Literary Journalism, B.A.
This major was created to meet the needs of a growing number of students who wish to read, study, and write nonfiction prose that has transcended the limits of daily journalism. This is prose that has evolved into a distinct branch of literature, prose that adopts the aims and techniques of the finest fiction. The program provides majors with a solid foundation in nonfiction writing and an equally solid background in areas such as literary history, which together will help make students more informed writers. A Literary Journalism minor is also offered.
Literary Journalism majors take three intensive writing seminars, and are expected to develop a portfolio of work by graduation which they can present as evidence of their skill for purposes of employment or future education. At the same time, majors are asked to take a comprehensive look at the theory, history, and context of literary journalism. Among other forms, they study and write narratives, memoirs, profiles, histories, and personal essays, in subject areas as varied as science, politics, justice, travel, sports, food, and popular culture.
While it differs from an applied journalism major that focuses primarily on newspaper writing, the major in Literary Journalism is excellent preparation for students planning to enter graduate programs in journalism, as well as for those interested in the many careers requiring sophisticated writing and communication skills.
All students must meet the University Requirements.
All students must meet the School Requirements.
| A. Complete: | |
| LIT JRN 20 | Introduction to Literary Journalism |
| LIT JRN 21 | Reporting for Literary Journalism |
| LIT JRN 100 | Advanced Reporting |
| B. Select one course from the following: 1 | |
| Multicultural American Literature | |
| Shakespeare | |
| Topics in English and American Literature | |
| Society, Law, and Literature | |
| Young Adult Fiction | |
| Introductory Seminar in English: Topics in Literary Studies | |
| The Craft of Poetry | |
| The Craft of Fiction | |
| C. Complete: | |
| Multicultural Topics in Literatures in English | |
| D. Complete: | |
| LIT JRN 101A | Studies in the History, Theory, and Ethics of Literary Journalism |
| LIT JRN 101BW | Literary Journalism Core Writing Workshop (three times, on various topics) |
| E. Select at least three more Departmental (English, Literary Journalism, Writing) courses numbered 102 or above (excluding ENGLISH 150, LIT JRN 197, LIT JRN 198, LIT JRN 199, WRITING 139W, and WRITING 197). An upper-division course in a foreign literature in the original language or in translation may be substituted for one of the three courses. | |
| F. Two upper-division History courses in a single regional or thematic focus area. | |
| 1 | Students can substitute COM LIT 60A or COM LIT 60C for the lower-division English course requirement. |
Residence Requirement for the Literary Journalism Major: LIT JRN 20, LIT JRN 21, LIT JRN 100, LIT JRN 101A, and three LIT JRN 101BW courses must be completed successfully at UCI.
Students should plan coherent programs of study with their faculty advisors, including undergraduate seminars, workshops and seminars in writing (for students choosing a Literary Journalism major or Creative Writing minor), and courses in allied areas outside the Department. It is possible to combine a cluster of courses in literature with other majors in the sciences and social sciences, and to use an English or Literary Journalism major as preprofessional training in government, law, or medicine. Students who wish advice in planning such programs should consult both the Department and people in their prospective professional areas.
A student who intends to continue with graduate work is urged to study a second foreign language before graduation.
Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad through the UC Education Abroad Program. Visit the Study Abroad Center website or an academic counselor for additional information.
The study of literature helps students express their ideas clearly, do independent research, and think analytically and imaginatively. These capabilities will help qualify majors for careers in education, law, technical writing, communications, journalism, public relations, business, marketing, and management. Departmental advisors encourage their students to investigate various career options before completing their undergraduate educations.
The Division of Career Pathways provides services to students and alumni including career counseling, information about job opportunities, a career library, and workshops on resume preparation, job search, and interview techniques. See the Division of Career Pathways website for additional information.