Mar 28, 2024  
2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English


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Course work for a Bachelor of Arts in English provides comprehensive instruction in the resources of English, its language and literatures. This instruction is central to a liberal education and fundamental preparation for graduate liberal arts and professional programs. Courses in English teach critical and original thinking and communication. Knowledge gained from majoring in English provides excellent preparation for a wide range of careers that depend on critical and creative thinking and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.

Bachelor of Arts in English

Literature
The literature curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad-based foundation in English and American literature as well as in-depth inquiry into focused areas of literary study. Within this curriculum students are encouraged to read creatively and to discover what others have not seen. Students are asked to present these discoveries in writing in a persuasive way that allows others to see their importance. The literature program is enhanced and supported by links to the National Poetry Foundation, an internationally recognized center for the study of modern and postmodern poetry.

Writing Concentrations
Students must choose a writing concentration within the English major. The three concentrations  are Creative Writing, Literary Critical Writing and Technical/Professional Writing. Each of these areas provides students with both introductory and advanced instruction in the field and prepares students for further education or for work in many professions.

Core Requirements for All Majors:


Majors take a minimum of 36 credits in English beyond ENG 101. By the time of graduation, they must complete an additional field requirement, which may be satisfied in three ways: a minor, a second major, or intermediate proficiency in a language other than English (to the 204 level in college courses, or the equivalent by examination). In addition, all majors share the following core requirements:

Writing Concentrations


Students must choose a writing concentration within the English major, usually taking a 9-credit sequence of writing courses beginning at the 200 or 300 level and culminating in directed writing or preprofessional experiences in the senior year.

Creative Writing:


This concentration allows students to explore their worlds with carefully crafted language and to make the writing of imaginative literature a way of life. Course work usually includes:

Literary Critical Writing:


This concentration is for students of language and literature interested in the crafting of essays, academic papers, feature pieces, and other forms of creative nonfiction; it is also useful for students planning to teach at the secondary or college level. Course work usually includes:

Technical/Professional Writing:


This concentration is useful for students planning careers in such diverse professions as law, public relations, management, arts administration, technical writing, and journalism. Course work usually includes:

Senior Capstone Requirement:


The senior capstone requirement applies to all majors in all concentrations. It may be satisfied in a number of ways appropriate to a student’s interests and plans, and is normally a natural culmination to previous choices within the major. Most of the capstone options also satisfy other major requirements. Any one of the following courses or experiences may be used:
  • Credits: 3
  • and at least one semester tutoring in the Writing Center

  • ENG 400-level literature course in which the student writes a seminar-quality research paper.
  • Credits: 3
  • or

  • Credits: 3
  • or

  • Credits: 3
  • or

  • Credits: 1-6
  • (at least 3 hrs.)

  • Approval of an Honors thesis with a topic in an area of English studies

  • Note: Students using ENG 395, ENG 405, ENG 407, ENG 408, or a 400-level literature course as a capstone must register for ENG 499 (zero credit, zero tuition) during the semester they will complete tutoring (ENG 395) or complete the manuscript (ENG 405, 407 or 408) or write the research paper in the 400-level literature class. This is the accounting mechanism that signals Student Records to count these courses as a capstone.

Suggested curriculum for the B.A. in English


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - First Semester


Second Year - Second Semester


Third Year - First Semester


  • ENG 300 or 400-level writing course in concentration. Credits: 3
  • ENG 300 or 400-level literature courses. Credits: 3-6
  • General Education and B.A. Requirements. Credits: 6-9
  • Third Year - Second Semester


  • ENG 300 or 400-level writing course. Credits: 3
  • ENG 300 or 400-level literature course. Credits: 3-6
  • Electives, other program requirements remaining. Credits: 3-6
  • Fourth Year - First Semester


  • ENG 300 or 400-level courses including capstone options Credits: 3-12
  • Electives. Credits: 3-9
  • Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • Finish capstone and ENG 300/400-level courses if you haven’t already done so. Major credits should total at least 36, with minimum GPA in major courses of 2.0. Total credits earned should be at least 120, with an overall GPA of 2.0. Credits: 15
  • Note: A minimum of 72 credits must be completed outside of the major.

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