- Are you interested in writing?
- Are you looking for a programme that can be tailored to suit your interests?
- Would you like to develop your talents under the supervision of experienced authors?
- Would you like to work as an author, translator, playwright, screenwriter or in another creative career?
The creative writing programme enables students to develop their talents under the supervision of experienced authors. Emphasis is placed on the communication of ideas through various genres of creative writing. Students also explore literature from all over the world.
Writing talents are highly valued in our society and creative writing graduates are attractive to employers for jobs that require delivery of clear, presentable text.
Creative writing is highly personal and students are therefore able to tailor the programme to suit their own interests as far as possible. Students will work in small groups and also closely with supervisors, with the aim of helping participants to find their voice and fulfil their potential. Emphasis is placed on creating a community of writers that will support budding authors in various ways.
Programme structure
The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.
The programme is made up of:
- Writing workshops, 60 ECTS
Workshops are practical courses, generally devoted to a specific genre, e.g. storytelling, poetry, essay writing, translation, playwriting, screenplay writing or children's literature. Students submit original compositions, which are then discussed by the group. Students can choose between available workshops. One workshop is mandatory, the Introduction to Creative Writing. - Elective courses, 30 ECTS
Students may take elective courses in literature or other related subjects which they believe will benefit their studies. Students select courses in consultation with the programme coordinator. Students may take courses from any faculty at UI. - Master’s thesis, 30 ECTS
The MA project is an original piece of creative writing, completed during the programme. It may be a collection of stories or other prose pieces, a collection of poems, a collection of essays, a play, a screenplay, a translation or a novel. The composition shall be accompanied by a report on the creative process.
Organisation of teaching
The programme is taught in Icelandic
The programme is largely practical, taught through workshops and writing circles, but also contains a theoretical element. Work is based in large part on discussion, and attendance is therefore vital.
Main objectives
The MA programme in creative writing aims to create a workshop environment where promising writers have the opportunity and resources to develop their talents under the supervision of experienced authors. They will be able to practise their writing and receive guidance on all aspects of creative writing, e.g. working methods, approach, structure, register and style, proofreading, formatting, editing and publishing.
Collaboration with other subjects
Since creative writing has much in common with other subjects, students are able to take courses in comparative literature, Icelandic, journalism, practical editorship and theory of publication, applied studies in culture and communication, and translation studies.
This flexibility allows students to study a broader range of subjects and specialise in a particular area. Courses open to creative writing students in other subjects, which can be taken either workshops or elective courses, include:
- Comparative literature: Various courses in literature and literary history
- Journalism: BLF106F Journalism (workshop), BLF308F Online communication (workshop – prerequisite: experience of creating and editing material for radio and television)
- Applied studies in culture and communication HMM101F Communication channels (workshop), HMM210F Speech and writing (workshop), HMM211F Practical communication (workshop)
- Practical editorship and theory of publication: ÍSL443F Writing and editing (workshop), ABF803F Practical research skills (workshop)
- Icelandic: Various courses in literature and literary history
- Translation studies: ÞÝÐ001M Translation studies (workshop), ÞÝÐ003M History of translation (workshop), ÞÝÐ505M Media translations, Literary translation (workshop – depends on languages)
Other
Completing an MA at the Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies allows you to apply for doctoral studies.
Applicants to the Master's programme in creative writing must have completed a Bachelor's degree with a first class grade and a final thesis. Deviation from the rule of the first grade (though not exceeding 0.25) and the requirement for a 10-credit final project may be allowed if the admissions committee recommends the application.
Applicants must submit a portfolio with original content, and eligible candidates will be selected for admission to the program based on this. Applicants can, for example, submit short stories, chapters from a literary work for young or adult readers, non-fiction, poetry, excerpts from a screenplay or TV script, a monologue, or a personal essay. The content should not exceed 15 pages. In addition, applicants must submit a brief summary of their area of interest and objectives with the program (one page max; content may be artistic). Up to 15 applicants will be admitted annually. The admissions committee considers factors such as creativity, sense of form, style, narrative technique, and the applicant's command of the Icelandic language.
Those who do not have any background in comparative literature, Icelandic, or creative writing are required to complete additional courses in literary studies at the undergraduate (BA) level, in addition to 120 credits at the master's level, the courses ÍSL111G Theory of Literature (or ABF104G Literary Methods & Concepts) and 20 ECTS in additional literature courses at the BA level (totalling 30 ECTS). These additional courses must be completed in the first and second semester of the programme, if possible.
Programme structure: Workshops: 60 ECTS, MA project: 30 ECTS, elective courses: 30 ECTS
Workshops are practical courses, generally devoted to a specific genre, e.g. storytelling, poetry, essay writing, translation, playwriting, screenplay writing or children's literature. Students submit original compositions, which are then discussed by the group. Students may choose from among the workshops on offer, but must complete 40 ECTS in workshops marked for creative writing (RIT). One workshop is mandatory, the Introduction to Creative Writing, and should be attended in the first semester.
Students may take elective courses in literature or other related subjects which they believe will benefit their studies. Students select courses in consultation with the programme coordinator. Students may take courses from any faculty at UI. It is possible to have previous education count towards the requirement for scholarly courses at the master's level. In that case, literary courses, courses related to Icelandic, other languages, literary theory, or creative studies would be especially evaluated.
The MA project is an original piece of creative writing, completed during the programme. It may be, for example, a collection of stories or other prose pieces, a collection of poems, a collection of essays, a play, a screenplay, a translation or a novel. The composition shall be accompanied by a report on the creative process. The Master's project may be split, e.g. 10 ECTS completed in the autumn semester and 30 ECTS in the spring semester. Students may also use more than one literary genre, although ideally not more than two.
- Statement of purpose
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
Further information on supporting documents can be found here
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- First year
- Fall
- Workshop: Storytelling for the Forever Young
- Workshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The Story
- Creative Reading
- Workshop: Introduction to Creative Writing
- Spring 1
- Workshop: Unconventional Structure
- Workshop: Immersion Writing
- Workshop: Love Stories
- Workshop: VisualLanguage
- Workshop: Publication
Workshop: Storytelling for the Forever Young (RIT823F)
This workshop is a playground where participants hone their skills in writing for a multi-layered readership. We set out on an expedition to explore the imaginary worlds of children and young adults, to look at trends in writing of this kind, the dialogue between text and illustration, and test various techincal approaches. We will do inspiring exercises in class, read chapters from children‘s and young-adult books, as well as academic papers. All the while, participants work on their own story. Students are expected to keep a reading journal, participate in class discussions and review the work of their peers in a constructive manner. Exclusively for masters‘s students in Creative Writing.
Workshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The Story (RIT720F)
Students receive training in using various historical sources as inspiration and material in creative writing. Different definitions of historical fiction will be examined, and various approaches to transforming this literary genre will be discussed. The course will cover the position of the author regarding historical, the boundaries of fiction and history, the relationship between historical accuracy and the credibilty of narrative, and what makes the past an exciting fodder for fiction. Students will be introduced to the main categories of historical content sources, such as personal and public records, photographs and artifacts. However, the main emphasis of the course will be on practising working with sources, constructing a historical setting, handling historical events, creating characters from different time periods, and the language style of various eras. Among the assignments are analyses of literary texts and creative writing excersises based on old photgraphs and other historical material. The main project of the course is a historical short story that students develop and work on under guidance until the final product is completed at the end of the course.
The number of students is limited to 15. Students who have not yet completed 60 credits in workshops have priority in registering for the course. When students who have completed more than 60 credits register, the number of credits accumulated is considered. Students with fewer credits have priority.
