A student may qualify for departmental honors in English by fulfilling the following special requirements in addition to the regular requirements for the English major:
1. Earn a 3.5 grade-point average in the courses required for the English major and a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average in the entire undergraduate program.
2. Complete a course in literature before 1800 from among those offered by the department, for a total of 39 credits in English.
3. Complete two consecutive semesters (6 credits), normally in the senior year, of either 50:350:495,496 Honors Program in English or 50:352:495,496 Honors Program in American Literature under the supervision of a faculty sponsor.
Normally the program consists of one semester devoted primarily to preparatory reading and an examination, and a second semester devoted primarily to producing a substantial research paper, both in consultation with a faculty sponsor. A student who desires honors in English should make arrangements with a faculty sponsor during the semester preceding the beginning of the honors course and submit a one- or two-page proposal with a preliminary bibliography to the sponsor, who will present it to the honors committee. If the proposal is approved, the student may preregister for the appropriate honors course and make arrangements for consultations with the sponsor.
In recognition of satisfactory completion of the honors program, the registrar will note on the student's permanent academic record: "Honors in English."
