English B.A. with a Concentration in Literature
Degree Requirements
A major in English with a Concentration in Literature is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
| ENG 110 | Intro to Literature in English | 1 Course Credit |
| ENG 124 | Intro to Creative Writing | 1 Course Credit |
Required Capstone Course
| ENG 485 | Seminar in English | 1 Course Credit |
Required Distribution Courses
Seven (7) additional course credits, as follows:
Five (5) additional course credits, at least two of which must be at the 300 level, chosen from at least three Literature categories—Authors, Cultures, Questions, Genre, and Times;
One (1) course credit from the Language category or a foreign language through the 103 level; and
One (1) additional ENG course credit.
Required Major Portfolio — The Major Portfolio of course work and study reflects the student’s progress through the course categories (Literature, Language, and Writing), an interdisciplinary focus, as well as with written and oral communication. The Portfolio is a place for collection of the best and most important work from throughout the major. The portfolio must include an approved Declaration of Focus, written within one term of acceptance into the major, and if the declaration has been revised since being approved, a concise description of the updated Declaration of Focus is also required. This portfolio should be maintained throughout the major and evaluated regularly by the student's Academic Advisor and/or other Program faculty. Final compilation and submission of the Portfolio occurs in ENG 485, the Senior Seminar.
Exploring the Major— Students interested in this major are encouraged to take ENG 110 or ENG 124 during their first year.
Admission to the Major— For admission to the English major, applicants must at least be in the term in which they will complete 15 course credits and have: 1) satisfactorily completed ENG 110 and/or ENG 124; 2) an earned minimum GPA of 2.0; 3) an earned combined minimum GPA of 2.3 in ENG courses, GSTR 110 (unless waived), and GSTR 210; and 4) satisfactorily completed an interview for admission to the major.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)— ENG 110 and/or ENG 124 should be taken no later than the end of the sophomore year. ENG 485 must be taken during the senior year.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major— Students majoring in English with a concentration in literature are strongly encouraged, in consultation with their advisors, to select their five courses in the literature categories from a variety of literary periods in order to be broadly educated in the discipline. Students should work on the Major Portfolio throughout the major. The Portfolio should be evaluated regularly by the student’s Academic Advisor and/or other Program faculty, with approximately two-thirds of the required number of categories on the checklist being completed prior to the student’s admission to ENG 485.
Teaching Certification -- Students interested in gaining certification to teach in the area of English (grades 8-12) must double major in Education Studies with a Concentration in Teaching and Curriculum with Certification, and in English with a Concentration in Literature. For more information, see the requirements for majoring in Teaching and Curriculum with Certification under the Education Studies section of this publication.