The English Major

The English major is tailored for students who wish to pursue a passion for reading and writing, and for those who seek a general education in literary studies as they plan for careers in education, law, business administration, public relations, advertising, government, or any field where effective use of the English language and critical thinking skills are seen as essential to a broad humanistic perspective. English majors choose between a literature or creative writing concentration, where their course work is designed to develop analytical, research, and creative skills.

English majors choose between two concentrations, literature or creative writing.

Requirements for the literature concentration

Requirements for the creative writing concentration

Course Requirements for the Literature Concentration

ENG 303, Intro to Literature Analysis (grade of C or better required)
One course in Shakespeare
One course in British literature before 1800
One course in British literature after 1800
One course in American literature before 1900
One course in American literature after 1900
Two courses in world literature
English electives
One capstone course (ENG 472)

Total (30 credits must be 300- or 400-level)

3
3
3
3
3
3
6
9
3

36

Coursework for the literature concentration must also fulfill the following sequencing requirements:

One course in close reading (ENG 304-349) other than Shakespeare
Two courses examining texts and contexts (ENG 350-399)
One 400-level seminar (ENG 400-471)

Planning Your Coursework in the Literature Concentration

ENG 303 is an introduction to the English major—take that course right away. ENG 472 is a capstone course, which pulls together skills learned in previous coursework, so save it for late in your program. ENG 472 may be repeated for credit.

A course that fulfills the requirement for British literature before 1800 might also fulfill the requirement for a close reading (ENG 304-349) course. Similarly, a 400-level seminar might also meet the requirement for a world literature course. Plan your degree accordingly.

Each semester, meet with your English advisor to choose courses and stay on track. Be sure that you understand the requirements both for the English major and for the bachelor’s degree. If you have questions, ask! Students pursuing certification to teach must also work with the Department of Education and Human Development to be sure they are meeting certification requirements.

Course Requirements for the Creative Writing Concentration

ENG 303, Intro to Literature Analysis (grade of C or better required)
ENG 210, Introduction to Creative Writing
One course in British Literature
One course in American Literature
One course in World Literature
ENG 305, Poetry Writers Workshop
ENG 304 or ENG 306, Fiction or Nonfiction Writers Workshop
One advanced writing workshop (ENG 491, 492 or 493)
English electives
ENG 495, Writers Craft

Total (30 credits must be 300- or 400-level)

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
9
3

Planning your Coursework in the Creative Writing Concentration

English 303 is an introduction to the English major—take that course right away.

ENG 210 is a prerequisite for the 300-level workshops. Take both 300-level workshops (one in poetry, one in prose) before taking an advanced workshop.

Registration for the advanced workshops (ENG 491, Fiction; ENG 492, Poetry; ENG 493, Literary Nonfiction) is by instructor permission, with preference given to students in the creative writing concentration. These courses sometimes fill quickly, so don’t put off speaking to an instructor. Advanced workshops may be repeated for credit.

Last Updated 10/15/12