Literature and Writing
| Literature and Writing | |
| Type | Degree program |
|---|---|
| Degree | A.A. |
| Credits | 60 |
| Department | Department of Literature |
| Division | Arts & Humanities |
| Institution | Oakridge College |
| Category | Academics & Programs |
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
Total Credits Required: 60
The A.A. in Literature and Writing is a 60-credit program designed for students who want a focused academic foundation in literature, writing, reading, research, interpretation, and written communication. The program prepares students for further study and professional pathways that require strong analytical reading, effective written communication, research skills, and an understanding of language across literary, technical, and professional contexts.
The program combines general education with foundational coursework in literature, composition, rhetoric, research practice, creative expression, editing, and applied writing. Students complete studies in communication, cultural understanding, critical thinking, and academic practice alongside department coursework focused on reading carefully, writing clearly, interpreting texts, and shaping written work for different purposes and audiences.
Together, these requirements are intended to prepare students for continued education in literature, writing, humanities, communication, legal studies, technical fields, or related academic and professional pathways that depend on language, research, accuracy, and effective written expression.
Program Structure
- General Education Requirements: 15 credits
- Department Core Requirements: 30 credits
- Writing Specialization or Approved Electives: 12 credits
- Capstone or Writing Portfolio: 3 credits
General Education Requirements
Students complete a focused block of foundational coursework intended to support clear communication, cultural awareness, critical thinking, and responsible academic conduct. This portion of the program gives students the broader liberal arts foundation needed to understand writing and literature within larger social, historical, and professional contexts.
Department Core Requirements
The core of the program provides structured study in literature, composition, rhetoric, research practice, literary interpretation, editing, and written communication. These courses establish the academic foundation of the degree and help students develop the skills needed to read critically, write with purpose, and communicate complex ideas clearly.
The program does not treat writing as a single skill used the same way in every setting. Instead, the core requirements help students understand how written language changes depending on audience, purpose, discipline, genre, and institutional context.
Writing Specialization or Approved Electives
Students complete 12 credits of approved electives within Literature and Writing. These electives may be selected as general departmental coursework or organized around a writing specialization that provides a more focused academic direction.
Available specializations may include:
- Creative Writing
- Technical Writing
- Paralegal Writing
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing specialization is intended for students interested in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, scriptwriting, literary craft, and workshop-based writing. Coursework may emphasize revision, narrative structure, voice, literary form, and the development of original creative work.
Students considering careers or continued study in publishing, creative arts, media, education, or professional writing may benefit from this specialization’s emphasis on original composition and literary analysis.
Technical Writing
The Technical Writing specialization is intended for students interested in scientific, technical, institutional, or instructional communication. Developed in collaboration with the Natural Sciences division, coursework may include technical documentation, science writing, procedural writing, editing, research summaries, and the clear presentation of complex information.
Students pursuing this specialization complete the Associate of Science degree pathway within the Literature and Writing program. This pathway may appeal to students interested in communication roles connected to science, technology, environmental studies, healthcare, engineering support, or research organizations.
Paralegal Writing
The Paralegal Writing specialization is intended for students interested in legal-adjacent writing, document preparation, formal correspondence, and professional communication in legal or administrative settings. Developed in collaboration with the Professional Studies division, coursework may emphasize legal terminology, document structure, clarity, accuracy, editing, confidentiality, and research-based writing.
This specialization may be appropriate for students considering future study or employment in legal support services, public administration, compliance work, records management, or other professional environments where precise written communication is essential.
Choosing a Specialization
Specializations do not create separate degrees. Instead, they allow students to tailor their elective coursework toward specific academic or professional interests while remaining within the broader Literature and Writing program.
Students who do not pursue a specialization may complete approved Literature and Writing electives in consultation with the department.
Capstone or Writing Portfolio
In the final stage of the degree, students complete a capstone project or writing portfolio designed to bring together reading, writing, research, revision, editing, and presentation.
This requirement may take the form of a creative portfolio, technical writing portfolio, research-based writing project, paralegal writing portfolio, public presentation, or faculty-approved writing capstone. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to develop, revise, organize, and present written work in a structured academic setting.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of at least 60 credit hours
- Successful completion of all required departmental coursework
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
- A grade of C or higher in all core program requirements
- Completion of the capstone or writing portfolio requirement
Program Overview
Students in the A.A. in Literature and Writing develop practical and analytical skills through coursework in literature, composition, research, editing, and applied writing. The program supports students who want to strengthen their communication abilities while exploring academic, creative, technical, or professional uses of written language.
Rather than treating writing only as personal expression or classroom composition, the degree provides a structured foundation in language, research, revision, audience awareness, and written purpose. Within Oakridge’s Department of Literature, this program serves students who want to strengthen their writing while shaping it toward creative, technical, academic, or legal-adjacent uses.
OOC / Behind-the-scenes notes
OOC Notes: This is a general RP description of the program. RP Students taking the major are not required to fulfill these requirements. Different RP-related educational expectations might be presented to you when you begin your education.