The major in English requires the completion of 39 credits and is organized to include the major core of 24 credits, plus 15 credits taken in one of two areas of concentration: Literature or Writing.

Required Courses for All English Concentrations
EN 121/122 The British Tradition I/II
EN 131/132 American Voices I/II
EN 265 Shakespeare
EN 375 Advanced Composition
Two Literature offerings from the 200 level or above, one of which must deal with literature written prior to 1900.


Additional Required Courses for Literature Concentration
EN 390 Studies in Literary Criticism: Special Topics

Four courses from the 200-level or higher literature offerings exclusive of courses used to fulfill the English major core requirements

Students taking a concentration in Literature are urged to elect advanced studies in related disciplines such as Fine Arts, History, Media Studies, Philosophy, Psychology and Religious Studies.


Additional Required Courses for Writing Concentration
Five courses from the following:
EN 170 Journal Writing
EN 171–179 Studies in Writing: Special Topics
EN 175 Introduction to Creative Writing
EN/MS 211 Introduction to News Writing and Reporting I
EN 275 Developing a Writing Voice
EN/MS 311 News Writing and Reporting II
EN/MS 333 Screenwriting
EN 371–379 Studies in Writing: Special Topics
EN 380 Rhetoric & Composition Pedagogy
EN 399 Independent Study/Internship


The Department offers EN 207 History and Structure of the English Language in fulfillment of the Connecticut State requirement for K-12 English Teachers.

Policy Statement Regarding the English Major Survey Courses
The four English survey courses—EN 121, 131, 122, and 132—are foundational to the English major and must be taken by every English major, irrespective of concentration, usually in his/her sophomore year. The courses must be taken in sequence over two semesters. Until they are completed, no upper-level literature course may be taken. Upper-level literature courses cannot be taken simultaneously with any one of the survey courses. Any writing course or non-literature course may be taken at the same time as the surveys.

Like all major courses, the four surveys must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher to count toward satisfying major requirements. These courses cannot be repeated. Students are given only one chance to pass them. (A student withdrawing within the first couple of weeks would not be deemed to have “taken” the course and consequently could sign up to take it at a later time.)

After passing all four of the surveys, students will be eligible to enroll in virtually any English course. A student failing to receive at least a grade of “C” in any of the survey courses should consult with the chair of the department.