English

The English Department has a dual aim: to teach students how to read literature appreciatively and expertly and to help them develop a mastery of written and oral expression. To accomplish the first aim, the department offers courses which require students to read widely-primarily in British and American literature-and courses which introduce students to literary theory and history. Together, both types of courses acquaint the student with the rich variety of literary works, their relationship to historical events and intellectual currents, and changing conceptions of literature. The department seeks to produce readers who can recognize literary excellence in ancient poetry or modern novels and who can discern the humanistic values intrinsic to these works. To accomplish the second aim- skillful writing-the department offers a wide range of courses from basic to advanced composition, journalism, and creative writing. Students are encouraged to develop clear, graceful, and effective prose.

Course Requirements:

As of Fall 2014, students majoring in English are required to complete ten courses, as outlined below. This ten-course major requirement applies to all students in the classes of 2018 and forward.

Students in the Class of 2017 will choose to fulfill the new ten-course major requirements or to continue with the twelve-course major requirements that were in place when they joined the College. They should meet with their advisors to declare their intention in regards to this choice.

Students in the Class of 2016 will fulfill the twelve-course major requirements for the English major that were in place before Fall 2014.

Course 1:

EN 106 - Introduction to Literary Studies

Course 2 and 3:

Choose 2 courses from the following pre-1800 courses

Course 4:

Choose 1 course from the following:

Course 5:

Choose 1 course from the following:

Course 6, Course 7, Course 8, Course 9:

Choose any 4 electives from the offerings of the English Department

Note that in addition to other elective offerings, students may choose as electives any course listed in the “required” categories above if they have not already used that course to fulfill a required category. At least two of the student’s four electives need to be literature courses that are at the 200-level or above. One of the four electives may be an English Department-sponsored internship. With the exception of EN106, no 100 level English courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of the English major.

Course 10:

EN 475 - English Senior Seminar

Course Sequence for English Major:

English majors should take EN105 in the fall semester of their freshman year and EN106 in the fall or spring of their freshman year, or as soon as they have declared English as their major. The sequence in which they take major courses and fulfill core requirements will vary depending upon the various choices a student makes (i.e. minor(s), a second major, study abroad, internships). Students should work closely with their academic advisors in planning their course schedules and longer range plans. Note that students pursuing teaching must take Introduction to General Linguistics (EN355) and either Public Speaking (EN221) or Oral Interpretation of Literature (EN222). Students pursuing a major in both English and Communication should work with their advisor to determine the number of courses that will fulfill requirements in each.

Double Major in English and Communication

Students may elect to double-major in English and Communication. In completing the requirements for each the two majors, students are permitted to count two of their courses as fulfilling requirements for both majors. Students completing the double major must enroll in each major’s senior seminar and will typically complete two separate thesis projects. A single, interdisciplinary thesis to count for both majors is possible with the approval of the Department Chair and the respective seminar leaders. All double majors must pass the comprehensive exam in each major.