The Bachelor of Arts Degree in English

Program Information

By studying literature, rhetoric, and composition, English majors acquire experience in assimilating large amounts of material representative of many cultures and periods. They learn critical approaches to texts that enable them to interpret and compare interpretations, to read closely, critically, and with empathy, to conduct research, to weigh evidence, and to write with insight and expertise.

These skills are widely applicable. They enable English majors to seek out and create careers in education, business, research and development, government, media, foundations, and publishing.

By majoring in English, students are simultaneously involved with two activities that are essentially and uniquely human: language and art. They make contact with the literary classics of America, England, and the world. They learn what men and women have thought about themselves and their worlds over the course of history, and they experience what others have experienced in their own words. They learn to understand the power of language and to use it well.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English:

  • Modern and Classical Languages
  • 1441, 1442, 2313, and 2314 or equivalent.
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  • Political Science
  • 2311, 2312.
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  • History
  • 1311, 1312, and six hours of English or world history.
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  • Mathematics
  • Six hours at the level of college algebra or higher.
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  • Science
  • Eight hours in a single natural laboratory science (biology, chemistry, geology or physics).
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  • Fine Arts
  • Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.
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  • Social/Cultural Studies
  • Three hours of social and cultural studies selected from designated courses which have been approved by the Undergraduate Assembly. For a list of approved courses, contact the University Advising Center or the English Department.
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  • Electives
  • Sufficient to complete the total number of hours required for the degree.
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  • Major: A total of 42 hours including:
    • ENGL 1301 and 1302 (or waivers for advanced standing).
    • ENGL 2350 (This course is a pre- or co-requisite for all upper-level English courses. English majors must take this course before receiving credit for any 3000/4000-level English courses.)
    • Three hours of literature on the sophomore level or above.
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    • 18 hours of required 3000/4000-level courses:
      • ENGL 3340, History of American Literature
      • ENGL 3351, History of British Literature I
      • ENGL 3361 or 3362, History of World Literature I or II
      • ENGL 3344 or 3345 or 3346 or 3347 or 3355 or 3364 or 3370 or 4340 (Cultural Diversity Group)
      • ENGL 3384 or 4301 (Linguistics/Philology Group)
      • ENGL 4355 or 4356 or 4339 or 4345 (Criticism/Theory Group)
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    • 9 hours of 3000/4000-level electives
    • Students may select these hours from any 3000- or 4000-level English courses. If they wish, students may focus these elective hours on a particular "track":
      • American Literature track: Nine 3000/4000-level elective hours in American Literature
      • British Literature track: Nine 3000/4000-level elective hours in British Literature
      • Rhetoric/Composition track: Nine 3000/4000-level elective hours in rhetoric or writing courses
      • Multicultural track: Nine 3000/4000-level elective hours in multicultural, ethnic, or world literature courses.
      • Students may design their own track.
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    • ENGL 4399, Senior Seminar (Capstone Course)
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  • Minor
  • 18 hours, at least six of which must be 3000/4000 level.
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  • Total
  • 120 hours, of which at least 36 must be 3000/4000 level.