English (B.A.)
The English program encourages students to develop sophisticated ways of understanding, creating, and responding to texts. English majors and minors study the historical development of literary and rhetorical traditions, of literatures written in English, as well as world and European literatures in English translation. Students in the literature option read a wide range of literature from various cultures and historical periods. Students in the writing option also read a great deal of literature and study literary method, but focus their coursework on the writing of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. English/Secondary Education majors must choose the Literature option and take one additional course, ENG-312 Descriptive Grammar.
The English faculty emphasizes critical thinking, the analysis of texts, clear and effective writing, aesthetic appreciation, and theoretical sophistication. We value small class sizes and personal contact between faculty and students, and we work closely with students as academic advisors to plan the course of study. Faculty members also guide students to consider such opportunities as a semester of study abroad or a writing internship.
In addition to fostering a lifelong appreciation of literature and language and a high degree of literacy, a degree in English provides a range of personal and professional opportunities. Surveys of employers consistently stress the value of the skills we teach: the ability to communicate effectively with others, to think critically and creatively, to read carefully, and to write with clarity and purpose. English majors go on to graduate and professional schools; they work in the field of teaching; they become writers; and they are employed in publishing, journalism, business, public relations, library science, and many other fields.
Integrative Studies Requirements
40 credits minimum
English: Literature Option
Students choosing the Literature option in English must complete a minimum of ten courses. English/Secondary Education students must select the Literature option.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (44 credits) | ||
| Language Requirement | 4 | |
| The minimal requirement for all students with a major in English is one course in a foreign language, normally French, Spanish, or German. | ||
| ENG-215 | Literary Analysis (Must be taken before completing 9 credits toward the major) | 4 |
| Select one of the following 100 or 200-level ISP ENG or ENG literature courses: | 4 | |
| Introduction to College English | ||
| Readings in British Literature | ||
| Readings in American Literature | ||
| Literature of the Holocaust | ||
| Readings in World Literature | ||
| Topics | ||
| Additional required courses: | ||
| ENG-315 | Literary Forms and History | 4 |
| ENG-415 | Literary Criticism & Theory | 4 |
| ENG-490 | Advanced Studies (two [2] sections, two [2] different topics) | 8 |
| Select four additional 300-level courses. Three of the four 300-level courses must be in literature. *English/Secondary Education majors must take ENG-312 Descriptive Grammar as one of their four 300-level courses. | 16 | |
| Of the 300 or 400-level courses listed above, one course must be in pre-1800 literature, one in literature from 1800-1900, and one course must be a Differing Cultural Perspectives course. | ||
| Total Credits | 44 | |
English: Writing Option
Students electing the writing option in English must complete a minimum of ten courses. Students may not pursue both the Writing option and the Creative Writing minor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Language Requirement | 4 | |
| The minimal requirement for all students with a major in English is one course in a foreign language, normally French, Spanish, or German. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to College English | ||
| Creative Nonfiction Writing | ||
| Creative Writing | ||
| Additional required courses: | ||
| ENG-215 | Literary Analysis (must be taken before completing 9 credits toward the major) | 4 |
| ENG-315 | Literary Forms and History (prerequisite: completion of ENG 215) | 4 |
| ENG-402 | Theory and Practice | 4 |
| or ENG-490 | Advanced Studies | |
| ENG-405 | Writing Portfolio (must be completed in senior year) | 4 |
| Select two ENG electives in literature at the 300- or 400-level (If ENG-490 is taken in place of ENG-402, additional section(s) of ENG-490 with different topics may be taken to fulfill this requirement) | 8 | |
| Select three of the following writing courses (two courses must be at the 300- or 400-level, other than ENG-402 and ENG-405): | 12 | |
| Introduction to College English | ||
| Fiction Workshop | ||
| Poetry Workshop | ||
| Advanced Creating Writing | ||
| Classical Rhetoric for Writers | ||
| Professional Writing Workshop | ||
| Advanced Topics in Writing | ||
| Descriptive Grammar (prerequisites: ITW 101 and one 200-level English course) | ||
| Writing/Publishing Internship | ||
or COMM-379 | Internship | |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
Certification as an English Teacher
Dual Major in Education
- Secondary Education
Additional Major Requirements
- ENG-312 Descriptive Grammar: Students must earn a grade of C or better.
Electives
Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.
Degree Requirements
120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level
Upon completion of the English major students will:
Program Objectives
Production and Reception: The program teaches how historical, social, and cultural contexts shape literary works—including those works produced by cultures whose humanity and identity have been devalued, denied, or dismissed;
Language and Poetics: The program introduces students to the major genres of literature, rhetorical and literary strategies, and the ways in which literary works relate intertextually.
Criticism and Theory: The program introduces students to historical contexts and critical theories that shape literary analysis and inform scholarly debates in the field of literary studies.
Reading and Writing: The program teaches careful reading, the use of literary vocabulary, an orderly critical approach, and the use of writing for a range of purposes.
Student Learning Outcomes
Literature Option: Students who have completed the English major option in literature will be able to demonstrate:
- the correct and suitable use of literary vocabulary
- the formulation of a substantial thesis and the orderly development of a sustained argument
- an understanding of some of the ways in which historical, social, and / or cultural contexts shape literary works
- an awareness of literary history
- some ways in which literary works refer, allude to, or otherwise engage each other.
- an awareness of critical and theoretical methodologies in English studies
- the ability to engage with questions of literary form and genre
- a general knowledge of the important works and periods of literature from multiple and diverse traditions
Writing Option: Students who have completed the English major option in writing will be able to demonstrate:
- mastery of at least two genres of writing, including one creative genre
- an awareness of contemporary trends in writing
- a grasp of the historical development of at least two genres of writing
- a useful range of cultural reference
- some ways in which literary works refer, allude to, or otherwise engage each other
- the ability to speak in informed and effective ways about literature