B.A. (Film, Television and New Media Production) Creative Writing Syllabus - Mumbai University

Course objectives

• The course aims to empower students with advanced skills and knowledge in creative writing, specifically tailored for the dynamic digital landscape. Students will explore diverse forms of creative writing, understand various styles, and master the nuances of crafting engaging content for online platforms. The focus will be on staying current with industry standards and comprehending the evolving realm of digital writing, including blogging, social media, and strategies related to SEO/SMO.

Course outcomes

• Upon completing the course, students will possess advanced skills in digital creative writing, enabling them to navigate the evolving landscape of online communication. They will be adept at crafting compelling content for various digital platforms, incorporating SEO/SMO strategies, and staying current with industry standards. This course will prepare students for careers in content creation, blogging, social media management, and other roles where advanced digital writing skills are essential.

Module 1: Understanding Creative Writing

• Defining Creative Writing: Explore the essence of creative writing, its various forms, and its role in contemporary storytelling.
• Writing Styles: Analyse different writing styles, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
• Building Creative Writing Skills: Develop exercises and strategies to enhance creative writing abilities.

Module 2: Writing for the Digital Landscape

• Internet Writing Dynamics: Understand the fundamental differences between writing for the internet and traditional writing.
• Blogging Essentials: Explore the art of blogging, including content creation, audience engagement, and platform selection.
• Reputation Management: Learn strategies for building and maintaining a positive online presence as a writer.

Module 3: Development of Blogs

• Creating Engaging Content: Understand the key elements of creating compelling and shareable blog content.
• Blogging Platforms: Explore different blogging platforms and tools, considering their features and suitability for various writing styles.
• Monetization Strategies: Learn about different monetization methods for blogs and how writers can generate income.

Module 4: Writing for Social Media

• Harnessing Social Media for Writers: Explore the role of social media in building a writer’s brand and connecting with readers.
• Crafting Effective Social Media Posts: Develop skills in creating engaging and shareable social media content.
• Building a Social Media Presence: Understand the importance of consistency and authenticity in building a writer’s social media presence.

Module 5: Writing for SEO & SMO

The University’s own document prints this heading as "Writing for SEO & SMO" — an HTML ampersand left unescaped in her file, which her PDF renders literally. It is set here as the ampersand she meant.

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Writers: Learn the basics of SEO and how writers can optimize their content for search engines.
• Social Media Optimization (SMO) Strategies: Explore effective strategies for optimizing content for social media platforms.
• Analysing Metrics: Understand how to use analytics to measure the success of digital writing efforts.
• Students will work on developing a comprehensive digital writing portfolio, including a blog and social media content. The final project will be presented and assessed for creativity, engagement, and adherence to industry standards.

Textbooks: Reference Book

• 1. The Creative Writing Course book: Forty Authors Share Advice and Exercises for Fiction and
• 2. Poetry by Julia Bell and Paul Magrs.
• 3. Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley.
• 4. Epic Content Marketing: How to Tell a Different Story, Break through the Clutter, and Win
• 5. More Customers by Marketing Less by Joe Pulizzi.
• 6. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King