How to Choose a Level: I, II or Master Class?

- What's New?

"It was an extremely rewarding experience—well organized, managed, and executed. I would like to take some other courses organized along the same lines. There were no negatives worth mentioning. I will recommend it highly to others. A superb class!"

- R. Stephen Rasin
Corporate President and Venture Capitalist

"A realistic, informative look into the freelance lifestyle."

- Amie Santoleri
Advertising Executive

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Level 101
Level 101 courses are great starting points. They are best for you if:

You’re not sure what kind of writing you want to do
You’re brand new to writing or getting back into it after time away
You seek a very low-pressure environment

In these courses, you’ll get:

Weekly lectures on craft
Writing exercises

You need no previous writing experience or education to take a Level 101 course. Perfect for beginners.

Level I

Level I courses are entry-level courses in specific types of writing. They are best for you if:

You know what kind of writing you want to do, but have not yet studied it with Gotham
You’re eager to start on a project

In these courses, you’ll get an equal balance of:

Weekly lectures on craft
Writing exercises
Group critique of student projects

You need no previous writing experience or education to take a Level I course. Perfect for beginners, but also the best entry point if this is your first Gotham course in a given type of writing.

Level II (Advanced)

Level II courses build upon the knowledge acquired in Level I courses. They are best for you if:

You have already taken a Level I course in a given type of writing

In these courses, the emphasis is weighted toward group critique of student projects, though many Level II courses also include lectures on craft and writing exercises. Many students take Level II courses repeatedly as they continue to develop their projects and their writing skill.

To qualify for a Level II course, you must have taken a Level I course with Gotham in a given type of writing, or you must demonstrate to us that you have gained the equivalent knowledge elsewhere.

The vast majority of students who want to start in a Level II course would be better served by starting in a Level I course. Level I courses are the best place to get a grounding in the basics and to learn the Gotham method of critiquing.

Level III (Master Classes)

Level III courses are Gotham’s highest level of study. They are best for you if:

You have completed the designated prerequisites for the course

In these courses, the emphasis is on group critique of student projects, the goal being to help students bring their projects to a publishable or produce-able level. Some Level III courses allow for students to workshop long portions of books or complete scripts. Many students take Level III courses repeatedly as they continue to develop their projects.

To qualify for a Level III course, you must have fulfilled the designated prerequisite for the course

Still not sure?

Feel free to call for guidance. A friendly staff member will help you find the perfect match for your experience and ambition.

Toll Free: 877-974-8377 (In the U.S. outside NY State)

New York: 212-974-8377

To learn more, we invite to check out:
Why Our Classes Are So Effective
Frequently Asked Questions
How Our Classes Work
Sample Online Class