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2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts in English

Requirements for a Major in English

All English majors will earn the B.A. degree, which requires third-semester proficiency in a foreign language. All English majors must also complete the English foundation courses and Capstone, ENG 495, and choose an emphasis within the major.

Foundation Courses: 200 level (required of all majors) 15 hours:

Requirements for the Emphases

All English majors will choose one of the following emphases: language and literature, language arts, or secondary education. Each emphasis requires different options from the following categories:

Course Categories

A. Studies in World Literatures

The courses in this category focus on global literatures from Classical times to the present. These courses seek to explore, define, and broaden our understanding of these literatures in themselves, and in their relationship to their historical context.

B. Studies in British Literary History

The courses in this category address important periods in British literary history and seek to define, explore, and broaden our understanding of the literature in the context of the historical moment. These courses focus on specific topics offered on a rotating bases: see department listings for specific course content each semester. Shakespeare is offered each semester; the other four courses are offered on a rotating basis (one each semester).

C. Studies in American Literary History

The courses in this category focus on important periods in American literary history and seek to define, explore, and broaden our understanding of the literature in the context of the historical moment. Courses in this category will focus on specific topics offered on a rotating basis: see department listings for specific course content each semester. One course is offered each semester on a rotating basis.

D. Studies in Reading and Authorship

The courses in this category focus on the pragmatics of literature.

E. Studies in Literary Genres

The courses in this category focus on the conventions, history, and important practitioners of the major genres.

F. Linguistics and Language

The courses in this category focus on major topics in linguistics: language structure, language history, language and pedagogy, and language in social context. The courses introduce fundamental principles in linguistic theory and research. ENG 261 serves as a prerequisite for other linguistics courses.

G. Writing

The courses in this category focus on the theory and practice of writing. Close reading of the professional samples and generalizing about those samples will figure significantly in these courses. Most of the courses are workshops in which students propose and share their work before submitting finished versions suitable for publication.

H. Pedagogy

The courses in this category focus on the teaching of English and the Language Arts in elementary and secondary schools.

Language and Literature Emphasis Requirements

Foundation Courses: 15 credits

  • See above.

Elective Requirements: 21 credits

  • Two courses from category B, one of which must be ENG 313 - British Literature: Shakespeare
  • One course from each of these categories: A, C, D, and E.
  • One additional ENG course numbered 300 or above
    OR one course from category G.

Capstone: 3 credits

Total Hours: 39

Language Arts (Elementary) Emphasis Requirements

Foundation Courses: 15 credits

  • See above.

Track Requirements: 9 credits

Students who decide not to pursue teacher certification must substitute an upper literature or linguistics course for ENG 400.

Elective Requirement: 9 credits

  • The course below or one course from category A
  • One course from category F
  • One additional ENG course numbered 300 or above
    OR one course from category G

Capstone: 3 credits

Total Hours: 36

Secondary Education Emphasis

Foundation courses: 15 credits

  • See above.

Track Requirements: 9 credits

Capstone: 3 credits

  • One course from Category F
  • One course from Category G
  • One additional ENG course numbered 300 or above.

Total Hours: 36

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in English Language and Literature

The following schedule assumes that students will consult with an advisor to make appropriate choices in General Education courses.

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year


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