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  • Berkeley Global

Writing Genre Fiction: Science Fiction, Mystery, Romance and More

ENGLISH X437

41083

One joy of writing fiction is the many kinds of stories you can tell. In this class, you will explore several popular genres of fiction—literary, mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, horror and romance. Learn techniques that are essential to all fiction while examining the characteristics, conventions and reader expectations associated with each particular genre. Receive guidance with the writing process, develop self-assessment and critical skills and prepare for publication of your manuscript. As you write and revise a short story or chapters of a novel, you will acquire an understanding of the basic elements of fiction writing and of your own viewpoint and skills as a writer.

Course Outline

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Course Objectives

  • Examine various popular genres of fiction and understand the characteristics, conventions and reader expectations associated with each genre.
  • Deepen your understanding of what makes a story in any genre a satisfying experience for the writer and the reader.
  • Set and accomplish specific writing goals.
  • Increase your skill of creating characters, developing plots and handling other elements that contribute to successful fiction in various genres.
  • Explore ways to achieve a more powerful and personal writing voice.
  • Improve your proficiency and confidence as a fiction writer.
  • Learn about the publishing industry and professional approaches to marketing your work.
  • Make significant progress on a personal writing project.
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Fall 2025 enrollment opens on June 16!

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This course applies to the following programs:

Certificate Program in Creative Writing

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Required Courses

  • The Craft of Reading
  • The Craft of Writing
  • Writing Skills Workshop

Electives (Literature)

  • American Fiction
  • Contemporary Voices: Speaking From the Margins
  • Re-envisioning the Past Through Historical Fiction
  • Shakespeare
  • Adaptations & Retellings
  • Banned Books

Electives (Writing Workshop)

  • Exploring Creative Writing
  • Introduction to Writing Fiction
  • Intermediate Fiction Writing
  • Advanced Fiction Writing
  • Writing Genre Fiction: Science Fiction, Mystery, Romance and More
  • Mystery Writing
  • Developing the Novel
  • Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
  • Poetry Workshop
  • Creative Nonfiction Workshop
  • Developing the Memoir

Courses of Related Interest

Learn More About This Program

Notes

extension-letters@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-8916

Instructional Types

Live Online
Live Online courses provide an interactive learning experience with scheduled synchronous online sessions held via Zoom video conferencing (Pacific Time). Learn more about the Live Online format.
Online, Start Anytime
Continuous enrollment course begins when you enroll. You have a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 180 days to complete the course.
Online, Fixed Date
Enroll in this course by its start date and complete it by its specified end date. There are no live sessions, but plenty of opportunities to collaborate with your classmates and instructor.
Classroom
Take classes in-person at one of our buildings or partner locations.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All of our courses are taught in English. If English is not your first language, please use the following test scores as guides in order to be successful:

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS Academic Format: 7
  • DAAD: C1
  • TEM-4 or TEM-8: Level 70
  • Duolingo: 125

Note: You do not need to submit test scores.

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Berkeley, CA 94704-7000

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