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!

1702 - Writing the Literary Novel: Master Class

Course
This 12-week course is for writers who are ready to produce a publishable novel. The final step in the novel-writing stream, this Master Class offers you the opportunity to work with a respected novelist and with a community immersed in the genre. Each class will focus on critical analysis of student material, usually two submissions per session. The objective is to help you get the first 20 pages of your novel ready for publication. Expect extensive rewriting. Understand what goes into editing and rewriting a novel. Get intensive instructor and peer analysis and commentary on your work. Learn to critique your own writing more effectively by critiquing others' work. Complete 20 pages of edited manuscript.
Semesters:
  • Fall - 25
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:
  • Fall - 25
  • Spring/Summer - 25
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:
  • Fall - 25
  • Spring/Summer - 25
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:
  • Fall - 25
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:
  • Fall - 25
  • Spring/Summer - 25
Delivery Methods:
  • IN-CLASS
  • ON-LINE
Locations:
  • St. George Campus

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:
  • Fall - 25
Delivery Methods:
  • IN-CLASS
  • ON-LINE
Locations:
  • St. George Campus

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:
  • Fall - 25
  • Spring/Summer - 25
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

1722 - Freelancing the Feature

Course
This course is designed to help you create high-quality, long-form journalism for newspapers and magazines, both traditional and digital. You'll acquire the tools to craft compelling feature-length articles and learn how to pitch your best ideas. Learn how to interview subjects, structure a narrative and self-edit. Classes will mix short lectures on various aspects of writing with group discussions and workshops that provide constructive feedback. With real-life examples, the course will show you how to turn your successful magazine piece into a sellable book proposal.  Know how to write successfully for the periodical industry. Understand the differences between newspaper and magazine features. Understand the structure and essential elements of a compelling feature story. Know the start-to-finish steps for pitching and writing a feature.
Semesters:
  • Fall - 25
  • Spring/Summer - 25
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

1769 - Writing the Memoir

Course
Your memoir is the story only you can tell. It can be the tale of a life well lived or the story of a year in a Mexican jail. This course is for anyone who wants to write a memoir, whether for publication or simply to record stories for family and friends. You'll learn the skills of writing a memoir, emerge with one or two chapters of your own, and meet a community of writers working in your genre. Choose personal stories that would make good reading. Develop tools and techniques that will help you outline a story. Begin or continue your memoir.
Semesters:
  • Fall - 25
  • Spring/Summer - 25
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

1803 - Translation: French Introduction

Course
This online self-study course is your starting point for the Certificate in Translation in order to work as a full or part-time translator.  Using modern translation theory, you'll acquire essential tools and develop a strong awareness of the issues that French translators face.  You'll learn how to preserve the meaning, style, syntax and tone of the original text, without being literal, and become proficient in analyzing, understanding and correctly translating complex real-world documents. Learn translation in the fields of law, commerce and literature.  All course materials are available electronically.  You communicate with your instructor electronically and share at least three webinars with the whole class.  Acquire introductory tools for translation. Understand the principles and goals of a high-quality translation. Prepare for upper-level translation courses.
Semesters:
  • Spring/Summer - 25
Delivery Methods:
  • ON-LINE

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