English, BA

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The Bachelor of Arts in English provides a foundation for a variety of careers and for graduate study. Emphasizing clear communication and critical thinking, the degree develops skills fundamental to the liberal arts and offers a basis for understanding human experience. All English majors learn how to analyze literature, write critical arguments, perform literary research, revise argumentative writing, and identify the cultural and historical contexts of a diverse range of literary works. Students who pursue the creative writing track of the English major learn, in addition, how to craft original poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, as well as how to revise creative writing based on feedback. The English major, which combines well with other academic and professional areas, benefits society, the professions, the college, and the student.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Construct critical arguments in response to literary texts.
Demonstrate knowledge of the conventions of literary criticism, including research and use of contemporary scholarship.
Identify the historical, cultural, and authorial contexts of a diverse range of literary works.
Analyze works in multiple genres through close reading and use of literary terminology.
Use craft choices in the composition of original poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
Revise creative work through the use of peer and instructor feedback.

Program CIP: 23.0101 - English Language and Literature, General.

Program SOC: 25-2031 - Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

43-9081 - Proofreaders and Copy Markers

General Education Requirements (39-42 sem. hrs)

For a complete list of general education courses click here . For additional information on general education requirements click here .

Ethics Course Requirement (3 sem. hrs)

PHIL 130 - Thinking about Ethics 3 hours

Foreign Language Requirement (6 sem. hrs)

For information on how to fulfill the foreign language requirement click here .

Choice of Literature or Creative Writing Emphasis (36 sem. hrs)

Literature Emphasis Core Requirements (18 sem. hrs)

All must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Courses in the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail.

Literature Emphasis Electives (18 sem. hrs)

Choose 18 hours from the following:

Creative Writing Emphasis Core Requirements (15 sem. hrs)

All must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Courses in the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail.

Creative Writing Survey Requirement (6 sem. hrs)

Choose 6 hours from the following:

Creative Writing Electives (15 sem. hrs)

Choose 18 hours from the following:

Electives (36 sem. hrs)

More courses in upper level English are recommended.

Total: 120 (sem. hrs)

The total reflects the minimum number of hours to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some courses listed above may fulfill more than one requirement block. Please speak to your academic advisor to plan your specific degree path.