Writing and Literature (A.A.)

BMCC Admissions

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Do you find inspiration in the written word? Then focus your aspirations on a life in letters.

Whether you dream of a literary, journalistic, or scholarly career, the Writing and Literature program is committed to realizing your potential as a confident writer and reader. Our faculty of published writers and accomplished scholars will guide the way, sharing the joy of great literature and nurturing the gift of your own writer’s voice.

The Writing and Literature program is divided into general and curriculum requirements. Students take 42 to 44 credits in liberal arts courses to fulfill the program’s general requirements; in addition, students take 18 credits in writing, journalism, transnational and multi-ethnic literature or women writers, and communications and theatre arts to fulfill the program’s curriculum requirements.

Writing and Literature students publish their work in student literary publications. Talks by visiting writers will enhance your studies.

This program is offered in-person, online and in a hybrid format.


Journalism Concentration

The BMCC Journalism concentration begins with the “Fundamentals of Journalism,” where students learn the history and ethics of the profession. Afterward, students take more focused classes including “News Writing,” where they learn how to find news stories, the structure of a news article, reporting, interviewing, making contacts, and developing a beat. Students also take “Feature Writing,” where they learn to investigate, develop, and write long-form magazine-style articles, and “Autobiography,” where the focus is on telling your own story.

The BMCC concentration in journalism also gives you the fundamentals needed to transfer to a four-year school and the skills to complete a four-year degree with honors. In addition to preparing students to pursue a career in news writing or journalism, this concentration provides them with the kinds of skills that are essential for law, forensics, editing, criminal justice, politics, activism, web design, advertising, teaching, research, and many other career and life paths.

Students who choose this concentration will have the advantage of guest speakers in the field as well as site visits to live tapings.


Transfer Options

Students who successfully complete the program earn an associate in arts (AA) degree and are prepared for a career or further education at a four-year college. BMCC has articulation agreements with several four year colleges to allow you to seamlessly continue your education there.


Explore Careers

BMCC is committed to  students’ long-term success and will help you explore professional opportunities. Undecided? No problem. The college offers Career Coach for salary and employment information, job postings and a self-discovery assessment to help students find their academic and career paths. Visit Career Express to make an appointment with a career advisor, search for jobs or sign-up for professional development activities with the Center for Career Development. Students can also visit the Office of Internships and Experiential Learning to gain real world experience in preparation for a four-year degree and beyond. These opportunities are available to help BMCC students build a foundation for future success.

Explore career paths for Writing and Literature (pdf)


Requirements

Required Common Core

Flexible Core2

Curriculum Requirements

6
XXX xxx
English Electives3
3-6
XXX xxx
Modern Language Requirement4
0–3
XXX xxx
General Elective
15
Concentration Requirements (see below)
30
Total Curriculum Credits
60
Total Program Credits

Writing and Literature: General Concentration

Choose 1 course from 3 of the following 4 categories:

Writing

Fundamentals of Journalism
Journalism: News Writing
Journalism: Feature Writing
Creative Writing Workshop
Advanced Composition
Playwriting
Autobiography

American Literature

Contemporary Black Writers
Asian American Literature
Contemporary Urban Writers
Italian American Literature
The American Novel
Modern American Drama
Jewish Literature
3
AFN 335
History of Black Theatre

British Literature

Introduction to Shakespeare

Transnational or Multi-ethnic Literature

Postcolonial Literature
Middle Eastern Literature
Modern European Novel
3-4

Cultural Studies5

3

Language, Performance & Design Connections6

Writing and Literature: Journalism Concentration

Fundamentals of Journalism
Journalism: News Writing
Journalism: Feature Writing
Advanced Composition

OR

Autobiography
3
XXX xxx
Liberal Arts Elective7

Footnotes

  1. These areas can be satisfied by taking a STEM variant.
  2. No more than two courses in any discipline or interdisciplinary field can be used to satisfy Flexible Common Core requirements.
  3. Choose two 300-level English courses.
  4. Students are required to take two semesters of the same Modern Foreign Language to graduate. One semester can be satisfied by taking a Modern Foreign Language in the World Cultures and Global Issues category in the Common Core. Please note: ITL 170 does not satisfy the Modern Foreign Language requirement.
  5. Choose from: ART 103, ART 113, ART 220, ART 250, ART 801, ART 802, ENG 321, MUS 103, MUS 106, MUS 108, MUS 110, MUS 220, MUS 230, MUS 881, SPE 245 or Social Science course.
  6. Choose from: BUS 150, ECE 102, LIN 100, MMA 100, MMP 100, SPE 103, SPE 210, SPE 220, SPE 240, THE 100, THE 121, VAT 153, Studio Art or Studio Music.
  7. Choose any 3 credit Ethnic Studies, Media Arts, Music, Art, Theatre Arts, Social Science or 300-level English course.

Note

Please note, these requirements are effective the 2023-2024 catalog year. Please check your DegreeWorks account for your specific degree requirements as when you began at BMCC will determine your program requirements.

English Department

199 Chambers Street, Room N-751
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 220-8270

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
9 a.m.-5 p.m