Creative Reading (RIT505F)
This course is structured like a reading circle, in which we read 6–8 selected works and examine how each author approaches their craft. Is the author preoccupied with structure, language or stylistic devices? How are the characters shaped? What drives the work, and how is it put together?
The selected texts will be intentionally diverse: for example novels, travel writing, short-story collections, nonfiction, and genre literature such as speculative fiction and horror. As we read, we reflect on the different possibilities and demands of these forms—what each form requires and where its limitations lie.
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Workshop: Introduction to Creative Writing (RIT701F)
This is an introductory course in creative writing. We discuss the possibilities of fiction, the creative process, construction, usage, design, copyright issues and freedom of speech. Students will receive training in editing, proofreading and group work. Authors visit as well as representatives of associations and institutions that serve literature. Participants write regularly, mainly short pieces but also longer ones. The course is required for all MA-students in creative writing. Attendance and class participation required.
Workshop: Unconventional Structure (RIT604F)
If there is such a thing as a conventional structure — and there certainly is — then there must also be an unconventional one. But when is a structure considered conventional, and when is it not, and does the distinction matter?
In this course, we examine films that are regarded as formally unconventional and explore how they cohere and function. At the same time, we consider a larger question: What is a story?
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Workshop: Immersion Writing (RIT605F)
Immersion writing refers to a method commonly used in creative nonfiction, in which the writer works from lived experience and becomes a participant — rather than an observer — in the material at hand. The writer seeks out the subject through research, experiments, fieldwork, or direct experience. In a sense, the writer tries the story on their own skin instead of remaining at the desk.
In this course we read texts and books that employ this method, and students submit practical writing exercises.
Active attendance and participation in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Workshop: Love Stories (RIT603F)
Love stories or romance novels have long been popular—and remain so today. In this workshop, we will examine the form, develop a strong sense of its many expressions, and try our hand at writing within it. We may even manage to twist it in new directions or offer a fresh perspective. Alongside our writing, we will read love stories as well as critical texts about them.
Participants’ writing will be discussed in class, and we will also welcome distinguished guest speakers. Students are expected to attend all sessions and take an active part in discussions.
This workshop is intended exclusively for master’s students in creative writing.
Workshop: VisualLanguage (RIT804F)
This course is a collaboration between IAA students in Fine Arts and Design and Creative Writing students at the University of Iceland. Students work on texts and images of whatever kind and the area of contact between visual and written language is explored. In the classes, exercises are offered which stir thought and can be utilised to spark writing and the creation of works, be it a novel, visual work, short or mini story, performance work, film script, memoir, poetry etc. Participants have to be ready to share their work with others, work on collaborative projects across artistic disciplines and be active in the emerging discussion. The course is taught at the IAA Department of Fine Arts and is exclusively for master’s students in Creative Writing at the UI and students in Fine Arts and Design at IAA.
Workshop: Publication (RIT805F)
In this course students in Practical Editorship and Theory of Publication work with creative writing students in preparing texts for publication, both in printed and digital form. The product of the course will be a text that has been prepared for publication.
The course is intended for second year students in Creaitve Writing.
- Second year
- Fall
- Workshop: Storytelling for the Forever Young
- Workshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The Story
- Creative Reading
- MA-Project in Creative Writing
- Spring 1
- Workshop: Unconventional Structure
- Workshop: Immersion Writing
- Workshop: Love Stories
- Workshop: VisualLanguage
- Workshop: Publication
- MA-Project in Creative Writing
Workshop: Storytelling for the Forever Young (RIT823F)
This workshop is a playground where participants hone their skills in writing for a multi-layered readership. We set out on an expedition to explore the imaginary worlds of children and young adults, to look at trends in writing of this kind, the dialogue between text and illustration, and test various techincal approaches. We will do inspiring exercises in class, read chapters from children‘s and young-adult books, as well as academic papers. All the while, participants work on their own story. Students are expected to keep a reading journal, participate in class discussions and review the work of their peers in a constructive manner. Exclusively for masters‘s students in Creative Writing.
Workshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The Story (RIT720F)
Students receive training in using various historical sources as inspiration and material in creative writing. Different definitions of historical fiction will be examined, and various approaches to transforming this literary genre will be discussed. The course will cover the position of the author regarding historical, the boundaries of fiction and history, the relationship between historical accuracy and the credibilty of narrative, and what makes the past an exciting fodder for fiction. Students will be introduced to the main categories of historical content sources, such as personal and public records, photographs and artifacts. However, the main emphasis of the course will be on practising working with sources, constructing a historical setting, handling historical events, creating characters from different time periods, and the language style of various eras. Among the assignments are analyses of literary texts and creative writing excersises based on old photgraphs and other historical material. The main project of the course is a historical short story that students develop and work on under guidance until the final product is completed at the end of the course.
The number of students is limited to 15. Students who have not yet completed 60 credits in workshops have priority in registering for the course. When students who have completed more than 60 credits register, the number of credits accumulated is considered. Students with fewer credits have priority.
Creative Reading (RIT505F)
This course is structured like a reading circle, in which we read 6–8 selected works and examine how each author approaches their craft. Is the author preoccupied with structure, language or stylistic devices? How are the characters shaped? What drives the work, and how is it put together?
The selected texts will be intentionally diverse: for example novels, travel writing, short-story collections, nonfiction, and genre literature such as speculative fiction and horror. As we read, we reflect on the different possibilities and demands of these forms—what each form requires and where its limitations lie.
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
MA-Project in Creative Writing (RIT441L)
MA-verkefni er frumsamin ritsmíð af listrænum toga, unnin á námstímanum. Hún getur t.d. verið safn sagna eða annarra lausamálstexta, ljóðasafn, ritgerðasafn, leikrit, kvikmyndahandrit, þýðing eða skáldsaga. Verkinu skal fylgja greinargerð um vinnslu þess. Meistaraverkefninu má skipta upp, t.d. þannig að 10 einingar séu teknar á haustmisseri og 20 á vormisseri. Einnig má skrifa í fleiri en einu bókmenntaformi en þó er ekki æskilegt að hafa fleiri en tvö form undir í verkefninu.
Workshop: Unconventional Structure (RIT604F)
If there is such a thing as a conventional structure — and there certainly is — then there must also be an unconventional one. But when is a structure considered conventional, and when is it not, and does the distinction matter?
In this course, we examine films that are regarded as formally unconventional and explore how they cohere and function. At the same time, we consider a larger question: What is a story?
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Workshop: Immersion Writing (RIT605F)
Immersion writing refers to a method commonly used in creative nonfiction, in which the writer works from lived experience and becomes a participant — rather than an observer — in the material at hand. The writer seeks out the subject through research, experiments, fieldwork, or direct experience. In a sense, the writer tries the story on their own skin instead of remaining at the desk.
In this course we read texts and books that employ this method, and students submit practical writing exercises.
Active attendance and participation in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Workshop: Love Stories (RIT603F)
Love stories or romance novels have long been popular—and remain so today. In this workshop, we will examine the form, develop a strong sense of its many expressions, and try our hand at writing within it. We may even manage to twist it in new directions or offer a fresh perspective. Alongside our writing, we will read love stories as well as critical texts about them.
Participants’ writing will be discussed in class, and we will also welcome distinguished guest speakers. Students are expected to attend all sessions and take an active part in discussions.
This workshop is intended exclusively for master’s students in creative writing.
