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Undergraduate Programs

Program Requirements

Students completing the requirements for a bachelor of arts (BA) in English will learn to consider and practice literary representation in a wide range of cultural, historical, and interpretative contexts.

Major Requirements

36 hours of major coursework
120 total credits for graduation

All students take a comprehensive examination and submit a final project in the spring semester prior to graduation.

Minor Requirements:

20 semester hours

Academic Catalog  Core Curriculum

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Course Descriptions

The following descriptions are a sample of courses you may take as an English major. For a complete list of required courses, please review the academic catalog.

A survey of British literature from Beowulf to Puritan period. Individual works will be studied in relation to literary traditions, cultural contexts, methodology and literary theory.


A survey of British literature from the Restoration of Charles II to the modern period. Individual works will be studied in relation to literary traditions, cultural contexts, methodology, and literary theory.


Study of selected North American writers and their works from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. Individual works will be studied in relation to literary traditions, cultural contexts, methodology, and literary theory.


Study of selected writers from various nations outside the United States and the United Kingdom. Individual works will be studied in relation to literary traditions, cultural contexts, methodology, and literary theory.


The study and practice of the major forms of creative writing. The course will be taught as a seminar, emphasizing the study of model texts and the development of students' work.


A study of Shakespearean drama, including selected comedies, tragedies, and romances. Cross-listed with COMM 3090.




A study of poetry, fiction, and drama from 1900 to 1950 with emphasis on innovative styles and techniques.


A study of literary genres and theory from 1950 to the present with emphasis on fiction.


Selected readings in postcolonial literature and theory emphasizing cultural contexts.


Selected readings in literature and theory that addresses gender issues.


Selected readings in literature and theory that addresses race issues.


The study and practice of dramatic writing for theater, television, and film. Focus on the writer's process, character development, story structure, and the completion of a one-act play or a short screenplay. Offered alternative years. Cross-listed with COMM-3320.


The study and practice of fiction writing. The course will be taught as a work-shop, emphasizing development of students' work.


The study and practice of poetry writing. The course will be taught as a workshop, emphasizing development of students' poetic form and technique.


The study and practice of creative non-fiction writing. The course will be taught as a workshop, emphasizing development of students' work.


Honors independent study in English.


Concentrated study in areas of literature and creative writing of special interest to students and faculty, intended as a capstone course majors who have selected the writing emphasis.