Online and Remote Learning

Learn where and when you want.

SCS is committed to making learning as accessible as possible both locally and across the globe. We are continuously expanding our list of over 540 online learning opportunities. From languages to accounting, we offer flexible learning opportunities.

Our online courses are instructor-led and delivered through the University of Toronto’s Learning Management Engine – Quercus. Quercus uses weekly, real time modules and has tools for engagement and community building. Course preparation has built in flexibility so you can read, study, and complete assignments on your own time.

You will communicate with your instructors via discussion boards and/or email. Some online courses include live, interactive webinars. If you’re unable to attend the live webinar, you will be able to view a recording of the webinar on your own schedule.

You may also want to investigate funding opportunities available to you on our Financial Assistance page. Your path to lifelong learning is more attainable than you think!

1691 - Creative Non-Fiction: Introduction

Course
Creative non-fiction tells factual stories in a literary style. If this is the stream you're entering in pursuit of a Certificate in Creative Writing, this course is the first step. You'll cover the basics of literary technique and emerge with completed work samples. Explore what you want and need to say, and find an immediate, noteworthy, compelling and provocative way to express it. The course will also introduce you to a community of writers working in your genre. Understand the genre of creative or narrative non-fiction. Use storytelling techniques in your work.Produce short pieces of creative non-fiction.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 26
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • IN-CLASS
  • ON-LINE
Locations:
  • St. George Campus

1695 - Creative Writing through Reading

Course
This is a required course for the Certificate in Creative Writing, because reading is key to your development as a writer. The course emphasizes the importance of this and teaches you to begin reading like a writer. You'll examine the techniques used in great works of literature and how you can incorporate them into your writing. You'll explore approaches to style through description, dialogue, character, transitions, image patterns, rhythm and sound. Understand stylistic techniques used by great authors.Apply them to your own writing.Appreciate the significance of description, dialogue, character, rhythm and sound.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 26
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • IN-CLASS
  • ON-LINE
Locations:
  • St. George Campus

1701 - Writing the Novel II

Course
If you're in the novel stream of the Certificate in Creative Writing, this workshop is the second step. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the novel form and have the beginning of your novel critiqued by your instructor and your peers. Each class will focus on excerpts from one or two works-in-progress. Each class will also discuss at least one significant aspect of the novel-writing process, such as beginnings, endings, language, setting and characters. Get constructive criticism that can help improve your work-in-progress. Understand the structure and method of novel writing. Revise and polish sections of your novel based on feedback.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 26
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • IN-CLASS
  • ON-LINE
Locations:
  • St. George Campus

1703 - A Literary Agent's Guide to Getting Published

Course
What do you need to know to succeed in today’s literary world? Learn it all from a successful agent. You’ll find out how to prepare, polish and submit a manuscript, and find and maintain good relationships with agents and publishers. Explore the pros and cons of self-publishing and how to handle criticism and reviews. Learn about contracts, royalties, copyright, libel issues, your rights as an author and, most importantly, how to maximize your odds of success. Understand the publishing process and how the modern book business works. Know what editors and agents look for in all genres. Find out how to market proposals and manuscripts. Explore the business side of writing, including how to find an agent. Know your rights as an author.
Semesters:
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

1709 - Screenwriting: Introduction

Course
This course is the first step in the screenwriting stream of the Certificate in Creative Writing. Whether you've already started a screenplay or you're developing a story for film, you'll learn the key elements of screenwriting, including story, character, plot, scene, structure and dialogue. This engaging course also includes screenings and writing exercises. Understand the essential elements of screenwriting.Know how to analyze screenplay structure.Format a script for a short film.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 26
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • IN-CLASS
  • ON-LINE
Locations:
  • St. George Campus

1710 - Screenwriting II

Course
If you've already taken 1709 - Screenwriting: Introduction, this hands-on workshop gives you your chance to begin writing your great screenplay. The group will explore the interplay between screenwriting, directing, acting and editing. You'll be able to focus on your story in a supportive environment and work out what it needs to succeed. Writing exercises will help you develop your work-in-progress - whether an outline, a draft or something in-between - to emerge with a synopsis and key scenes for a feature. Polish your synopsis and write key scenes for your feature script. Get feedback from your peers and instructor on your work-in-progress - and give feedback to others. Information on the business of screenwriting, revision strategies, and suggestions for next steps.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 26
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • IN-CLASS
  • ON-LINE
Locations:
  • St. George Campus

1713 - Writing Short Fiction II

Course
This course is the second step in the short fiction stream of the Certificate in Creative Writing. It's a workshop for budding writers with short stories to share and improve. Class time is split between instruction on the basic elements of fiction - plot, character, point of view and language - and short, timed exercises that summon inspiration and cut through writer's block. You'll get lots of focused, constructive feedback on your writing in a friendly and supportive environment and emerge with two polished stories. Understand the basic elements of fiction. Use skills and techniques to unlock creativity and cut through writer's block. Analyze short fiction constructively. Incorporate constructive feedback into your own work.
Semesters:
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

1717 - Writing for Children: Introduction

Course
This course is the first step in the children's writing stream of the Certificate in Creative Writing. You'll explore the vibrant world of children's literature, absorb basic literary technique and emerge with a draft of a picture book, story or opening chapter. You'll meet a community of writers working in your genre and pick up advanced tips on writing picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels and young adult fiction. There will also be a primer on how to get published. Understand the structure and techniques of telling stories for children.Know trends and innovations in Canadian children's literature.Understand the publishing process.Complete a draft of a picture book or early reader, or the opening chapter of a middle grade or young adult novel.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 26
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

1718 - Writing for Children: Picture Books

Course
Creating a good picture book requires the storytelling ability of a novelist and the attention to language of a poet. In this second-level course, you'll learn from an award-winning author, share your work with other participants, and emerge with drafts of two or three picture book manuscripts. Many great picture book examples will be used. You will write in both traditional and original forms, learn how to avoid common mistakes, and develop a deeper understanding of how words and pictures can combine into a perfect whole. Revising and editing as well as submitting your work to publishers will be discussed. Identify and create compelling stories that appeal to child readers. Know how to tell an engaging story in a few words. Understand the balance between words and pictures. Emerge with the polished draft of your own picture book. Structure a text to publishers' standards.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 26
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

1721 - Writing Contemporary Rom-Com

Course
Contemporary romantic-comedy is having a renaissance in today's book marketplace, and the genre has never been more widely read. From bestselling authors like Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, Anna Todd, and Sophie Kinsella, to BookTok sensations like Colleen Hoover, there are stories for any reader from eighteen to eighty. Through workshops and discussion, writers will explore what makes rom-com tick--whether that's playing with tropes, ensuring your meet-cute sings, creating tension on the page, or grappling with your happily ever after. Learners will finish the course with one fully polished chapter and a complete outline for further development down the line.   Learn the conventions of Contemporary Romantic Comedy. A finished outline to work on later. A polished chapter of your novel. Receive feedback on your writing. Join a community of writers interested in writing Contemporary Rom-Com.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 26
  • Winter - 26
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

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