Workshop: VisualLanguage (RIT804F)
This course is a collaboration between IAA students in Fine Arts and Design and Creative Writing students at the University of Iceland. Students work on texts and images of whatever kind and the area of contact between visual and written language is explored. In the classes, exercises are offered which stir thought and can be utilised to spark writing and the creation of works, be it a novel, visual work, short or mini story, performance work, film script, memoir, poetry etc. Participants have to be ready to share their work with others, work on collaborative projects across artistic disciplines and be active in the emerging discussion. The course is taught at the IAA Department of Fine Arts and is exclusively for master’s students in Creative Writing at the UI and students in Fine Arts and Design at IAA.
Workshop: Publication (RIT805F)
In this course students in Practical Editorship and Theory of Publication work with creative writing students in preparing texts for publication, both in printed and digital form. The product of the course will be a text that has been prepared for publication.
The course is intended for second year students in Creaitve Writing.
MA-Project in Creative Writing (RIT441L)
MA-verkefni er frumsamin ritsmíð af listrænum toga, unnin á námstímanum. Hún getur t.d. verið safn sagna eða annarra lausamálstexta, ljóðasafn, ritgerðasafn, leikrit, kvikmyndahandrit, þýðing eða skáldsaga. Verkinu skal fylgja greinargerð um vinnslu þess. Meistaraverkefninu má skipta upp, t.d. þannig að 10 einingar séu teknar á haustmisseri og 20 á vormisseri. Einnig má skrifa í fleiri en einu bókmenntaformi en þó er ekki æskilegt að hafa fleiri en tvö form undir í verkefninu.
- Year unspecified
- Fall
- Radio production and podcasting
- Not taught this semesterJournalism 1
- Communication channels I, documentaries, texts, images
- Writing and Editing
- Spring 1
- Creative Documentary
Radio production and podcasting (HMM235F)
The course is run in cooperation with the state radio station: RÚV - Rás 1. Discussion will take place into the presentation of radio/audio material, various examples being examined. Attention will be given to the nature of audio communication and the possibilities of audio communication in the present media environment. Attention is also paid to concept development, interview techniques, recording techniques, dramaturgy and editing, accentuating sustainability and self-reliance. All students will complete a final project involving the making of radio programmes.
Journalism 1 (BLF110F)
The aim of course is to introduce to students the journalistic profession with an emphasis on reporting and producing news for different media. Main concepts and methods in newswriting are discussed, such as news values, news gathering and news construction. Students will be trained in writing in a focused, accurate and articulate manner. Students will get a basic training in using social media to gather and distribute content.
Assignments. Students write news stories and articles for the study program´s online news site, and at times for other news media.
Communication channels I, documentaries, texts, images (HMM122F)
In the courses Communication channels I and Communication channels II, the basics of methods for the dissemination of cultural material in the humanities and social sciences are presented. Communication channels I is in the fall semester, while Communication channels II is in the spring semester.
In Communication channels I, the students are working with a) text and images in the first half of the semester and b) short documentaries in the second half of the course. Each subject weighs 50% in the course. Concerning a) Students will receive training in article writing and discourse analysis on the one hand and use of images and image analysis on the other. Concerning b) Students work on making short documentaries. It includes basic training in screenwriting, shooting and editing, and students work in groups on a documentary, according to a specific theme.
There are no exams in the course. Instead, students work on projects, individual and group projects. They are the following:
- Analysis of texts and images
- An article with an image on a specific theme for publication, about 800 words.
- A group project where students work on a short documentary that is shown at the end of the course. Emphasis is placed on common themes and group work in the course. The course is not taught remotely.
Writing and Editing (ÍSL101F)
Training in various aspects of the writing and editing of scientific texts. Various kinds of texts (non-fiction) examined and evaluated. Training in reviewing and commenting on scientific texts and in other aspects of editorial work. The main emphasis will be on the writing of articles, but other kinds of texts will also be considered, both shorter (conference abstracts, reviews) and longer (theses, books), as well as research proposals. Discussion of guidelines for the preparation of manuscripts. Types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and find them. Texts on different subjects will be used as examples, especially writings in linguistics, literature and history. The book Skrifaðu bæði skýrt og rétt will be used as a textbook (Höskuldur Þráinsson 2015).
This course is open to students of many MA programmes in the School of Humanities, cf. the regulations of the individual subjects. Students in the MA programmes in Icelandic literature, Icelandic linguistics, Icelandic studies and Icelandic teaching can take the course as part of the MA course requirements in Icelandic literature or Icelandic linguistics. Students in the MA programme in Icelandic teaching can, however, not have this course as the only linguistics or literature course in their MA.
Creative Documentary (HMM220F)
The basic types of documentaries will be discussed as well as methods of documentary making, editing and cinematography. Emphasis will be put on practical projects and students will be required to make at least one documentary during the course.
- Fall
- RIT823FWorkshop: Storytelling for the Forever YoungRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This workshop is a playground where participants hone their skills in writing for a multi-layered readership. We set out on an expedition to explore the imaginary worlds of children and young adults, to look at trends in writing of this kind, the dialogue between text and illustration, and test various techincal approaches. We will do inspiring exercises in class, read chapters from children‘s and young-adult books, as well as academic papers. All the while, participants work on their own story. Students are expected to keep a reading journal, participate in class discussions and review the work of their peers in a constructive manner. Exclusively for masters‘s students in Creative Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT720FWorkshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The StoryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionStudents receive training in using various historical sources as inspiration and material in creative writing. Different definitions of historical fiction will be examined, and various approaches to transforming this literary genre will be discussed. The course will cover the position of the author regarding historical, the boundaries of fiction and history, the relationship between historical accuracy and the credibilty of narrative, and what makes the past an exciting fodder for fiction. Students will be introduced to the main categories of historical content sources, such as personal and public records, photographs and artifacts. However, the main emphasis of the course will be on practising working with sources, constructing a historical setting, handling historical events, creating characters from different time periods, and the language style of various eras. Among the assignments are analyses of literary texts and creative writing excersises based on old photgraphs and other historical material. The main project of the course is a historical short story that students develop and work on under guidance until the final product is completed at the end of the course.
The number of students is limited to 15. Students who have not yet completed 60 credits in workshops have priority in registering for the course. When students who have completed more than 60 credits register, the number of credits accumulated is considered. Students with fewer credits have priority.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT505FCreative ReadingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is structured like a reading circle, in which we read 6–8 selected works and examine how each author approaches their craft. Is the author preoccupied with structure, language or stylistic devices? How are the characters shaped? What drives the work, and how is it put together?
The selected texts will be intentionally diverse: for example novels, travel writing, short-story collections, nonfiction, and genre literature such as speculative fiction and horror. As we read, we reflect on the different possibilities and demands of these forms—what each form requires and where its limitations lie.
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT701FWorkshop: Introduction to Creative WritingMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis is an introductory course in creative writing. We discuss the possibilities of fiction, the creative process, construction, usage, design, copyright issues and freedom of speech. Students will receive training in editing, proofreading and group work. Authors visit as well as representatives of associations and institutions that serve literature. Participants write regularly, mainly short pieces but also longer ones. The course is required for all MA-students in creative writing. Attendance and class participation required.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
RIT604FWorkshop: Unconventional StructureRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIf there is such a thing as a conventional structure — and there certainly is — then there must also be an unconventional one. But when is a structure considered conventional, and when is it not, and does the distinction matter?
In this course, we examine films that are regarded as formally unconventional and explore how they cohere and function. At the same time, we consider a larger question: What is a story?
