In the English core curriculum, students examine rhetoric, composition strategy, and the literary tradition by reading classic authors such as Homer, Aristotle, Dante, Shakespeare, Milton, Melville, and Eliot.
Historical period courses and specialized studies build upon this foundation. These courses equip students to assess the significance of specific authors, themes, and genres within the framework of the larger literary conversation.
In addition to class offerings, students also have the opportunity to learn from the many distinguished lecturers that the department brings to campus.
Requirements
Note: This represents a general overview of the major and minor. For more information, please consult the current college catalog, or contact the department.
English Major
The English major consists of at least 27 hours of English beyond 104-105. For the major, students must take the four British Literature period courses:
- English 310 Old and Middle English Literature: 600-1500
- English 320 Renaissance British Literature: 1500-1660
- English 330 Restoration and Romantic British Literature: 1660-1830
- English 340 Victorian and Modern British Literature: 1830-present
Likewise, majors must take the two American Literature period courses:
- English 360 American Literature: Colonial Era to the Civil War
- English 370 American Literature: Civil War to the Present
As these courses together comprise the core of the major, students are encouraged to take as many as possible before venturing into the more specialized courses at the 400 level.
In addition to the 18 hours of 300-level period courses, students must also take at least 9 hours (three courses) at the 400 level. Students must take at least one course from each category below.
- English 401 Special Studies in British Literature
- English 402 Special Studies in American Literature
- English 403 Special Studies in Literature
English Minor
A minor in English consists of 18 hours of credit in English (excluding 104-105). Of the 18 hours required for a minor, the following courses are mandatory:
One English period course chosen from the following:
- English 310 Old and Middle English Literature: 600-1500
- English 320 Renaissance British Literature: 1500-1660
- English 330 Restoration and Romantic British Literature: 1660-1830
- English 340 Victorian and Modern British Literature: 1830-present
One American period course chosen from the following:
- English 360 American Literature: Colonial Era to the Civil War
- English 370 American Literature: Civil War to the Present
In addition, students must take two advanced literature courses at the 400 level. The remaining required hours may be satisfied by taking other courses taught within the department.
Credit toward the major or minor in English is not granted for hours earned by Advanced Placement (AP) work.