Contact Information

School of Arts & Sciences

(315) 792-3028

Major in English


School of Arts and Sciences


(Bachelor of Arts Degree)

English majors study the great heritage of the English-speaking peoples in a comprehensive and varied program that includes literature, the history and structure of the language, and various aspects of writing. Students develop an understanding of the relationship between English and the diverse cultural traditions around the world through the study of ancient and modern foreign literatures in translation. They gain cultural understanding, communication skills, and experience in scholarship and are therefore prepared to teach, do graduate work, or enter any occupation that requires critical thinking, good writing, and a broad perspective.

Students planning to find employment after graduation or go to graduate school will take the general program. Detailed advising outlines will help them prepare for careers in business, civil service, law, or publishing and for graduate work in English language, English as a second language, linguistics, literature, or writing. Students planning to be certified for secondary or elementary school teaching will take the appropriate education concentration. They must also complete the program in education - click here for details. Only those students who declare an education concentration will be eligible for admission to the program in education.

Students planning to be certified for teaching English to speakers of other languages should follow the requirements listed under the program in education and should declare the Secondary Education Concentration or the Elementary Education Concentration below.

Total credit hours required for degree: 120

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS


(See also General Education Core)

Course Credit Hours Year Taken
Core 34-55  

General Program

Major Course Requirements
English 245, 246 Major figures in English Literature 6 1,2
English 295 Major figures in American Literature 3 1,2
English 367 Shakespearean Drama 3 2,3,4
English 311, 318 or 408 English Language Requirement 3 3,4
English 335, 336, 345, 355 356, or 357 Literary Period Requirement 3 3,4
English 385, 386, 395, or 396 American Literature Requirement 6 3,4
English electives at the 300- or 400- level, including three hours of additional American Literature (may not include independent study; may include three hours of World Literature at the 300- or 400- level) 15 3,4
  36  
Major-Related Course Requirements
World Literature 205, 206 Masterpieces of Western Literature 6 1,2
World Literature Elective at 300- or 400- level 3 3,4
  9

  

Adolescence Education Track

Major Course Requirements
English 245, 246 Major figures in English Literature 6 1,2
English 295 Major Figures in American Literature 3 2,3,4
English 367 Shakespearean Drama 3 2,3,4
English 374 Forms and Art of Poetry 3 3,4
English 311 or 318 English Language Requirement 3 3,4
English 335, 336, 345, 355, 356, or 357 Literary Period Requirement 3 3,4
English 385, 386, 395, or 396 American Literature Requirement 6 3,4
English electives at the 300- or 400- level, including three hours of additional American Literature (may not include independent study; may include three hours of World Literature at the 300- or 400- level 9 3,4
  36  
Major-Related Course Requirements
World Literature 205, 206 Masterpieces of Western Literature 6 1,2
English 303 Perspectives on Traditional Grammar 3 3,4
  9

  

Childhood Education Track

Major Course Requirements
English 245, 246 Major Figures in English Literature 6 1,2
English 295 Major Figures in American Literature 3 1,2
English 367 Shakespearean Drama 3 2,3,4
English 313, 316, 318, or Anthro/English 351 English Language Requirement 3 3,4
English 372, 374, or 375 Genre Requirement 3 3,4
English 304, 307, or 315 Writing Requirement 3 3,4
English 385, 386, 395, or 396 American Literature Requirement 3 3,4
English electives at the 300- or 400- level, including three hours of additional American Literature (may not include independent study; may include three hours of World Literature at the 300- or 400- level) 12 3,4
  36  
Major-Related Course Requirements
World Literature 205, 206 Masterpieces of Western Literature 6 1,2
World Literature Elective at 300- or 400- level 3 3,4
  9  
Electives
The student must complete sufficient elective courses to earn at least the minimum credit hours required for this degree, and at least 90 credit hours of the 120 required must be in the liberal arts and sciences.