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT605FWorkshop: Immersion WritingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionImmersion writing refers to a method commonly used in creative nonfiction, in which the writer works from lived experience and becomes a participant — rather than an observer — in the material at hand. The writer seeks out the subject through research, experiments, fieldwork, or direct experience. In a sense, the writer tries the story on their own skin instead of remaining at the desk.
In this course we read texts and books that employ this method, and students submit practical writing exercises.
Active attendance and participation in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT603FWorkshop: Love StoriesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionLove stories or romance novels have long been popular—and remain so today. In this workshop, we will examine the form, develop a strong sense of its many expressions, and try our hand at writing within it. We may even manage to twist it in new directions or offer a fresh perspective. Alongside our writing, we will read love stories as well as critical texts about them.
Participants’ writing will be discussed in class, and we will also welcome distinguished guest speakers. Students are expected to attend all sessions and take an active part in discussions.
This workshop is intended exclusively for master’s students in creative writing.Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT804FWorkshop: VisualLanguageRestricted elective course5Restricted elective course, conditions apply5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a collaboration between IAA students in Fine Arts and Design and Creative Writing students at the University of Iceland. Students work on texts and images of whatever kind and the area of contact between visual and written language is explored. In the classes, exercises are offered which stir thought and can be utilised to spark writing and the creation of works, be it a novel, visual work, short or mini story, performance work, film script, memoir, poetry etc. Participants have to be ready to share their work with others, work on collaborative projects across artistic disciplines and be active in the emerging discussion. The course is taught at the IAA Department of Fine Arts and is exclusively for master’s students in Creative Writing at the UI and students in Fine Arts and Design at IAA.
PrerequisitesRIT805FWorkshop: PublicationRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course students in Practical Editorship and Theory of Publication work with creative writing students in preparing texts for publication, both in printed and digital form. The product of the course will be a text that has been prepared for publication.
The course is intended for second year students in Creaitve Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Fall
- RIT823FWorkshop: Storytelling for the Forever YoungRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This workshop is a playground where participants hone their skills in writing for a multi-layered readership. We set out on an expedition to explore the imaginary worlds of children and young adults, to look at trends in writing of this kind, the dialogue between text and illustration, and test various techincal approaches. We will do inspiring exercises in class, read chapters from children‘s and young-adult books, as well as academic papers. All the while, participants work on their own story. Students are expected to keep a reading journal, participate in class discussions and review the work of their peers in a constructive manner. Exclusively for masters‘s students in Creative Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT720FWorkshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The StoryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionStudents receive training in using various historical sources as inspiration and material in creative writing. Different definitions of historical fiction will be examined, and various approaches to transforming this literary genre will be discussed. The course will cover the position of the author regarding historical, the boundaries of fiction and history, the relationship between historical accuracy and the credibilty of narrative, and what makes the past an exciting fodder for fiction. Students will be introduced to the main categories of historical content sources, such as personal and public records, photographs and artifacts. However, the main emphasis of the course will be on practising working with sources, constructing a historical setting, handling historical events, creating characters from different time periods, and the language style of various eras. Among the assignments are analyses of literary texts and creative writing excersises based on old photgraphs and other historical material. The main project of the course is a historical short story that students develop and work on under guidance until the final product is completed at the end of the course.
The number of students is limited to 15. Students who have not yet completed 60 credits in workshops have priority in registering for the course. When students who have completed more than 60 credits register, the number of credits accumulated is considered. Students with fewer credits have priority.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT505FCreative ReadingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is structured like a reading circle, in which we read 6–8 selected works and examine how each author approaches their craft. Is the author preoccupied with structure, language or stylistic devices? How are the characters shaped? What drives the work, and how is it put together?
The selected texts will be intentionally diverse: for example novels, travel writing, short-story collections, nonfiction, and genre literature such as speculative fiction and horror. As we read, we reflect on the different possibilities and demands of these forms—what each form requires and where its limitations lie.
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT441LMA-Project in Creative WritingMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-verkefni er frumsamin ritsmíð af listrænum toga, unnin á námstímanum. Hún getur t.d. verið safn sagna eða annarra lausamálstexta, ljóðasafn, ritgerðasafn, leikrit, kvikmyndahandrit, þýðing eða skáldsaga. Verkinu skal fylgja greinargerð um vinnslu þess. Meistaraverkefninu má skipta upp, t.d. þannig að 10 einingar séu teknar á haustmisseri og 20 á vormisseri. Einnig má skrifa í fleiri en einu bókmenntaformi en þó er ekki æskilegt að hafa fleiri en tvö form undir í verkefninu.
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Spring 2
RIT604FWorkshop: Unconventional StructureRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIf there is such a thing as a conventional structure — and there certainly is — then there must also be an unconventional one. But when is a structure considered conventional, and when is it not, and does the distinction matter?
In this course, we examine films that are regarded as formally unconventional and explore how they cohere and function. At the same time, we consider a larger question: What is a story?
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT605FWorkshop: Immersion WritingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionImmersion writing refers to a method commonly used in creative nonfiction, in which the writer works from lived experience and becomes a participant — rather than an observer — in the material at hand. The writer seeks out the subject through research, experiments, fieldwork, or direct experience. In a sense, the writer tries the story on their own skin instead of remaining at the desk.
In this course we read texts and books that employ this method, and students submit practical writing exercises.
Active attendance and participation in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT603FWorkshop: Love StoriesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionLove stories or romance novels have long been popular—and remain so today. In this workshop, we will examine the form, develop a strong sense of its many expressions, and try our hand at writing within it. We may even manage to twist it in new directions or offer a fresh perspective. Alongside our writing, we will read love stories as well as critical texts about them.
Participants’ writing will be discussed in class, and we will also welcome distinguished guest speakers. Students are expected to attend all sessions and take an active part in discussions.
This workshop is intended exclusively for master’s students in creative writing.Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT804FWorkshop: VisualLanguageRestricted elective course5Restricted elective course, conditions apply5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a collaboration between IAA students in Fine Arts and Design and Creative Writing students at the University of Iceland. Students work on texts and images of whatever kind and the area of contact between visual and written language is explored. In the classes, exercises are offered which stir thought and can be utilised to spark writing and the creation of works, be it a novel, visual work, short or mini story, performance work, film script, memoir, poetry etc. Participants have to be ready to share their work with others, work on collaborative projects across artistic disciplines and be active in the emerging discussion. The course is taught at the IAA Department of Fine Arts and is exclusively for master’s students in Creative Writing at the UI and students in Fine Arts and Design at IAA.
PrerequisitesRIT805FWorkshop: PublicationRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course students in Practical Editorship and Theory of Publication work with creative writing students in preparing texts for publication, both in printed and digital form. The product of the course will be a text that has been prepared for publication.
The course is intended for second year students in Creaitve Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT441LMA-Project in Creative WritingMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-verkefni er frumsamin ritsmíð af listrænum toga, unnin á námstímanum. Hún getur t.d. verið safn sagna eða annarra lausamálstexta, ljóðasafn, ritgerðasafn, leikrit, kvikmyndahandrit, þýðing eða skáldsaga. Verkinu skal fylgja greinargerð um vinnslu þess. Meistaraverkefninu má skipta upp, t.d. þannig að 10 einingar séu teknar á haustmisseri og 20 á vormisseri. Einnig má skrifa í fleiri en einu bókmenntaformi en þó er ekki æskilegt að hafa fleiri en tvö form undir í verkefninu.
