UC Extension is a great source for beginning creative writing classes. Particularly good are classes by Susan Ito -- she teaches ''Fiction from life experience.'' She is a very enthusiastic, encouraging, and knowledgeable instructor. I've seen her able to teach to all levels of the classroom and really cares about the craft of writing.

if you don't mind travelling to san francisco, i highly recommend the writing salon, in bernal heights. they offer small, well organized, friendly, supportive classes in a range of different areas. check out their website. http://www.writingsalons.com/ evelyn

My name is Barbara Joan Tiger Bass, mfa. I am a creative writing teacher. I look forward to speaking with you: 510-336-0050 barbara joan tiger bass btigerbass AT aol.com

Hi-- I'd highly recommend the creative writing classes taught by Charlotte Cook. She teaches both at Piedmont Adult School http://www.piedmontadultschool.org and through the City of Lafayette Department of Recreation http://www.lovelafayette.com, as well as in private sessions. I've found the classes to be really friendly to writers of all skill levels, and her tips and suggestions have greatly improved my writing. Good luck! Jennifer

Check out the creative writing classes offered through UC Extension! They have a wide array of classes for all levels.

Writing Class for 8 yr. Old

Hi, I am looking for a develompental writing class (2wks) for my 8 yr. old daughter for this summer. She is not fond of writing, but has the appropriate tools. If you know of a good inspirational writing class in Albany, El Cerrito, or Berkeley, I would appreciate your recommendation. Thank you!

Here are some folks who have offered writing programs in the past.

  Bay Center Associates  848-6868 Educational Services Associates 873-0801 New Learning Clinic 643-8727 ( the LANGUAGE! program)  

Child/Parent Writing Workshops for 10-year-old

My 10 year old daughter loves to write, and so do I. I've heard in the past of child/parent writing workshops, over a weekend or in the form of a weeklong summer camp, but I can't seem to find information on anything like this. There are all sorts of programs that are just for kids, or just for adults, but nothing parents and kids can do together. Suggestions welcome! Patty

In response to the mom looking for a parent/child writing workshop for her ten year old daughter -- I run a drop-in poetry writing workshop on the second Wednesday of each month at the Albany Public Library. It's open to adults and children aged 8 and up. It's a wonderful mix of people -- fourth graders, a few people in their 80s and everyone in between! We get a lot of parent/child pairs and siblings. There is something very powerful about people of all ages sharing their writing. And no experience is necessary -- just enthusiasm! The Albany Public Library is located at 1247 Marin Avenue. The workshop is free. Our next meeting dates are February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9. For more info contact the library at 510-526-3720. Alison

I'm planning to lead one this summer. At the workshop there will be exercises that both parents and kids can do, some shared writing games, and some time for each partner to write alone. Let me know what times would work for you. I'll put a more formal announcement out at the end of April/the beginning of May. I also write with my daughter, so if you want to get together informally to write before the summer send me an email. cdorf

2003 & Earlier

Books about composition & writing.

My husband lately became very much involved in writing. He writes mostly short stories, but now is thinking about writing a novel. I wanted to give him as a gift some books on composition and writing. I would really appreciate recommendation on the books to buy. Thank you very much. Natasha

Some of my favorites:

I joined a writing group (which I strongly recommend) last year and was getting pretty negative feedback on the initial drafts of my first attempt at writing a novel so decided I really needed to improve my writing skills.

Here are some books I found really helpful:

(1) ''Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print'' by Renni Browne, with Dave King -After reading this one and applying some of the concepts, I started getting rave reviews on my manuscripts.

(2) ''Stein on Writing'' and ''How to Grow a Novel'' by Sol Stein -This guy is an author and an editor and really knows his stuff.

Hope that helps! --An aspiring novelist

For the writer: if your husband doesn't already have Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, that can't be beat. Christine

How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James Frey is a terrific book. I have just been using it while working on a novel and have found it to be enormously helpful, despite its cheesy title. I hear that Self Editing for Fiction Writers is also a terrific book. It is on my list, but I haven't gotten it yet. Get That Novel Started and Keep Going Til You Finish didn't help me very much, except for its advice that you should write 10 minutes every day (at least), so, skip that one, I'd say (unless your husband is full of mental blocks that keep him from writing, then it might be useful).... susan

There are dozens of books about writing, written from many different perspectives. Let me give you some titles that I have used myself, and also have given as reading to my students (I've taught creative writing in Spanish at UCB). Take a look at them in any bookshop and pick the one that might better suit your husband's needs. -John Gardner. The Art of Fiction. This is a very professional, serious book about writing techniques and philosophies. The author is extremely opinionated and it always created controversy in the classroom, but students found it very useful and thought provoking. It has interesting exercises at the end. -Ursula K. Le Guin. Steering the Craft. It is structured in small chapters, each about one aspect of writing (point of view, repetition, etcetera), and includes very precise examples and exercises. It is ideal to use as a practicing tool or even as a springboard for a writing group. Natalie Goldberg. Writing Down the Bones. A completely different perspective. It's a very personal book. The author practices Zen and uses the same approach to writing: be present in the writing moment with total abandon, use free hand writing, use journals, etcetera. It's very inspirational, more at a gut level than a technical level.

