Major Requirements

Major in English

Satisfying the requirements for the major in English requires students to complete a minimum of 38 credits in the major in a graduated sequence of courses. These courses range from a required foundational course that introduces interpretive methodologies for the study of literature, through category requirements and electives in American, British, and World literature in English, English language history, creative writing, and journalism, to a senior-level capstone seminar, required of all students for graduation (see p. 35 ff. in the Course Catalog for a description of all courses in English). The senior seminar seeks to foster integration of the knowledge and abilities acquired through study in the major curriculum. Major requirements are designed to develop the English major’s awareness of language and literary forms, as well as to encourage the development of increasingly sophisticated skills in research, analysis, and expression. These requirements also seek to introduce students to changing and competing conceptions of readers, writers, and literary texts, and their relationships with different historical, cultural, social and situational contexts. The category requirements also allow concentration in an area of particular interest while providing for a sound grasp of literary and rhetorical traditions. The major curriculum consists of:

1. ENG 2050(W) Introduction to Literary Studies
   Ordinarily, this requirement should be completed before the end of the
   sophomore year.
2. Four courses at the 3000 level or higher distributed as follows: two
   courses in language or literature before 1800, two courses in literature after 1800.
3. One course in American Literature at the 3000 level or higher.
4. 4. Three English Electives to be drawn from any course numbered 3000
   or higher. One course at the 2000 level or below may, however, count
   as an English Elective if taken before the end of the sophomore year or
   before completion of a total of sixteen courses.
5. 5. ENG 4950 Senior Seminar

Teacher of English

In addition to the requirements for the English major, English-Education majors must also complete the required teacher preparation curriculum outlined under the Program for Teacher Preparation in the Education Department. Students planning to enter the teaching program need to bear in mind that the last semester of their senior year will be taken up by their off-campus practicum. All requirements for the major, including cognates, must be fulfilled by the end of the first semester of the senior year. Accordingly, English-Education majors should take ENG 2050(W) Introduction to Literary Studies by the end of their sophomore year. English-Education majors must take specific English courses to fulfill major requirements and should consult current guidelines in the department office. Satisfying the requirements for the English-Education major includes completing a minimum of 40 credits in English.