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Fall
- HMM235FRadio production and podcastingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The course is run in cooperation with the state radio station: RÚV - Rás 1. Discussion will take place into the presentation of radio/audio material, various examples being examined. Attention will be given to the nature of audio communication and the possibilities of audio communication in the present media environment. Attention is also paid to concept development, interview techniques, recording techniques, dramaturgy and editing, accentuating sustainability and self-reliance. All students will complete a final project involving the making of radio programmes.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesNot taught this semesterBLF110FJournalism 1Restricted elective course8Restricted elective course, conditions apply8 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of course is to introduce to students the journalistic profession with an emphasis on reporting and producing news for different media. Main concepts and methods in newswriting are discussed, such as news values, news gathering and news construction. Students will be trained in writing in a focused, accurate and articulate manner. Students will get a basic training in using social media to gather and distribute content.
Assignments. Students write news stories and articles for the study program´s online news site, and at times for other news media.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesHMM122FCommunication channels I, documentaries, texts, imagesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn the courses Communication channels I and Communication channels II, the basics of methods for the dissemination of cultural material in the humanities and social sciences are presented. Communication channels I is in the fall semester, while Communication channels II is in the spring semester.
In Communication channels I, the students are working with a) text and images in the first half of the semester and b) short documentaries in the second half of the course. Each subject weighs 50% in the course. Concerning a) Students will receive training in article writing and discourse analysis on the one hand and use of images and image analysis on the other. Concerning b) Students work on making short documentaries. It includes basic training in screenwriting, shooting and editing, and students work in groups on a documentary, according to a specific theme.
There are no exams in the course. Instead, students work on projects, individual and group projects. They are the following:
- Analysis of texts and images
- An article with an image on a specific theme for publication, about 800 words.
- A group project where students work on a short documentary that is shown at the end of the course. Emphasis is placed on common themes and group work in the course. The course is not taught remotely.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÍSL101FWriting and EditingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionTraining in various aspects of the writing and editing of scientific texts. Various kinds of texts (non-fiction) examined and evaluated. Training in reviewing and commenting on scientific texts and in other aspects of editorial work. The main emphasis will be on the writing of articles, but other kinds of texts will also be considered, both shorter (conference abstracts, reviews) and longer (theses, books), as well as research proposals. Discussion of guidelines for the preparation of manuscripts. Types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and find them. Texts on different subjects will be used as examples, especially writings in linguistics, literature and history. The book Skrifaðu bæði skýrt og rétt will be used as a textbook (Höskuldur Þráinsson 2015).
This course is open to students of many MA programmes in the School of Humanities, cf. the regulations of the individual subjects. Students in the MA programmes in Icelandic literature, Icelandic linguistics, Icelandic studies and Icelandic teaching can take the course as part of the MA course requirements in Icelandic literature or Icelandic linguistics. Students in the MA programme in Icelandic teaching can, however, not have this course as the only linguistics or literature course in their MA.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
HMM220FCreative DocumentaryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe basic types of documentaries will be discussed as well as methods of documentary making, editing and cinematography. Emphasis will be put on practical projects and students will be required to make at least one documentary during the course.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesSecond year- Fall
- RIT823FWorkshop: Storytelling for the Forever YoungRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This workshop is a playground where participants hone their skills in writing for a multi-layered readership. We set out on an expedition to explore the imaginary worlds of children and young adults, to look at trends in writing of this kind, the dialogue between text and illustration, and test various techincal approaches. We will do inspiring exercises in class, read chapters from children‘s and young-adult books, as well as academic papers. All the while, participants work on their own story. Students are expected to keep a reading journal, participate in class discussions and review the work of their peers in a constructive manner. Exclusively for masters‘s students in Creative Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT720FWorkshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The StoryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionStudents receive training in using various historical sources as inspiration and material in creative writing. Different definitions of historical fiction will be examined, and various approaches to transforming this literary genre will be discussed. The course will cover the position of the author regarding historical, the boundaries of fiction and history, the relationship between historical accuracy and the credibilty of narrative, and what makes the past an exciting fodder for fiction. Students will be introduced to the main categories of historical content sources, such as personal and public records, photographs and artifacts. However, the main emphasis of the course will be on practising working with sources, constructing a historical setting, handling historical events, creating characters from different time periods, and the language style of various eras. Among the assignments are analyses of literary texts and creative writing excersises based on old photgraphs and other historical material. The main project of the course is a historical short story that students develop and work on under guidance until the final product is completed at the end of the course.
The number of students is limited to 15. Students who have not yet completed 60 credits in workshops have priority in registering for the course. When students who have completed more than 60 credits register, the number of credits accumulated is considered. Students with fewer credits have priority.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT505FCreative ReadingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is structured like a reading circle, in which we read 6–8 selected works and examine how each author approaches their craft. Is the author preoccupied with structure, language or stylistic devices? How are the characters shaped? What drives the work, and how is it put together?
The selected texts will be intentionally diverse: for example novels, travel writing, short-story collections, nonfiction, and genre literature such as speculative fiction and horror. As we read, we reflect on the different possibilities and demands of these forms—what each form requires and where its limitations lie.
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT701FWorkshop: Introduction to Creative WritingMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis is an introductory course in creative writing. We discuss the possibilities of fiction, the creative process, construction, usage, design, copyright issues and freedom of speech. Students will receive training in editing, proofreading and group work. Authors visit as well as representatives of associations and institutions that serve literature. Participants write regularly, mainly short pieces but also longer ones. The course is required for all MA-students in creative writing. Attendance and class participation required.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
RIT604FWorkshop: Unconventional StructureRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIf there is such a thing as a conventional structure — and there certainly is — then there must also be an unconventional one. But when is a structure considered conventional, and when is it not, and does the distinction matter?
In this course, we examine films that are regarded as formally unconventional and explore how they cohere and function. At the same time, we consider a larger question: What is a story?
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT605FWorkshop: Immersion WritingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionImmersion writing refers to a method commonly used in creative nonfiction, in which the writer works from lived experience and becomes a participant — rather than an observer — in the material at hand. The writer seeks out the subject through research, experiments, fieldwork, or direct experience. In a sense, the writer tries the story on their own skin instead of remaining at the desk.
In this course we read texts and books that employ this method, and students submit practical writing exercises.
Active attendance and participation in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT603FWorkshop: Love StoriesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionLove stories or romance novels have long been popular—and remain so today. In this workshop, we will examine the form, develop a strong sense of its many expressions, and try our hand at writing within it. We may even manage to twist it in new directions or offer a fresh perspective. Alongside our writing, we will read love stories as well as critical texts about them.
Participants’ writing will be discussed in class, and we will also welcome distinguished guest speakers. Students are expected to attend all sessions and take an active part in discussions.
This workshop is intended exclusively for master’s students in creative writing.Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT804FWorkshop: VisualLanguageRestricted elective course5Restricted elective course, conditions apply5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a collaboration between IAA students in Fine Arts and Design and Creative Writing students at the University of Iceland. Students work on texts and images of whatever kind and the area of contact between visual and written language is explored. In the classes, exercises are offered which stir thought and can be utilised to spark writing and the creation of works, be it a novel, visual work, short or mini story, performance work, film script, memoir, poetry etc. Participants have to be ready to share their work with others, work on collaborative projects across artistic disciplines and be active in the emerging discussion. The course is taught at the IAA Department of Fine Arts and is exclusively for master’s students in Creative Writing at the UI and students in Fine Arts and Design at IAA.
PrerequisitesRIT805FWorkshop: PublicationRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course students in Practical Editorship and Theory of Publication work with creative writing students in preparing texts for publication, both in printed and digital form. The product of the course will be a text that has been prepared for publication.
