The English Major & Concentrations

Majors are required to choose a minimum of 36 credits at the 200 to 300 levels, including at least three 300-level seminars. Advanced independent work and/or a senior thesis are recommended for students considering graduate literary studies or with the desire of graduating with honors in the major. English 200 is a prerequisite for 200-level literature courses in the major and should be taken during a student’s sophomore year. Majors should select ENG 211 and 212 as early as possible in their course of study.

Concentration in Literature
The concentration in literature requires the following courses:
ENG 200, ENG 211, ENG 212, ENG 215

One 200-level elective

One course from each of the following areas:
I. Medieval (ENG 240), Renaissance (ENG 243), 1660-1800 (ENG 246)
II. Romantic (ENG 257), Victorian (ENG 259), Later English Novel (ENG 264)
III. Modernism (ENG 270), Post-Modernism (ENG 273), Modern Poetry (ENG 276), Contemporary American Poetry (ENG 277)
IV. American Literature I or II (ENG 250 or ENG 254).

Three 300-level literature seminars

Concentration in Writing
Students whose primary objective is to develop their skills as writers may structure their major differently. Required courses include:
ENG 200, ENG 211, ENG 212, ENG 215, ENG 232

One 200-level elective

At least three of the following: ENG 202, ENG 203, ENG 205, ENG 206, ENG 208, ENG 221, ENG 226, ENG 227, THE 232

Three 300-level seminars, including two literature seminars and one 300-level writing class from among the following courses:
ENG 300 ENG 305 ENG 306 ENG 307 ENG 315

Students arrange individualized majors involving writing and other disciplines. Majors in other departments are also welcome to take writing courses at the 200 level. Students may find internships in journalism, publishing, public relations, advertising, and other fields in which writing skills are essential through the Career Development Office.

Concentration in Secondary Education With Certification in English
Students who desire certification to teach English in the secondary schools should see the secondary education requirements listed under the Education Department.

Concentration in Prelaw Studies
Students interested in pursuing a legal career are encouraged to complete the prelaw concentration in conjunction with the requirements of the major. The prelaw concentration is an 18- to 21-credit program designed to broaden the student’s academic experience in preparation for law school. The prelaw concentration requires students to take courses outside of their major to expose them to methodologies and critical approaches not inherent to their own discipline but necessary for academic success in law school. A complete description of the prelaw concentration can be found under prelaw studies.