Department of English & World Languages

Bachelor of Arts in English

For students interested in English for Teacher Licensure, click here.

The program in English seeks to help students express themselves effectively, especially in writing; develop a respect for and an understanding of language; appreciate and profit from a study of our common literary heritage; increase their awareness of and empathy for diverse peoples and cultures; discover the relevance of ideas and values found in their reading; and learn to think critically and evaluate wisely.

English majors are prepared for a variety of careers in advertising, communications, education, government, management, personnel work, public relations, and sales. A degree in English also provides an excellent undergraduate preparation for the student planning to pursue graduate study of business, law, or the humanities.

The degree program in English requires 36 semester hours in English

• ENGL 2063 Introduction to Literary Studies
• ENGL 3013 Systems of Grammar, ENGL 3023 Introduction to Linguistics or ENGL 4013 History of English Language
• ENGL 3313 American Literature to 1900
• ENGL 3323 Modern American Literature
• ENGL 3413 British Literature to 1800
• ENGL 3423 British Literature since 1800
• ENGL 4103 Literary Theory
• 15 credit hours of English electives

The English major must also complete two semesters of study in one foreign language or have completed two years of language study in high school with grades of "C" or better.

Students who plan to use an English degree as a preparation for law school are encouraged to complete some of the following electives in addition to their required courses:

• BLAW 2033 Legal Environment of Business
• CJ/SOC 2043 Crime and Delinquency
• CJ/POLS 3023 Judicial Process
• CJ 4023 Law and the Legal System
• COMM 2003 Public Speaking
• COMM 2111-COMM 2121, Debate Practicum
• COMM 2173 Business and Professional Speaking
• JOUR 4123 Laws of Communication
• PHIL 3073 Philosophy of Law
• PHIL 3103 Logic
• POLS 4033 Principles of Legal Study
• POLS 4043 American Constitutional Law
• PSY 2003 General Psychology

Curriculum

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program.

•  Freshman

  Fall		Spring
  ENGL 1013 Composition I1	3	ENGL 1023 Composition II1	3
  Social Sciences1	3	Social Sciences1	3
  Mathematics1	3	Science with Lab1	4
  Beginning Language I2	3	Beginning Language II2	3
  TECH 1001 Orientation to the University	1	Elective4	1
  Elective4	1
  Total Hours	14	Total Hours	14

•  Sophomore

  Fall		Spring
  ENGL 2063 Introduction to Literary Studies	3	ENGL 3013 Systems of Grammar or ENGL 3023 Introduction to Linguistics or ENGL 4013 History of English Language	3
  Fine Arts & Humanities1	3	Social Sciences/Fine Arts/Humanities/Communication1,T	3
  Science with Lab1	4	Fine Arts & Humanities1	3
  U.S. History/Government1	3	ENGL 4103 Literary Theory	3
  English Elective3	3	Elective4	3
  Total Hours	16	Total Hours	15

•  Junior

  Fall		Spring
  ENGL 3313 American Literature to 1900	3	ENGL 3323 Modern American Literature	3
  ENGL 3413 British Literature to 1800	3	ENGL 3423 British Literature since 1800	3
  English Elective3	3	English Elective3	3
  Elective4	6	Elective4	6
  Total Hours	15	Total Hours	15

•  Senior

  Fall		Spring
  English Elective (3000-4000 level)	3	English Elective (3000-4000 level)	3
  Elective4	12	Elective4	13
  Total Hours	15	Total Hours	16

¹See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
²All minimum college hours (at least two semesters) should be in one language. Students with previous study in a foreign language should refer to Foreign Language Advanced Placement and Credit under Credit by Examination. Students may waive three hours of language requirements for every one year of language study in high school with grades of "C" or better.
³Any 2-4000 level English courses excluding ENGL 2003 Introduction to World Literature, ENGL 2013 Introduction to American Literature, ENGL/JOUR 2173 Introduction to Film, ENGL 2881 Practicum-Literary Journal Publication, and ENGL 4881-4 Practicum-Editing Literary Journal.
⁴At least 40 of the 120 hours required for graduation must be earned in 3000-4000 level courses.