Want to make a magazine? ENGL 412 Is Enrolling Now!

2025-12-09

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I am pleased to announce that enrollment is now open for ENGL 412: Literary Magazine, a hands-on, project-driven course in which students collaborate to produce Northridge Review, CSUN’s long-running literary magazine. This course offers a unique opportunity to step inside the full lifecycle of publishing—from the first call for submissions to holding a finished, professionally printed magazine in your hands.

ENGL 412 is designed for students who want to develop practical editorial experience, sharpen their critical reading and writing skills, and participate in a dynamic community of writers and artists. Whether you envision a future in publishing, editing, arts administration, or creative writing—or you simply enjoy making things with other creative people—this class provides real-world experience that translates directly to your résumé and portfolio.

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN ENGLISH 412

Students in this course will:

  • Work as part of an editorial team to shape the upcoming issue of Northridge Review
  • Read, discuss, and evaluate submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid work
  • Learn copyediting, developmental editing, and best practices in literary magazine production
  • Experiment with visual design, layout principles, and digital publishing workflows
  • Draft professional communication such as acceptance letters, editorial notes, and promotional materials
  • Participate in outreach, community engagement, and event planning for the launch reading
  • Gain insight into how contemporary magazines make editorial choices and build their identities

All skill levels are welcome. No previous editing or publishing experience is required—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to collaborate.

WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS

Producing a literary magazine is both an artistic and professional endeavor. ENGL 412 offers:

  • Hands-on experience with real submissions, real deadlines, and real publication decisions
  • Professionalization, including transferable skills in editing, teamwork, leadership, and project management
  • Creative community, where students learn to give and receive meaningful feedback
  • A tangible publication, which students can show to employers, graduate programs, and future collaborators

Students regularly report that ENGL 412 is one of the most collaborative and rewarding courses they take at CSUN. Many past editors have gone on to careers in publishing, teaching, and writing.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL?

This course is ideal for:

  • Creative writing and English majors
  • Students interested in publishing, editing, and digital humanities
  • Anyone curious about how literary magazines shape the cultural landscape
  • Students looking to build professional experience in a supportive, team-driven environment
  • Transfer students who want to join a creative community on campus
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
  • Course: ENGL 412: Literary Magazine
  • Semester: Spring 2026
  • Modality/Time: In-person, Wednesdays, 4pm–6:45pm
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Credit: 3 units (can be taken twice for credit!)
  • Instructor: Sean Pessin