Photo by Bob Newsom.

Erika Hayasaki is an associate professor in the Literary Journalism Program at the University of California, Irvine, where she teaches writing workshops on narratives off the news, science and medical writing, and digital narrative journalism, among other classes for undergraduates. (see course descriptions below). Here is a recent article on the program and its history.

Description of the undergraduate major from UCI Literary Journalism Program web site:

“Offered by the Department of English, Literary Journalism was created to meet the needs of a growing number of students who wish to read, study and write nonfiction prose that has transcended the limits of daily journalism. This is prose that has evolved into a distinct branch of literature, prose that adopts the aims and techniques of the finest fiction. The program provides majors with a solid foundation in nonfiction writing and an equally solid background in areas such as literary history, which together will help make them more informed writers.”

*Note: Program requirements may change from year to year. Please check the UCI Catalogue for the most current requirements.


Want to learn more about literary journalism? Here are some books to start.

GQ Magazine

“The 50 Best Books of Literary Journalism of the 21st Century.” From garbage recycling in a Mumbai settlement to shocking murders in France, these are incredible feats of reporting and storytelling. GQ. By Daniel Riley. December 9, 2021.