English Majors & Minors

English

With major concentrations in Literature or Writing and a minor in Literature, English offers students the means both to connect with their world and to transcend it. Trained to think inventively and write expressively, English majors of both concentrations are prepared for work in various professional spheres, including graduate study in the field, education, communications, publishing, law and business. Some have established reputations as important scholars, journalists and authors. Literature classes enable students to study literature as an art form. Through courses covering a spectrum of historical, cultural and ethnic perspectives, literature also invites students to explore their own lives and times as well as think beyond their own experience. Classes typically combine lecture and discussion, introducing students to representative works of English, American, and Anglophone writing and encouraging them to develop methods of critical interpretation. The study of writing directly engages students' imaginations and knowledge and helps them develop their potential as writers through courses in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, playwriting, screenwriting and journalism. Small workshop classes provide intensive experience in the crafting and revising of students own work and in the productive critique of others. Students wishing to count courses taken off-campus toward a major in English must have prior approval from their academic advisors and the department chair.

Requirements for a major

Literature

Total courses required	Ten
Core courses	ENG 151, 251 and ENG 451.
Other required courses	One course in literature before 1660, one course in literature between 1660 and 1900, and one course in literature from 1900 to the present
Number 300 and 400 level courses	Five
Senior requirement and capstone experience	The senior requirement consists of the completion of ENG 451 with a grade of C or better.
Additional information	ENG 197 may be counted toward a major. Students may count one ENG 255 that is cross-listed as a Modern Language course toward the major. ENG 351 is recommended but not required.
Recent changes in major	For students declaring the English (Literature) major after July 1, 2013, there are several important changes to the major. Students are no longer required to take two of three survey courses or three courses in literature before 1830. ENG 251 is now required, in addition to one course each in the three historical periods identified above.

Writing

Total courses required	Ten (Note: these requirements are effective for majors declared after July 1, 2012. For prior requirements see Recent Changes in the Major below.)
Core courses	ENG 151, ENG 152, ENG 201 and ENG 412.
Other required courses	Three additional courses in writing above the 100-level in at least two different genres, two of which must be at the 300-level. Three additional courses in literature, at least two of which must be at the 300-level.
Number 300 and 400 level courses	Five
Senior requirement and capstone experience	The senior requirement consists of the completion of ENG 412 with a grade of C or better, as well as a thesis.
Additional information	Students must complete a course outside English in the fine arts or performing arts (.25, .5 or 1.0 credit). Students may only count one ENG 155 that is a cross-listed Modern Language course toward the major. ENG 197 may be counted toward a major. Only one course from off-campus study may be counted into the English (Writing) major.
Recent changes in major	For students declaring the English (Writing) major after July 1, 2012, there are several important changes in the major: ENG 152, Reading for Writers, is now a core requirement; of the literature electives, at least two, rather than one, must be at 300-level; the total number of upper level courses is increased from 4 to 5; only one off-campus study course may be counted into the major; and students must complete a fine or performing arts course outside English. This last requirement may be completed with a .25, .5, or 1.0 credit course.

Requirements for a minor

Literature

Total courses required	Five literature
Core courses	One course that stresses writers before 1830. One course that stresses writers after 1830.
Other required courses	ENG 197 may be counted toward a minor. (April 2010)
Number 300 and 400 level courses	Two