These books might be a good place to start. Good luck! Isidra

You might check out two titles by Chalie Baxter, ''Burning Down the House,'' and ''Bringing the Devil to his Knees.'' The first is a collection of essays all written by Baxter about the art and craft of writing fiction. It's terrific--fun to read, illuminating and inspiring. Just reading it makes you want to sit down and write. The second is a collection of essays by a number of fine fiction writers who teach in the Warren Wilson MFA Program, and will include essays by Andrea Barrett, Richard Russo, and plenty of others. I have not read this book, but I have heard many of the talks that gave rise to the essays, and have no doubt the collection is a good one. You can find both books on Amazon. Carolyn

Advanced writing & composition for 6th grader

I am looking for recommendations on a summer course/camp for my sixth grader that would cover advanced (as opposed to remedial) writing and composition. Any advice welcome. Mary

Re. the request for a summer writing program for advanced (not remedial) studies: Call the Graduate School of Education for a brochure on the Academic Talent Development Program. Don't delay, the application deadline for new students is February 28. Mark

More summer writing classes

In response to the request for information about a writing camp, my daughter (age 11 or 12 at the time) was in a program sponsored by the Bay Area Writing Project that she absolutely loved.

The Young Writers Camp is for kids entering 4th - 8th grades. Check them out at: http://www-gse.berkeley.edu/outreach/bawp/bawp.html

The information there now is for Summer 2000, but it will give you an idea of what they offer.

My daughter took a summer creative writing course from Becky (darn, can't remember her last name but everyone goes on first names there anyway) an English teacher at East Bay School for the Arts Middle School. (548-4837). She is fabulous and I don't think it matters if you're not a student there as she teaches it out for her home. G.

The Bay Area Writing Program for students will be at

  Jefferson Elementary School 1400 Ada Street June 26-July 14th Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m.-noon Entering Grades 4-8 (fall 2000) 

Its phone number at Cal is 642-0971. My son (after fifth and six grades) was in the project for two years and loved every minute. -- Susan

Re writing camps, have heard good things about Young Writers' Program sponsored by UC Berkeley Graduate School of Ed. It's for kids who are good writers and who are interested in writing. Grades 4-8. Also, try Young Writers summer class (Grades 3-5) at the Athenian School in Danville (beautiful campus, small private school). Transportation by bus is included in camp fees- they have pickups in Lafayette and other sites. www.athenian.org or call 925 362-7214. -- Diane

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The Bay Area Writing Project (BAWP), based at the University of California, Berkeley, is an organization of, by, and for teachers of writing at all grade levels and in all disciplines, dedicated to improving the teaching and uses of writing through a variety of programs–both on the university campus and in the schools of the Bay Area.

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• UC Berkeley
• Letters & Science

Creative Writing Minor

Developing writing skills.

Many students ask how they can develop their creative writing skills in preparation for applying to take the upper division creative writing courses needed to satisfy the Creative Writing Minor requirements. Space in these courses is limited and, in most cases, writing samples must be submitted as part of the application process. Thus, the student applying for these courses must have some previous experience with creative writing. This experience can be gained in a number of ways:

Taking lower division writing courses on campus.

While lower division writing courses do not satisfy the Creative Writing Minor course requirements, they are a good way to develop your creative writing skills. For example, the English Department offers 43A: Introduction to the Writing of Short Fiction and 43B: Introduction to the Writing of Verse. Other departments on campus, specifically the ones offering upper division writing courses that are approved for the Creative Writing Minor, may offer lower division introductory writing classes. Check the Schedule of Classes each semester for such classes and contact the departments directly for more information.

Getting involved in publications.

A variety of newspapers, journals, etc on campus give students an opportunity to develop their creative writing skills. You can also look beyond the campus for ways to participate in community publications.

Taking creative writing courses at other schools.

Many universities in the Bay Area offer lower and upper division creative writing courses. San Francisco State University; University of California, Davis; Mills College; and California State University, Hayward are just a few to consider. Community colleges in the area may also offer lower division creative writing courses. While lower division creative writing courses do not satisfy the Creative Writing Minor course requirements, they are a good way to develop your creative writing skills. If you take an upper division creative writing course at another school, it may be possible, subject to the Creative Writing Minor Faculty Advisor’s approval, for it to satisfy one of your creative writing course requirements for the Creative Writing Minor. Contact the Creative Writing Minor Student Academic Advisor at  [email protected]  or 510-642-2363 for more information.

Taking noncredit creative writing courses and workshops.

University of California Extension and various campus and community sources offer creative writing courses and workshops, which may be taken for professional or personal growth without receiving academic credit. While these courses and workshops do not satisfy the Creative Writing Minor requirements or other degree requirements, they provide great opportunities to develop your creative writing skills.

Participating in writing groups.

Both on- and off-campus, you can find groups who meet to discuss writing and writers and to critique each others’ work. Through courses, publications and just asking around, you can find the group for you. Checking out the books on writing in your local bookstores and libraries. Reading books on writing can be helpful in developing your creative writing skills. They can provide you with general guidelines on writing and exercises to practice your writing.

Announcements

• Fall 2024 Course List
• Summer 2024 Course List
• Spring 2024 Course List
• Berkeley Holloway Poetry Series – Spring 2024
• UC Berkeley Lunch Poems 2023-24
• Minor Declaration Form – Must declare no later than term before EGT.

Information on Summer and Fall 2024 Classes

To view the department's course offerings, please consult the Berkeley Academic Guide .

Classes that satisfy the department's undergraduate major requirements are noted in the Class Description section of each class listing.

Summer 2024

• English 166 AC | Special Topics in American Cultures: Migrant Forms
• English 166 | Early Modern Tragedy and Philosophies of Revenge  
• Satisfies the "Literature in English" major requirement
• English 175 | Literature and Disability
• English 100 | The Seminar on Criticism: Atlantic Haunts, Black Posessions
• English 190 | Research Seminar: The History of Latine Sexuality
• English 90 | Practices of Literary Study: Literature of Racial Passing
• English 90 | Practices of Literary Study: Introduction to the Study of Poetry
• English 100 | The Seminar on Criticism: Poetry and Prophecy
• English 104 | Introduction to Old English
• English 110 | Medieval Literature
• English 115A | The English Renaissance
• English 125A | The English Novel: 18th Century Novel
• English 130A |  American Literature: Before 1800