English Minor
Introduction
The Department of English offers undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Students who graduate with a B.A., a B.A. with Writing Emphasis, or a B.A. with Secondary Certification have learned to read critically and write intelligently about literature and related fields. They will be familiar with works in drama, prose and poetry from both the Western and non-Western traditions, and have a knowledge of the structures of language, the genres in which literature is classified, the historical contexts of literature, and the various methodologies that facilitate the analysis and understanding of literature. Most important, graduates in English have some insight into the world of ideas, their own and those of others.
Features
Students in English begin their studies by enrolling in a core of introductory courses that gives them a basic, general understanding of literature. They continue their studies by enrolling in elective courses that allow in-depth examination of certain historical periods, literary movements, and individual authors. Seniors will take seminars in one or more literary genres and, upon approval, may work closely with an individual faculty member in the writing of a senior thesis. The English department also offers a variety of internships.
Career Opportunities
More career opportunities are opening for college and university graduates who can read and write well. Because success in most professions demands effective thinking, the study of English is excellent preparation for careers in law, medicine, education, technical writing, journalism, theology, personnel, marketing, management, administration, publishing, and writing. Few majors prepare students so well for a variety of careers as English does English (B.A.) (36 crs.)
For assessment and career development purposes, all English majors are required to maintain a portfolio representing their written work in courses at all levels (including ENG107 and a course at the 200, 300, and 400 levels). Students must take one theory-criticism course, choosing among ENG304, ENG323, ENG343, or ENG466.
Designated courses may double-count for the literary traditions and multicultural requirement; however, total hours for the requirement do not change. See course descriptions in the department advising material; designations change each semester, depending upon course content. All students completing a Bachelor of Arts degree are required to attain "novice" proficiency in a foreign language. Proficiency may be satisfied by completing a language class at the 103 (intermediate) level or by the completion of three years of any one foreign language in high school; students may also meet this requirement through satisfactory completion of a proficiency exam.
English Minor (18 crs.)
Required (3 crs.)
ENG107 Introduction to Literary Studies
Introduction to Literary Studies is a required prerequisite for all English Minors enrolling in 300- or 400-level English courses.
Electives (15 crs.)
Five additional English courses, two of which (6 credits) must be 300- or 400-level. General education courses in English may not be used to fulfill free electives. May include an internship, up to three credits.