Department of English

English Major and Minor Requirements

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English majors choose to concentrate in either literature or writing. We also offer minors in both literature and writing.

In this section you will find the descriptions of each of the concentrations and minors. Please see the college catalog page for complete and official information about the major and minor requirements.

Literature Major

The 32-33 hour literature concentration offers students a solid background in literary studies. A trio of genre/theory courses (Literary Genres; Writing, Theory and Research in Literature; and Senior Seminar in Literature) provide a theoretical framework for the major, while literature surveys (English Literature to 1798; English Literature 1798 to the present; American Literature to 1860, and American Literature, 1860 to the present) and a course in Shakespeare provide an overview of British and American literature. Students have the opportunity to fine-tune the major to fit their interests through elective and allied courses. 

> Click here for full details from the registrar's office.

Writing Major

The 32-33 hour writing concentration is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Three core courses (Literary Genres; Writing, Theory and Research in Literature; and Senior Seminar in Writing) provide a basic structure, upon which students can build their major through electives in writing (Creative Writing, Computer-Mediated Communication, Journalism, Technical Writing and others), literature, and theory.

> Click here for full details from the registrar's office.

Literature Minor

The 21-hour minor trains students in critical reading and writing, making it a valuable accompaniment to many other majors.

> Click here for full details from the registrar's office.

Writing Minor

The 21-hour minor trains students in a wide range of types of writing.

> Click here for full details from the registrar's office.

Poetry on the Web

Former Poet Laureate Billy Collins has compiled 180 poems--enough for a poem a day throughout a school year--to be read and shared by high-school students.

Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac website features poetry from his daily five-minute segments on National Public Radio.

Major & Minor Planning Guides