The English Department has a dual aim: to teach students how to read literature appreciatively and expertly and to help them develop a mastery of written and oral expression. To accomplish the first aim, the department offers courses which require students to read widely-primarily in British and American literature-and courses which introduce students to literary theory and history. Together, both types of courses acquaint the student with the rich variety of literary works, their relationship to historical events and intellectual currents, and changing conceptions of literature. The department seeks to produce readers who can recognize literary excellence in ancient poetry or modern novels and who can discern the humanistic values intrinsic to these works. To accomplish the second aim (skillful writing), the department offers a wide range of courses from basic to advanced composition, journalism, and creative writing. Students are encouraged to develop clear, graceful, and effective prose.
English majors should take EN 105 in the fall semester of their freshman year and EN 106 in the fall or spring of their freshman year, or as soon as they have declared English as their major. The sequence in which they take major courses and fulfill core requirements will vary depending upon the various choices a student makes (i.e. minor(s), a second major, study abroad, internships). Students should work closely with their academic advisors in planning their course schedules and longer range plans. Note that students pursuing teaching must take Introduction to General Linguistics (English 355) and either Public Speaking (English 221) or Oral Interpretation of Literature (English 222). Students pursuing a major in both English and Communication should work with their advisor to determine the number of courses that will fulfill requirements in each.
The English Department has a dual aim: to teach students how to read literature appreciatively and expertly and to help them develop a mastery of written and oral expression. To accomplish the first aim, the department offers courses which require students to read widely--primarily in British and American literature--and courses which introduce students to literary theory and history. Together, both types of courses acquaint the student with the rich variety of literary works, their relationship to historical events and intellectual currents, and changing conceptions of literature. The department seeks to produce readers who can recognize literary excellence in ancient poetry or modern novels and who can discern the humanistic values intrinsic to these works. To accomplish the second aim--skillful writing--the department offers a wide range of courses from basic to advanced composition, journalism, and creative writing. Students are encouraged to develop clear, graceful, and effective prose.
Course Requirements:
As of Fall 2014, students majoring in English are required to complete ten courses, as outlined below. This ten-course major requirement applies to all students in the classes of 2018 and forward.
Course 1:
- EN 106 - Introduction to Literary Studies
Course 2 and 3:
Choose 2 courses from the following pre-1800 courses
- EN 233 - Studies in Medieval Literature
- EN 234 - Studies in Renaissance Literature
- EN 236 - Studies in Eighteenth-Century Literature
Course 4:
Choose 1 course from the following:
- EN 237 - Studies in Romantic Literature
- EN 238 - Studies in Victorian Literature
- EN 239 - Studies in Modern British Literature
Course 5:
Choose 1 course from the following:
- EN 241 - Studies in Nineteenth-Century American Literature
- EN 242 - Studies in Modern American Literature
Course 6, Course 7, Course 8, Course 9:
Choose any 4 electives from the offerings of the English Department
Note that at least two of the student's four electives (Courses 6,7,8,9) need to be literature courses that are at the 200-level or above. In addition to other elective offerings, students may choose as electives any course listed in the "required" categories above if they have not already used that course to fulfill a required category.One of the four electives may be an English Department-sponsored internship. With the exception of EN106, no 100 level English courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of the English major.
Course 10:
- EN 475 - English Senior Seminar
Course Sequence for English Major:
English majors should take EN105 in the fall semester of their freshman year and EN106 in the fall or spring of their freshman year, or as soon as they have declared English as their major. The sequence in which they take major courses and fulfill core requirements will vary depending upon the various choices a student makes (i.e. minor(s), a second major, study abroad, internships). Students should work closely with their academic advisors in planning their course schedules and long range plans. Note that students pursuing teaching must take Introduction to General Linguistics (EN355). Students pursuing a major in both English and Communication should work with their advisor to determine the number of courses that will fulfill requirements in each.
Double Major in English and Communication
Students may elect to double-major in English and Communication. In completing the requirements for each the two majors, students are permitted to count two of their courses as fulfilling requirements for both majors. Students completing the double major must enroll in each major's senior seminar and will typically complete two separate thesis projects. A single, interdisciplinary thesis to count for both majors is possible with the approval of the Department Chair and the respective seminar leaders. All double majors must pass the comprehensive exam in each major.
