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 English 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.

Detailed advising guides (available from any member of the department faculty or in the School of Arts and Sciences Office) help students select from the options in the major requirements to prepare themselves for careers in business, civil service, law, or publishing, for graduate work in English language, English as a second language, literature, or writing. Students planning to be certified in K-12 teaching will take elective courses that will strengthen their expertise in their content area of specialization - see the Web section on education for details. Prospective childhood education teachers will be advised to take ENG 303 when possible.

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	2
English 367	Shakespearean Drama	3	2,3,4
English 311, 313, 318 or 408	English Language Requirement	3	2,3,4
English 335, 336, 345, 355, 356, or 357	Literary Period Requirement	3	2,3,4
English 372, 373, 374, or 375	Genre Requirement	3	2,3,4
English 385, 386, 395, or 396	American Literature Requirement	3	2,3,4
English electives at the 300- or 400- level (Must include one additional American literature course)		15	3,4
		39
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. NOTE: Students enrolled in the program in education must obtain a favorable recommendation from the English Department faculty prior to being approved for student teaching placements in addition to meeting any separate requirements established by the Education Department. Those students most likely to receive a favorable departmental recommendation will have maintained an overall GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in required major and major-related courses. Detailed guidelines outlining recommendation standards are available in the School of Arts and Sciences office.