Art of Writing
Do you have a book, poetry anthology or play inside you, just waiting to be written? Tony Morrison once said, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” If you would like to, but don’t know where to start, this minor is for you!
The Art of Writing minor is for anyone who wants to develop their English writing skills, their creative process and their critical thinking abilities. With courses such as Short Stories, Life writing, Poetry and Script writing, you will be challenged to learn about and try your hand at characterisation, world building, storytelling, poetry analysis, dialogue writing and much more.
Useful to know
| Start | February, September |
|---|---|
| Number of ECTS | 30 Dutch Education System |
| Programme level | Minor |
| Programme code | OA-MINAOW-20 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Year of study | Year 3 or 4 |
| Practical Matters | Housing and Immigration |
| Location | Utrecht Science Park |
Course content
What do you need to enter this programme? And what can you expect when you apply? In this section you'll find all you need to know!
This writing programme offers you a variety of writing modules in the English language. It’s an attractive option, if you aim to develop your English writing skills, your creative process and your critical thinking abilities. While the course Short Stories challenges you to engage in, among others, characterisation and world building, Life writing focuses on tapping into personal experiences to engage the reader. The Poetry and Script Writing modules offer insightful and practical techniques from experienced educators, which culminate in public readings and performances.
Key to every course is the exploration and analysis of writing theory, published authors and your own work. Through a series of lectures, workshops and feedback sessions, you will learn to understand contemporary literature, apply that understanding to your own practice and critically edit your work in order to clearly express your ideas and possibly even to prepare for publication.
Would you like to know more about this programme or do you have a specific question? Please contact the programme and academic coordinator, James Powell.
The programme takes place during one semester and contains the following courses:
| Course unit title | Course description |
ECTS |
|
Short Stories Writing |
Learn the fundamentals of storytelling and apply it in a fictional piece of your own making. |
5 |
|
Life Writing |
This nonfiction writing course centres on you as the storyteller. By reading and analysing published nonfiction works, you will gain the required tools to write three pieces of your own. |
5 |
|
Poetry Writing |
Explore a variety of poetry genres with our poetry experts, from love to protest poems and everything in between. |
5 |
|
Script Writing |
Study conventions for writing scripts for drama, radio, television and film, before learning to apply them. You will get the opportunity to direct and perform your piece at the Script Writing Festival. |
5 |
|
Elective Project |
You'll choose either Fiction or Nonfiction as your elective project: Write a 10,000 word project or series of poems (if your chosen form is Poetry). You'll be guided in small groups. |
10 |
Please note that the programme reflects a (logical) bundle of courses/subjects (and should normally be followed as such). By choosing this package you will have to participate in ALL the courses included, except for the choice of one Elective over another. it is not possible to combine (2 or more) programmes in one single period.
In our Course Guide you can find all relevant information about the programme in one practical document. You can download it here for your convenience.
In order to participate in this minor programme you need to present proof of good command of English (B2, C1 or C2 level) or a higher Cambridge certificate.
There are no additional requirements to enter this Minor programme.
Practical information
When you move to a different country to study, there are lots of things to arrange. For instance, where will you live, how much are the costs? Visit our practical information page to help you prepare your stay. It is also important to start arranging a living space as soon as possible. Our housing pages will help you on your way. A student living in the Netherlands needs about € 800 - 1000 a month to cover living expenses, such as housing, food and transportation. This includes insurances – health insurance is mandatory.
Find out how to apply
Ready for an international adventure?
Why choose HU?
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Inspiring international setting
HU supports your ambitions. During your time in Utrecht, you will meet students from all over the world and make connections to last a lifetime.
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Benefits of the Utrecht Science Park Campus
On Utrecht Science Park (USP) you'll find the universities' buildings, student housing, cafés, a sports centre, and much more. With excellent transport links to Utrecht city centre and beyond.
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Vibrant university city Utrecht
Beautiful Utrecht has lots of young people and excellent facilities for student life. It has a mediaeval city centre which is small enough to explore by foot or bicycle.
Interested in our Art of Writing programme?
Want to know more?
- Telephone +31 88 481 81 81
- Email exchange@hu.nl
- Work days from 09.30 am to 4.30 pm