The English major introduces students to the study of English, American, and Anglophone literature.
The major requires 36 credits as follows:
1.
21:350:308 Foundations of Literary Study (3)
2.
21:350:221 Survey of English Literature (3)
3.
3 credits from either 21:350:222 Survey of English Literature (3), or 21:352:223 Survey of American Literature (3), or 21:352:224 Survey of American Literature (3)
4.
6 credits in literature written before 1900, of which at least 3 credits must be in literature before 1800
5.
3 credits in literature written after 1900
6.
3 credits focusing on a single author or a very few authors
7.
15 additional credits in any courses offered by the English department, of which 6 credits may be in creative writing courses
Note: Three credits must be in a course designated as Advanced Method and Theory, section 88. Each semester, different courses will be so designated. Advanced Method and Theory courses emphasize the placement of literary works in critical and historical context, engaging students with ongoing debates that focus on a specific historical period, topic, genre, or theoretical approach to literary reading. The smaller discussion format and more extensive critical and/or creative writing assignments actively involve students in, and teach them to think of themselves as contributors to, the making of literary and cultural history. Admission is by permission of the instructor or with 21:350:308 as a prerequisite.
A list of courses meeting these requirements is available in the English department office. The department assigns advisers to all students majoring in English and urges students to consult regularly with their advisers. Students expecting to attend graduate schools are strongly urged to choose period courses and to acquire competency in third-year, college-level French, German, or Spanish.
