Students who major in English will demonstrate: 1) careful strategies of reading analysis and critical interpretation, including the use of conceptual tools necessary to investigate the complex interactions of texts within their multiple contexts; 2) knowledge of the field, conceived as the historical significance, cultural diversity, and intellectual richness of literatures in English in different periods and geographical areas; and 3) strong writing skills.
The major consists of a minimum of 36 credits in English above the 100 level, including at least 18 credits at or above the 300 level. All majors must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Both semesters of 01:350:219,220 Principles of Literary Study, which should be taken early in the major, preferably in the sophomore year.
2. Four courses in different historical periods, taken at the 300 or 400 level: one each in four of the following five categories:
a. Medieval
b. Renaissance
c. Restoration/18th century
d. Nineteenth century
e. Twentieth century and contemporary
3. One course in African-American, Ethnic American, or Global Anglophone literature
4. One course in literary theory
5. One 400-level seminar
A course taken to fulfill a period requirement may also be used to fulfill the African-American, Ethnic American, or Global Anglophone literature or the seminar requirement, if it is so designated in the departmental handbook. Likewise, a seminar may be used to meet the literary theory or African-American, Ethnic American, or Global Anglophone literature requirement, if it is so designated. However, no course may be used to fulfill more than two requirements.
Courses that may count as credits toward the major and minor are listed under the subject codes 350 (English), 351 (English: Topics), 353 (English: Literary Theory), and 354 (Film Studies).
Please note that some 351 courses will satisfy historical period or theory requirements, when designated by the instructor. The department handbook and website will provide a list of such courses every semester.
A maximum of four English courses taken outside the Department of English at Rutgers-New Brunswick may be applied toward the major. Students who participate in study abroad may apply a total of six courses from outside toward the major. Transfer students who wish to apply transfer courses toward the major first must obtain approval from the undergraduate director. Enrolled English majors who wish to take English courses outside Rutgers-New Brunswick must have prior approval from the undergraduate director. Students are urged to consult the English department for further information.
Grades of C or better must be earned in all courses used to fulfill the requirements of the major.
Options within the Major
The department offers four special options within the major. Each option requires at least 15 credits in the area of concentration. Please see the departmental handbook (available in Murray Hall, Room 104) for details.
Creative Writing. For majors who wish to develop the craft and discipline of writing poetry, fiction, drama, and other forms through a coherent sequence of creative writing and literature courses.
Feminist Studies in English. For majors who wish to concentrate their work within the department's substantial offering of courses devoted to women writers, women and film, women and literature, and feminist criticism.
Film. For majors with a particular interest in the critical and historical analysis of film and its relation to literature.
Professional Writing. For majors who would like to prepare themselves for a career in writing or who would like further training in business and technical writing or digital composition.
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