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.

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.

English: Literature Option

Students in the literature option read a wide range of literature from various cultures and historical periods.  English/Secondary Education majors must choose the Literature option and take one additional course, ENG-312 English Grammars.

English: Writing Option

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.

Literature Option Requirements

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum

Students choosing the Literature option in English must complete a minimum of ten courses. English/Secondary Education students must select the Literature option.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Major Requirements (40 credits)
Core Courses (24 Credits)
ENG-215	Literary Analysis (Must be taken before completing 9 credits toward the major)	4
ENG-315	Literary Forms & History	4
ENG-415	Lit Crtcsm & Theory	4
ENG-490	Advanced Studies (two [2] sections, two [2] different topics)	8
Select one of the following 100 or 200-level ISP ENG or ENG literature courses:		4
IHENG-195	Intro to College English
IHENG-220	Readings British Lit
IHENG-240	Readings American Lit
IHENG-251	Literature of the Holocaust
IHENG-260	Readings World Lit
IIENG-270	Literature & Environment
ENG-290	Topics
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 English Grammars 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		40

Certification as an English Teacher

Dual Major in Education

• Secondary Education

Additional Major Requirements

• ENG-312 English Grammars: Students must earn a grade of C or better.

Electives

Select additional courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.

Degree Requirements

120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level

Writing Option Requirements

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum

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.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Major Requirements (40 credits)
IAENG-204	Creative Writing	4
ENG-215	Literary Analysis (must be taken before completing 9 credits toward the major)	4
ENG-315	Literary Forms & History (prerequisite: completion of ENG 215)	4
ENG-402	Reading for Writers	4
or ENG-490	Advanced Studies
ENG-405	Writing Portfolio (must be completed in senior year)	4
Select two 300 or higher level literature courses (8 Credits)		8
Select two of the following:		8
Writing Workshop (8 Credits)
ENG-301	Fiction Workshop
ENG-302	Poetry Workshop
ENG-307	Professional Writing Workshop
ENG-308	Advanced Topics in Writing
IAENG-304	Advanced Creating Writing
Select one of the following:		4
Writing Elective (4 Credits)
IIENG-305	Classical Rhetoric for Writers
ENG-312	English Grammars (prerequisites: ITW 101 and one 200-level English course)
ENG-497/COMM-379	Writing/Publishing Internship
IHENG-195	Intro to College English
Total Credits		40

Electives

Select additional 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 B.A. degree, Literature Option, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the correct and suitable use of literary vocabulary.
• Demonstrate the formulation of a substantial thesis and the orderly development of a sustained argument.
• Demonstrate an understanding of some of the ways in which historical, social, and / or cultural contexts shape literary works.
• Demonstrate an awareness of literary history.
• Demonstrate some ways in which literary works refer, allude to, or otherwise engage each other.
• Demonstrate an awareness of critical and theoretical methodologies in English studies.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage with questions of literary form and genre.
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of the important works and periods of literature from multiple and diverse traditions.

Upon completion of the English B.A. degree, Writing Option, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate mastery of at least two genres of writing, including one creative genre.
• Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary trends in writing.
• Demonstrate a grasp of the historical development of at least two genres of writing.
• Demonstrate a useful range of cultural reference.
• Demonstrate some ways in which literary works refer, allude to, or otherwise engage each other.
• Demonstrate the ability to speak in informed and effective ways about literature.