The course is intended for second year students in Creaitve Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Fall
- RIT823FWorkshop: Storytelling for the Forever YoungRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This workshop is a playground where participants hone their skills in writing for a multi-layered readership. We set out on an expedition to explore the imaginary worlds of children and young adults, to look at trends in writing of this kind, the dialogue between text and illustration, and test various techincal approaches. We will do inspiring exercises in class, read chapters from children‘s and young-adult books, as well as academic papers. All the while, participants work on their own story. Students are expected to keep a reading journal, participate in class discussions and review the work of their peers in a constructive manner. Exclusively for masters‘s students in Creative Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT720FWorkshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The StoryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionStudents receive training in using various historical sources as inspiration and material in creative writing. Different definitions of historical fiction will be examined, and various approaches to transforming this literary genre will be discussed. The course will cover the position of the author regarding historical, the boundaries of fiction and history, the relationship between historical accuracy and the credibilty of narrative, and what makes the past an exciting fodder for fiction. Students will be introduced to the main categories of historical content sources, such as personal and public records, photographs and artifacts. However, the main emphasis of the course will be on practising working with sources, constructing a historical setting, handling historical events, creating characters from different time periods, and the language style of various eras. Among the assignments are analyses of literary texts and creative writing excersises based on old photgraphs and other historical material. The main project of the course is a historical short story that students develop and work on under guidance until the final product is completed at the end of the course.
The number of students is limited to 15. Students who have not yet completed 60 credits in workshops have priority in registering for the course. When students who have completed more than 60 credits register, the number of credits accumulated is considered. Students with fewer credits have priority.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT505FCreative ReadingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is structured like a reading circle, in which we read 6–8 selected works and examine how each author approaches their craft. Is the author preoccupied with structure, language or stylistic devices? How are the characters shaped? What drives the work, and how is it put together?
The selected texts will be intentionally diverse: for example novels, travel writing, short-story collections, nonfiction, and genre literature such as speculative fiction and horror. As we read, we reflect on the different possibilities and demands of these forms—what each form requires and where its limitations lie.
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT441LMA-Project in Creative WritingMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-verkefni er frumsamin ritsmíð af listrænum toga, unnin á námstímanum. Hún getur t.d. verið safn sagna eða annarra lausamálstexta, ljóðasafn, ritgerðasafn, leikrit, kvikmyndahandrit, þýðing eða skáldsaga. Verkinu skal fylgja greinargerð um vinnslu þess. Meistaraverkefninu má skipta upp, t.d. þannig að 10 einingar séu teknar á haustmisseri og 20 á vormisseri. Einnig má skrifa í fleiri en einu bókmenntaformi en þó er ekki æskilegt að hafa fleiri en tvö form undir í verkefninu.
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Spring 2
RIT604FWorkshop: Unconventional StructureRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIf there is such a thing as a conventional structure — and there certainly is — then there must also be an unconventional one. But when is a structure considered conventional, and when is it not, and does the distinction matter?
In this course, we examine films that are regarded as formally unconventional and explore how they cohere and function. At the same time, we consider a larger question: What is a story?
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT605FWorkshop: Immersion WritingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionImmersion writing refers to a method commonly used in creative nonfiction, in which the writer works from lived experience and becomes a participant — rather than an observer — in the material at hand. The writer seeks out the subject through research, experiments, fieldwork, or direct experience. In a sense, the writer tries the story on their own skin instead of remaining at the desk.
In this course we read texts and books that employ this method, and students submit practical writing exercises.
Active attendance and participation in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT603FWorkshop: Love StoriesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionLove stories or romance novels have long been popular—and remain so today. In this workshop, we will examine the form, develop a strong sense of its many expressions, and try our hand at writing within it. We may even manage to twist it in new directions or offer a fresh perspective. Alongside our writing, we will read love stories as well as critical texts about them.
Participants’ writing will be discussed in class, and we will also welcome distinguished guest speakers. Students are expected to attend all sessions and take an active part in discussions.
This workshop is intended exclusively for master’s students in creative writing.Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT804FWorkshop: VisualLanguageRestricted elective course5Restricted elective course, conditions apply5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a collaboration between IAA students in Fine Arts and Design and Creative Writing students at the University of Iceland. Students work on texts and images of whatever kind and the area of contact between visual and written language is explored. In the classes, exercises are offered which stir thought and can be utilised to spark writing and the creation of works, be it a novel, visual work, short or mini story, performance work, film script, memoir, poetry etc. Participants have to be ready to share their work with others, work on collaborative projects across artistic disciplines and be active in the emerging discussion. The course is taught at the IAA Department of Fine Arts and is exclusively for master’s students in Creative Writing at the UI and students in Fine Arts and Design at IAA.
PrerequisitesRIT805FWorkshop: PublicationRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course students in Practical Editorship and Theory of Publication work with creative writing students in preparing texts for publication, both in printed and digital form. The product of the course will be a text that has been prepared for publication.
The course is intended for second year students in Creaitve Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT441LMA-Project in Creative WritingMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-verkefni er frumsamin ritsmíð af listrænum toga, unnin á námstímanum. Hún getur t.d. verið safn sagna eða annarra lausamálstexta, ljóðasafn, ritgerðasafn, leikrit, kvikmyndahandrit, þýðing eða skáldsaga. Verkinu skal fylgja greinargerð um vinnslu þess. Meistaraverkefninu má skipta upp, t.d. þannig að 10 einingar séu teknar á haustmisseri og 20 á vormisseri. Einnig má skrifa í fleiri en einu bókmenntaformi en þó er ekki æskilegt að hafa fleiri en tvö form undir í verkefninu.
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Fall
- HMM235FRadio production and podcastingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The course is run in cooperation with the state radio station: RÚV - Rás 1. Discussion will take place into the presentation of radio/audio material, various examples being examined. Attention will be given to the nature of audio communication and the possibilities of audio communication in the present media environment. Attention is also paid to concept development, interview techniques, recording techniques, dramaturgy and editing, accentuating sustainability and self-reliance. All students will complete a final project involving the making of radio programmes.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesNot taught this semesterBLF110FJournalism 1Restricted elective course8Restricted elective course, conditions apply8 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of course is to introduce to students the journalistic profession with an emphasis on reporting and producing news for different media. Main concepts and methods in newswriting are discussed, such as news values, news gathering and news construction. Students will be trained in writing in a focused, accurate and articulate manner. Students will get a basic training in using social media to gather and distribute content.
Assignments. Students write news stories and articles for the study program´s online news site, and at times for other news media.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesHMM122FCommunication channels I, documentaries, texts, imagesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn the courses Communication channels I and Communication channels II, the basics of methods for the dissemination of cultural material in the humanities and social sciences are presented. Communication channels I is in the fall semester, while Communication channels II is in the spring semester.
In Communication channels I, the students are working with a) text and images in the first half of the semester and b) short documentaries in the second half of the course. Each subject weighs 50% in the course. Concerning a) Students will receive training in article writing and discourse analysis on the one hand and use of images and image analysis on the other. Concerning b) Students work on making short documentaries. It includes basic training in screenwriting, shooting and editing, and students work in groups on a documentary, according to a specific theme.
There are no exams in the course. Instead, students work on projects, individual and group projects. They are the following:
- Analysis of texts and images
- An article with an image on a specific theme for publication, about 800 words.
