English

Faculty: Ranjan Adiga (Chair), Eileen Chanza Torres, Georgiana Donavin, Christopher LeCluyse, Lance Newman, Natasha Sajé

English Courses

Program Goals

• Generate Effective Written and Oral Communication
  • Creatively and effectively practice writing and revision across a variety of genres
  • Locate, evaluate, and synthesize secondary sources and integrate them with analyses of texts
  • Collaborate with peers to give and receive constructive feedback on writing

• Closely Analyze Texts and Media
  • Closely analyze texts from a range of periods and genres and generate written and spoken arguments about them supported by evidence and reasoning
  • Understand the social foundation and functions of language and media and their effects on communication
  • Develop interpretations and evaluations of texts through discussion with others

• Understand Literary History and Contexts
  • Demonstrate awareness of the width and breadth of English literature and the ability to make informed connections across the field
  • Understand how literature emerges from, responds to, and influences various historical, cultural, and political contexts
  • Understand the role of race, class, gender, sexuality, and other categories of identity in how authors produce and how readers interpret text

• Engage with Contemporary Literary and Critical Discourse
  • Read and interpret literary and theoretical texts in relation to one another
  • Critically approach contemporary literary and theoretical discourse
  • Develop self-awareness by questioning biases and embracing diverse perspectives in both reading and writing

 

Objectives

The English Program offers an academic major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as an academic minor. The English Program provides students with the tools for effective written and oral communication; for critical reading, analysis, and appreciation of writing and other media; for the employment of theoretical perspectives; and for the understanding of historically and culturally diverse forms of expression. The program prepares majors and minors for graduate work in English and other professional fields; secondary, intermediate, and primary school teaching in cooperation with the Education Program; communication professions; library and information sciences; careers in business, government, law, and nonprofit organizations; and for lifelong learning. English majors may choose to concentrate in literary studies or in creative writing. The English program publishes a national literary magazine, ellipsis, each April. Editors and staff are students enrolled in ENGL 326 and ENGL 327 (1 credit) with other students who wish to work on the magazine.

Program Requirements

Majors must complete two of three required lower-division English courses (ENGL 221, 222, and 223) as prerequisites for upper-division courses. Upper-division English courses are grouped into four categories: Periods and Movements, Language and Media, Theory, and Writing. Some courses fit two categories and will count toward whichever category is not already met or as electives if both categories are already fulfilled. Majors pursuing the literary studies emphasis must complete two Periods and Movements courses, one Language and Media course, one Theory course, and one Writing course. Majors pursuing the creative writing emphasis must complete two Periods and Movements courses, one Language and Media course, and one Theory course. Additional requirements are outlined in the tables below.

Students must maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA in courses required for the majors. Please note that WCore courses do not satisfy major or minor requirements.

Students must meet the college-wide graduation requirements in addition to the English major:

• 124 total hours
• 30 upper-division hours
• WCore or Honors College requirements

 

English Major with Literary Studies Emphasis

 

Recommended Plan of Study for English with Literary Studies Emphasis

 

English Major with Creative Writing Emphasis

 

Recommended Plan of Study for English with Creative Writing Emphasis

 

English Minor