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 five areas of concentration: Communications, English Education, Literature, Theater 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.
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 have been taken, no upper-level literature course, except for EN 390, Studies in Literary Criticism: Special Topics, may be taken. Upper-level literature courses cannot be taken simultaneously with any one of the survey courses. But any Communications course or writing 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.
Additional Required Courses for Communications Concentration
CA 321 Advanced Effective Communication
Four courses from the following:
CA 171 Acting I
CA 231 Interpersonal Communication
CA 261 Public Speaking
CA 270 Nonverbal Communication
CA 271 Acting II
CA 280 Oral Interpretation of Literature
CA 299 Special Topics in Oral Communication
CA 375 Theatre Practicum
CA 399 Special Topics in Communications or Theater
Additional Required Courses for English Education Concentration
The concentration is used primarily by Education minors. Required courses:
Elementary Education
EN 207 History and Structure of the English Language
EN/ED 387 Children's Literature
CA 280 Oral Interpretation of Literature
Two electives in Communications or English, in consultation with English academic advisor.
Secondary Education
EN 207 History and Structure of the English Language
MS 101 Introduction to Media Studies
EN 380 Rhetoric and Composition Pedagogy
EN 390 Literary Criticism
Elective, in consultation with English academic advisor.
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 Theater Concentration
CA 141 Introduction to the Theater
EN 230-239 Studies in Drama: Special Topics (one course)
Any three of the following:
CA 171 Acting I
CA 271 Acting II
CA 375 Theater Practicum (may be take 3 times for credit)
CA 380 Play Directing
CA 399 Special Topics in Communications or Theater (when topic relates to theatre)
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