The Online Writer's Studio FAQs
- What is an online course?
- Who are the instructors?
- What is a typical online writing course like? And how will I interact with classmates and instructors?
- How long is each course?
- What kind of time commitment is required?
- How often will the class meet online? Are there designated times to participate online?
- What are the prerequisites for taking a course?
- Must I be a graduate of Stanford in order to take a course?
- Do I need to purchase course materials?
- Are the courses graded?
- Can I earn a degree or credit toward a degree from this course?
- Can I receive a proof of completion for my course?
- What is your refund policy?
- How do I register for an online course?
- Why are the online courses more expensive than the classroom courses?
- If my course does not begin for several weeks, do I need to enroll now?
- Do I need any special computer equipment in order to take an online writing course?
- Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
What is an online course?
An online course is a course in which learning and student participation takes place over the Internet. Through the Continuing Studies website, students connect to an environment that includes weekly lessons and assignments, as well as discussion boards and chat rooms so students can interact with each other and with the instructor.
Who are the instructors?
Accomplished writers who have held Stegner Fellowships in the prestigious Stanford Creative Writing Program have developed the online writing courses. They are all experienced teachers and published authors.
What is a typical online writing course like? And how will I interact with classmates and instructors?
In the first half of a typical course, students get a series of weekly lessons that include carefully selected readings, discussion points, and short writing assignments designed to help students refine their craft. In the second half, students write longer pieces and share them with fellow students and the instructor. Using online discussion boards and chat rooms, students receive constructive feedback from the instructor and their peers.
How long is each course?
Each course is ten weeks in duration.
What kind of time commitment is required?
On average, each course requires at least five to eight hours a week.
How often will the class meet online? Are there designated times to participate online?
You can sign on and participate in the class whenever it's convenient for you. However, there's one exception: Instructors schedule "virtual office hours" (usually in the form of a chat session) at a specified time during the week.
What are the prerequisites for taking a course?
There are no prerequisites for the courses currently being offered. Novice and experienced writers alike will find the small, workshop environment a venue where they can receive substantive feedback and refine their craft, and also learn by offering helpful suggestions to others.
Must I be a graduate of Stanford in order to take a course?
No, these courses are open to the general public, regardless of where you live. Students must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma, or the equivalent, in order to register. No special visas are necessary for international students.
Do I need to purchase course materials?
Yes. After you register for a course, you will receive a list of the required texts, including ISBN numbers, along with links to online vendors where the texts can be purchased. Even if you already own a particular book, we ask that you ensure that you have the same edition as your classmates to facilitate page referencing, reading assignments, and discussion.
Are the courses graded?
Students will have three grading options. The online courses can be taken for 1) a letter grade, 2) credit/no credit, or 3) no grade.
Can I earn a degree or credit toward a degree from this course?
Stanford Continuing Studies courses can be taken for a grade and credit, but that credit cannot be applied toward a Stanford degree. It may be possible to apply that credit toward a degree program at another college, university or writing program, depending on that institution's academic policies.
Students who complete at least 18 units of course work may be eligible for a Certificate of Completion -- see the Continuing Studies Transcripts & Certificates page for more information.
Can I receive a proof of completion for my course?
Proof of completion can only be provided if a student takes a course for credit or a letter grade. Upon request, Stanford Continuing Studies can provide students with either official or unofficial transcripts listing all completed Continuing Studies courses. The first five (5) transcripts are provided free of charge. Transcript requests must be received in writing. Please see the Continuing Studies Transcripts & Certificates page for more details on transcripts.
What is your refund policy?
In order to be granted a full tuition refund, students must cancel their registration online or in writing to the CSP office by 5:00 pm on the first Thursday of the class; the registration fee and any applicable course fees are non-refundable. You may sign into your Student Login to drop a course and receive an automatic refund. Faxes (650-725-4248) and emails are also accepted.
How do I register for an online course?
You can register for an online course the same way you would register for any Stanford Continuing Studies course. Visit our Registration page for full details.
Why are the online courses more expensive than the classroom courses?
Prices of all courses are determined largely by class size. Each online writing class is limited to seventeen students and one instructor. This makes them significantly smaller than the writing courses offered on campus, and allows the instructor to give each student more time and personalized attention.
If my course does not begin for several weeks, do I need to enroll now?
Due to the limited class size of online writing courses (seventeen students per class), we ask that students enroll early in order to ensure a place in the course.
What kind of computer equipment do I need in order to take an online writing course?
Although personal computers vary widely, you will not need any unusual or leading-edge hardware or software. Any computer, either Mac or PC, with one of these operating systems and web browsers will work:
- Windows XP Professional: Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 7.1, Mozilla 1.7.2, Firefox 1.0
- Windows XP Home: Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 7.1, Mozilla 1.7.2, Firefox 1.0
- Windows 2000: Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 7.1, Mozilla 1.7.2, Firefox 1.0
- Macintosh 10.3.6: Internet Explorer 5.2, Netscape 7.02, Mozilla 1.7.2, Firefox 1.0, Safari 1.2.x
Most of these browsers can be downloaded free of charge. If you are an AOL subscriber you can use the AOL browsers. Please make sure that your web browser has JavaScript and cookies enabled.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Please email continuingstudies@stanford.edu or call (650) 725-2650 with any questions.
Registration begins:
May 18, 8:30 am PST
First week of classes:
June 22
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