English Language & Literature (B.A.)

The English language and literature program stresses the development of reading, writing, critical-thinking and research skills. It provides students with the broad educational experience many employers look for in college graduates. The program gives students the flexibility to choose a business or liberal arts minor, a teaching certification program or a cooperative education experience.

The program includes an extensive overview of American and British literature and a sampling of world literature. Students also are required to take courses in linguistics, grammar, advanced nonfiction writing and the works of Shakespeare. Optional courses include Greco-Roman and medieval literature and writing workshops in poetry, fiction, journalism and drama.

ELL majors also must choose from a variety of survey courses in cultural and art history, western civilization, anthropology, sociology, psychology, finite math, political science and philosophy. Every ELL major is required to take a minimum of two history courses and one senior seminar in literature. Students may choose minors in nearly any subject, including specialized minors available in business and creative writing. A senior thesis option is available for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in writing, research or literature.

Beyond the traditional roles of writers and teachers, English majors also go on to become doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, museum curators, historians, consultants, politicians and much more.

B.A./B.S. Core
Liberal Arts Core

English Language and Literature Major Courses 
ENG 350 The English Language
LIT 300 Literary Theory
LIT 319 Shakespeare
LIT 485 Senior Thesis in Literature (6 credits)
LIT ELE One 200 level LIT elective
LIT ELE Three 300 level LIT electives (9 credits)
LIT ELE One 400 level LIT elective

Choose One:
ENG 327 Play Writing Workshop
ENG 328 Poetry Writing Workshop
ENG 329 Fiction Writing Workshop
ENG 330 Nonfiction Writing Workshop

English Language and Literature Major Courses

LIT ELE Literature Elective (300 Level)
LIT ELE Literature Elective (300 Level)
LIT ELE Literature Elective (400 Level)
LIT ELE Literature Elective (400 Level)

Choose One:
ENG 327 Playwriting Workshop
ENG 328 Poetry Writing Workshop
ENG 329 Fiction Writing Workshop
ENG 330 Nonfiction Writing Workshop
ENG 485 Senior Thesis in Creative Writing (6 Credits)

Choose One:
HIS 109 Western Civilization I
HIS 110 Western Civilization II
HIS 113 United States History I: 1607-1865
HIS 114 United States History II: 1865-Present