English
- Course Catalog Description
Richard Gillin, Chair
Daly Hall 206, ext. 7767
Entering students are encouraged to consult the Department Chair if they have any questions about which course to take as freshmen. English majors wishing to become certified to teach should inform the chairs of both the English and Education Departments as early in their college career as possible to assure proper scheduling.
Major Requirements: Ten courses, including a two-course year-long sequence in ENG 101, ENG 102, Forms of Literature and Composition, or ENG 207, 208, The History of English Literature, or any two courses from among ENG 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214; Upper level courses at the 300 and 400 levels from among the following:
- two courses in English literature before 1800;
- one course in English literature between 1800 and 1900;
- one course in English literature between 1900 and the present;
- two courses in American literature;
- two electives chosen from the 300 and 400 offerings.
Minor Requirements: A student may minor in English by taking five 300/400-level courses in English. Generally, a student is encouraged to take two semesters of one of the introductory sequences (ENG 101, 102; ENG 207, 208; ENG 209, 210; or ENG 213, 214), although these courses do not count toward a minor. A student minoring in English is expected to show some range and variety in his or her English courses. It is advised that a student take at least two semester courses dealing with literature before 1800, and at least a semester of American literature.
Senior Capstone Experience: For the Senior Capstone Experience in English, students may either complete a critical thesis or the Senior Comprehensive Exam.
A student who chooses to write a thesis can use an essay written in a particular course as the foundation for further development into a thesis. The thesis must demonstrate the student's ability to interpret literary texts and support his or her interpretation with secondary critical sources.
During the period of formulation a student should work in close contact with a member of the English Department. Students should begin consulting with this faculty member during their junior year.
For the senior comprehensive examination, a student will take a three-part examination: part one treats five authors from three centuries, part two asks for an analysis of a poem, and part three requires knowledge of a particular literary period.