- A group project where students work on a short documentary that is shown at the end of the course. Emphasis is placed on common themes and group work in the course. The course is not taught remotely.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÍSL101FWriting and EditingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionTraining in various aspects of the writing and editing of scientific texts. Various kinds of texts (non-fiction) examined and evaluated. Training in reviewing and commenting on scientific texts and in other aspects of editorial work. The main emphasis will be on the writing of articles, but other kinds of texts will also be considered, both shorter (conference abstracts, reviews) and longer (theses, books), as well as research proposals. Discussion of guidelines for the preparation of manuscripts. Types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and find them. Texts on different subjects will be used as examples, especially writings in linguistics, literature and history. The book Skrifaðu bæði skýrt og rétt will be used as a textbook (Höskuldur Þráinsson 2015).
This course is open to students of many MA programmes in the School of Humanities, cf. the regulations of the individual subjects. Students in the MA programmes in Icelandic literature, Icelandic linguistics, Icelandic studies and Icelandic teaching can take the course as part of the MA course requirements in Icelandic literature or Icelandic linguistics. Students in the MA programme in Icelandic teaching can, however, not have this course as the only linguistics or literature course in their MA.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
HMM220FCreative DocumentaryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe basic types of documentaries will be discussed as well as methods of documentary making, editing and cinematography. Emphasis will be put on practical projects and students will be required to make at least one documentary during the course.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesYear unspecified- Fall
- RIT823FWorkshop: Storytelling for the Forever YoungRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This workshop is a playground where participants hone their skills in writing for a multi-layered readership. We set out on an expedition to explore the imaginary worlds of children and young adults, to look at trends in writing of this kind, the dialogue between text and illustration, and test various techincal approaches. We will do inspiring exercises in class, read chapters from children‘s and young-adult books, as well as academic papers. All the while, participants work on their own story. Students are expected to keep a reading journal, participate in class discussions and review the work of their peers in a constructive manner. Exclusively for masters‘s students in Creative Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT720FWorkshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The StoryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionStudents receive training in using various historical sources as inspiration and material in creative writing. Different definitions of historical fiction will be examined, and various approaches to transforming this literary genre will be discussed. The course will cover the position of the author regarding historical, the boundaries of fiction and history, the relationship between historical accuracy and the credibilty of narrative, and what makes the past an exciting fodder for fiction. Students will be introduced to the main categories of historical content sources, such as personal and public records, photographs and artifacts. However, the main emphasis of the course will be on practising working with sources, constructing a historical setting, handling historical events, creating characters from different time periods, and the language style of various eras. Among the assignments are analyses of literary texts and creative writing excersises based on old photgraphs and other historical material. The main project of the course is a historical short story that students develop and work on under guidance until the final product is completed at the end of the course.
The number of students is limited to 15. Students who have not yet completed 60 credits in workshops have priority in registering for the course. When students who have completed more than 60 credits register, the number of credits accumulated is considered. Students with fewer credits have priority.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT505FCreative ReadingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is structured like a reading circle, in which we read 6–8 selected works and examine how each author approaches their craft. Is the author preoccupied with structure, language or stylistic devices? How are the characters shaped? What drives the work, and how is it put together?
The selected texts will be intentionally diverse: for example novels, travel writing, short-story collections, nonfiction, and genre literature such as speculative fiction and horror. As we read, we reflect on the different possibilities and demands of these forms—what each form requires and where its limitations lie.
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT701FWorkshop: Introduction to Creative WritingMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis is an introductory course in creative writing. We discuss the possibilities of fiction, the creative process, construction, usage, design, copyright issues and freedom of speech. Students will receive training in editing, proofreading and group work. Authors visit as well as representatives of associations and institutions that serve literature. Participants write regularly, mainly short pieces but also longer ones. The course is required for all MA-students in creative writing. Attendance and class participation required.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
RIT604FWorkshop: Unconventional StructureRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIf there is such a thing as a conventional structure — and there certainly is — then there must also be an unconventional one. But when is a structure considered conventional, and when is it not, and does the distinction matter?
In this course, we examine films that are regarded as formally unconventional and explore how they cohere and function. At the same time, we consider a larger question: What is a story?
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT605FWorkshop: Immersion WritingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionImmersion writing refers to a method commonly used in creative nonfiction, in which the writer works from lived experience and becomes a participant — rather than an observer — in the material at hand. The writer seeks out the subject through research, experiments, fieldwork, or direct experience. In a sense, the writer tries the story on their own skin instead of remaining at the desk.
In this course we read texts and books that employ this method, and students submit practical writing exercises.
Active attendance and participation in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT603FWorkshop: Love StoriesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionLove stories or romance novels have long been popular—and remain so today. In this workshop, we will examine the form, develop a strong sense of its many expressions, and try our hand at writing within it. We may even manage to twist it in new directions or offer a fresh perspective. Alongside our writing, we will read love stories as well as critical texts about them.
Participants’ writing will be discussed in class, and we will also welcome distinguished guest speakers. Students are expected to attend all sessions and take an active part in discussions.
This workshop is intended exclusively for master’s students in creative writing.Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT804FWorkshop: VisualLanguageRestricted elective course5Restricted elective course, conditions apply5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a collaboration between IAA students in Fine Arts and Design and Creative Writing students at the University of Iceland. Students work on texts and images of whatever kind and the area of contact between visual and written language is explored. In the classes, exercises are offered which stir thought and can be utilised to spark writing and the creation of works, be it a novel, visual work, short or mini story, performance work, film script, memoir, poetry etc. Participants have to be ready to share their work with others, work on collaborative projects across artistic disciplines and be active in the emerging discussion. The course is taught at the IAA Department of Fine Arts and is exclusively for master’s students in Creative Writing at the UI and students in Fine Arts and Design at IAA.
PrerequisitesRIT805FWorkshop: PublicationRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course students in Practical Editorship and Theory of Publication work with creative writing students in preparing texts for publication, both in printed and digital form. The product of the course will be a text that has been prepared for publication.
The course is intended for second year students in Creaitve Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Fall
- RIT823FWorkshop: Storytelling for the Forever YoungRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This workshop is a playground where participants hone their skills in writing for a multi-layered readership. We set out on an expedition to explore the imaginary worlds of children and young adults, to look at trends in writing of this kind, the dialogue between text and illustration, and test various techincal approaches. We will do inspiring exercises in class, read chapters from children‘s and young-adult books, as well as academic papers. All the while, participants work on their own story. Students are expected to keep a reading journal, participate in class discussions and review the work of their peers in a constructive manner. Exclusively for masters‘s students in Creative Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT720FWorkshop: Feed From the Past/Source of The StoryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionStudents receive training in using various historical sources as inspiration and material in creative writing. Different definitions of historical fiction will be examined, and various approaches to transforming this literary genre will be discussed. The course will cover the position of the author regarding historical, the boundaries of fiction and history, the relationship between historical accuracy and the credibilty of narrative, and what makes the past an exciting fodder for fiction. Students will be introduced to the main categories of historical content sources, such as personal and public records, photographs and artifacts. However, the main emphasis of the course will be on practising working with sources, constructing a historical setting, handling historical events, creating characters from different time periods, and the language style of various eras. Among the assignments are analyses of literary texts and creative writing excersises based on old photgraphs and other historical material. The main project of the course is a historical short story that students develop and work on under guidance until the final product is completed at the end of the course.
The number of students is limited to 15. Students who have not yet completed 60 credits in workshops have priority in registering for the course. When students who have completed more than 60 credits register, the number of credits accumulated is considered. Students with fewer credits have priority.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT505FCreative ReadingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is structured like a reading circle, in which we read 6–8 selected works and examine how each author approaches their craft. Is the author preoccupied with structure, language or stylistic devices? How are the characters shaped? What drives the work, and how is it put together?
