> Kwantlen Polytechnic University > Faculty of Humanities > Creative Writing

Creative Writing

Write here. Write now.

The Kwantlen Creative Writing Department is a community of creativity in which writers discover a purposeful craft and explore the gifts of the imagination. We offer award-winning faculty, small class sizes, and a wealth of online courses for learners not able to visit the Kwantlen campus.

In-person courses are offered in Surrey, Langley, and Richmond. In the first year, learners discover the craft of fiction, poetry and screenwriting. In second year, writers work on selected projects such as a book of poetry or a collection of short stories. In third year, seasoned writers begin to work toward publication by way of advanced, genre-specific courses offered on rotation.

Our two year Associate of Arts Degree in Creative Writing is fully transferable to other universities’ third-year writing programs. We offer a B.A. Minor in Creative Writing, and many of our learners complete a double minor in Creative Writing and English.

Teaching in the Creative Writing Department is based on foundational principles of mentorship, humility, discovery, purposefulness, and learner autonomy. Faculty demonstrate an authentic spirit of inquiry intended as a model for learners. In turn, learners engage with a teaching environment that is collaborative, innovative, creative, and respectful. We embrace emerging and experimental teaching methods and research-driven pedagogy in support of a dynamic educational community that is learner-focused, innovative, interdisciplinary, and socially and culturally responsible. In the Creative Writing Department, learner engagement extends beyond the classroom to encompass community and industry partners and peers.

We nurture personal commitment, leadership skills, and community responsibility. Learners examine and develop their values, goals, and character through the integration of personal, academic, creative, and professional inquiry. We provide broad learning experiences that facilitate critical awareness and critical thinking skills, cultural sensitivity, social responsibility, civic engagement, and global citizenship. Our learning environment encourages lifelong learning.

In the 2009/2010 academic year, we will be offering the following courses:

Interdisciplinary Expressive Arts Courses

The following courses are offered through Humanities, but are taught by Ross Laird, faculty member of Creative Writing:

For more information about these courses, please review the Interdisciplinary Expressive Arts page, or contact Ross Laird.