English Major and Minor Requirements

In order to better serve our majors and minors, the English Department has revamped its offerings, tweaking the majors and minors and—most importantly—adding 13 courses in creative writing and literature studies. 
 
English majors choose to concentrate in either literature or writing. We also offer minors in both literature and writing. Below you’ll find information on the new major and minor requirements. Our Course Offerings page has information on the new courses. 
 
Please see the 2008-09 college catalog for complete and official information about the new major and minor requirements.
 
Literature Major
 
The 36-hour literature concentration offers students a solid background in literary studies. A trio of genre/theory courses provide a theoretical framework for the major:
  • Literary Genres
  • Introduction to Literary Theory
  • Senior Seminar in Literature
 
Literature surveys provide an overview of British and American literature:
 
  • English Literature to 1798
  • English Literature, 1798 to the present
  • American Literature to 1860
  • American Literature, 1860 to the present
 
And electives—including a new slate of upper-division advanced literature courses—provide an opportunity to fine-tune the major to fit your interests:
 
  • Literature of the Ancient World
  • Literature of the Modern World
  • African American Literature
  • Literature by Women
  • Studies in the Novel
  • Major World Author
  • Shakespeare
  • Studies in British Literature
  • Studies in American Literature
  • Studies in World Literature
  • Special Topics in Literature
 
The upper-level electives provide students interested in graduate school the skills and experience necessary to complete advanced work in literary studies. 
 
Writing Major
 
The 36-hour writing concentration is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Three core courses provide a basic structure:
  • Literary Genres
  • Introduction to Literary Theory
  • Senior Seminar in Writing
 
Students then build the bulk of their major through electives in writing and language: 
  • Creative Writing
  • Computer-Mediated Communication
  • Intermediate Writing
  • Advanced Poetry Writing
  • Advanced Fiction Writing
  • Technical Writing
  • Special Topics in Writing and Language
  • Linguistics
  • Journalism
 
Many students supplement our regular writing courses with independent studies in specific areas of writing, such as fantasy writing, haiku, sports writing, and writing for children. 
 
Because reading is such an important aspect of learning to write, our writing majors also take literature courses from a wide range of options. 
 
Literature Minor
 
The 21-hour minor trains students in critical reading and writing, making it a valuable accompaniment to many other majors.
 
Writing Minor
 
The 21-hour minor trains students in a wide range of types of writing.
 
More Information on the Majors and Minors
 
Please see the 2008-09 catalog for specific requirements for the majors and minors.