The selected texts will be intentionally diverse: for example novels, travel writing, short-story collections, nonfiction, and genre literature such as speculative fiction and horror. As we read, we reflect on the different possibilities and demands of these forms—what each form requires and where its limitations lie.
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT441LMA-Project in Creative WritingMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-verkefni er frumsamin ritsmíð af listrænum toga, unnin á námstímanum. Hún getur t.d. verið safn sagna eða annarra lausamálstexta, ljóðasafn, ritgerðasafn, leikrit, kvikmyndahandrit, þýðing eða skáldsaga. Verkinu skal fylgja greinargerð um vinnslu þess. Meistaraverkefninu má skipta upp, t.d. þannig að 10 einingar séu teknar á haustmisseri og 20 á vormisseri. Einnig má skrifa í fleiri en einu bókmenntaformi en þó er ekki æskilegt að hafa fleiri en tvö form undir í verkefninu.
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Spring 2
RIT604FWorkshop: Unconventional StructureRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIf there is such a thing as a conventional structure — and there certainly is — then there must also be an unconventional one. But when is a structure considered conventional, and when is it not, and does the distinction matter?
In this course, we examine films that are regarded as formally unconventional and explore how they cohere and function. At the same time, we consider a larger question: What is a story?
Students submit practical writing exercises that will be discussed in class. Active participation and attendance in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT605FWorkshop: Immersion WritingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionImmersion writing refers to a method commonly used in creative nonfiction, in which the writer works from lived experience and becomes a participant — rather than an observer — in the material at hand. The writer seeks out the subject through research, experiments, fieldwork, or direct experience. In a sense, the writer tries the story on their own skin instead of remaining at the desk.
In this course we read texts and books that employ this method, and students submit practical writing exercises.
Active attendance and participation in all sessions is expected. The workshop is intended exclusively for MA students in creative writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT603FWorkshop: Love StoriesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionLove stories or romance novels have long been popular—and remain so today. In this workshop, we will examine the form, develop a strong sense of its many expressions, and try our hand at writing within it. We may even manage to twist it in new directions or offer a fresh perspective. Alongside our writing, we will read love stories as well as critical texts about them.
Participants’ writing will be discussed in class, and we will also welcome distinguished guest speakers. Students are expected to attend all sessions and take an active part in discussions.
This workshop is intended exclusively for master’s students in creative writing.Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT804FWorkshop: VisualLanguageRestricted elective course5Restricted elective course, conditions apply5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a collaboration between IAA students in Fine Arts and Design and Creative Writing students at the University of Iceland. Students work on texts and images of whatever kind and the area of contact between visual and written language is explored. In the classes, exercises are offered which stir thought and can be utilised to spark writing and the creation of works, be it a novel, visual work, short or mini story, performance work, film script, memoir, poetry etc. Participants have to be ready to share their work with others, work on collaborative projects across artistic disciplines and be active in the emerging discussion. The course is taught at the IAA Department of Fine Arts and is exclusively for master’s students in Creative Writing at the UI and students in Fine Arts and Design at IAA.
PrerequisitesRIT805FWorkshop: PublicationRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course students in Practical Editorship and Theory of Publication work with creative writing students in preparing texts for publication, both in printed and digital form. The product of the course will be a text that has been prepared for publication.
The course is intended for second year students in Creaitve Writing.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesRIT441LMA-Project in Creative WritingMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-verkefni er frumsamin ritsmíð af listrænum toga, unnin á námstímanum. Hún getur t.d. verið safn sagna eða annarra lausamálstexta, ljóðasafn, ritgerðasafn, leikrit, kvikmyndahandrit, þýðing eða skáldsaga. Verkinu skal fylgja greinargerð um vinnslu þess. Meistaraverkefninu má skipta upp, t.d. þannig að 10 einingar séu teknar á haustmisseri og 20 á vormisseri. Einnig má skrifa í fleiri en einu bókmenntaformi en þó er ekki æskilegt að hafa fleiri en tvö form undir í verkefninu.
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Fall
- HMM235FRadio production and podcastingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The course is run in cooperation with the state radio station: RÚV - Rás 1. Discussion will take place into the presentation of radio/audio material, various examples being examined. Attention will be given to the nature of audio communication and the possibilities of audio communication in the present media environment. Attention is also paid to concept development, interview techniques, recording techniques, dramaturgy and editing, accentuating sustainability and self-reliance. All students will complete a final project involving the making of radio programmes.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesNot taught this semesterBLF110FJournalism 1Restricted elective course8Restricted elective course, conditions apply8 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of course is to introduce to students the journalistic profession with an emphasis on reporting and producing news for different media. Main concepts and methods in newswriting are discussed, such as news values, news gathering and news construction. Students will be trained in writing in a focused, accurate and articulate manner. Students will get a basic training in using social media to gather and distribute content.
Assignments. Students write news stories and articles for the study program´s online news site, and at times for other news media.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesHMM122FCommunication channels I, documentaries, texts, imagesRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn the courses Communication channels I and Communication channels II, the basics of methods for the dissemination of cultural material in the humanities and social sciences are presented. Communication channels I is in the fall semester, while Communication channels II is in the spring semester.
In Communication channels I, the students are working with a) text and images in the first half of the semester and b) short documentaries in the second half of the course. Each subject weighs 50% in the course. Concerning a) Students will receive training in article writing and discourse analysis on the one hand and use of images and image analysis on the other. Concerning b) Students work on making short documentaries. It includes basic training in screenwriting, shooting and editing, and students work in groups on a documentary, according to a specific theme.
There are no exams in the course. Instead, students work on projects, individual and group projects. They are the following:
- Analysis of texts and images
- An article with an image on a specific theme for publication, about 800 words.
- A group project where students work on a short documentary that is shown at the end of the course. Emphasis is placed on common themes and group work in the course. The course is not taught remotely.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÍSL101FWriting and EditingRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionTraining in various aspects of the writing and editing of scientific texts. Various kinds of texts (non-fiction) examined and evaluated. Training in reviewing and commenting on scientific texts and in other aspects of editorial work. The main emphasis will be on the writing of articles, but other kinds of texts will also be considered, both shorter (conference abstracts, reviews) and longer (theses, books), as well as research proposals. Discussion of guidelines for the preparation of manuscripts. Types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and find them. Texts on different subjects will be used as examples, especially writings in linguistics, literature and history. The book Skrifaðu bæði skýrt og rétt will be used as a textbook (Höskuldur Þráinsson 2015).
This course is open to students of many MA programmes in the School of Humanities, cf. the regulations of the individual subjects. Students in the MA programmes in Icelandic literature, Icelandic linguistics, Icelandic studies and Icelandic teaching can take the course as part of the MA course requirements in Icelandic literature or Icelandic linguistics. Students in the MA programme in Icelandic teaching can, however, not have this course as the only linguistics or literature course in their MA.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
HMM220FCreative DocumentaryRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe basic types of documentaries will be discussed as well as methods of documentary making, editing and cinematography. Emphasis will be put on practical projects and students will be required to make at least one documentary during the course.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites
Additional information The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.
Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.
Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.
Graduates have found careers as:
- authors
- translators
- playwrights or screenwriters
- producers
- journalists
- teachers
- editors
- public relations managers
Above all, they will develop their creative talents, which will be an asset in many areas of society.
This list is not exhaustive.
Blekfjelagið – the organisation for Master's students in creative writing – organises various events such as reading and recital nights, collaborative writing workshops, publishing parties, workplace tours and annual galas.
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