The Curriculum

ENGL 1095: Ways of Reading
This required course is at the core of the English major. It exposes students to a range of analytical methods, creative practices, and objects of study relevant to the interpretation of culture. In the course, students learn how influential forms of the past continue to inspire aesthetic innovation and invite new habits of engagement.  They also discuss how texts and media reflect, contest, and otherwise intervene in the power dynamics of their own time and ours. Along the way, students will learn strategies for interpreting cultural forms; for thinking about artistic genres and social contexts; for conducting imaginative research; and for writing about, in response to, and alongside a range of literature and other media. All this work showcases the various pleasures of English study today.

The Department offers a wide range of elective classes in a number of fields and interdisciplinary areas. While the major does not differentiate between upper-level and lower-level electives for the purposes of major requirements, it can be useful to know the level of a given class, since this will often indicate the relative degree of rigor and focus. We encourage students to seek out challenge and to push themselves. Courses marked with the “Identities” or “Histories” tags will count for that requirement regardless of their level. Level is indicated by course number:

Lower-Level Electives (ENGL 1000–2999)

Lower-level electives serve as the primary means of immersion into various fields of study in English. No prior knowledge of the field is expected. The majority of these courses count toward the HALC (Humanities: Arts, Literature, Cultures) requirement. These courses aim to provide:

• Instruction in close reading and textual analysis
• Emphasis on writing
• Models of close reading of primary texts
• Introduction to a field and its terminology
• Engagement with secondary sources
• Awareness of larger critical conversations within the field
• Possible exams
• Several short papers (5–7 pages)

Upper-Level Electives (ENGL 3000–4590)

Upper-level electives provide a more intense understanding of a particular field of study. They assume students are proficient at close reading and are able to engage with secondary sources. These electives aim to provide:

• Intensive focus in a particular field; concentration in scope, debate, dialogue
• More individualized assignments and work
• Longer papers or more substantial final projects (c. 10–15 pages if a paper)

Concentrations. Optional Concentrations enable English majors to customize and focus their studies in English, while providing another way to narrate the experience to future employers and application boards. Students may elect to complete a Concentration in one of the following areas by completing four courses tagged in that area. (A course may carry up to two concentration area tags, but need not carry any.) 

Please note that the Concentrations element of the major is now in the process of being formally approved by the University. During this period, Concentrations will not appear on official transcripts, but the Department has authorization to designate concentrations for students who take four courses in one of our given areas. Please contact the DUS, Nathan Hensley, with any questions about this element of the major. 

The Concentrations are:

Global Cultures

These courses examine literature and media in a global frame. They emphasize works from around the English-speaking world, and encourage students to understand culture from multiple perspectives.

Media

These courses explore media in a broad sense, including technology, art, and popular culture. They explore both old and new media, from hand-written manuscripts to modern platforms such as video games, examining how these forms shape communication and creativity.

Genre

These courses investigate the unique features of various genres across literature, performance, and media, from the epic to the horror film. They work to explore their cultural origins and social impacts.

Creative & Public Writing

These courses focus on the craft and practice of writing. They encourage students to develop skills in creative writing, critical writing, and public writing, while also considering historical contexts to enrich our understanding of creativity.

Senior Seminar (ENGL 4600–4999)

These small seminars (capped at 18) are typically open to senior English majors only. (Other interested students may apply for special admission by contacting the professor directly.) These focused courses offer substantial engagement in a particular area and assume students’ ability to apply critical methodology. These seminars include:

• Opportunities for independent work
• More freedom in terms of projects and discussions
• Longer projects that may take multiple forms