The Curriculum

ENGL 1095: Ways of Reading
What is “reading,” after all? “Ways of Reading” exposes students to a range of analytical methods, creative practices, and objects of study relevant to the interpretation of culture. We will learn how influential forms of the past continue to inspire aesthetic innovation and invite new habits of engagement.  We’ll also discuss how texts and media reflect, contest, and otherwise intervene in the power dynamics of their own time and ours. Along the way, we 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.

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 / Research papers (10–15 pages)

N.B. The new major does not require a certain number of upper-level electives; both lower-level and upper-level electives will be able to count towards your “Identities” or “Histories” requirement. They will also be where you can choose to initiate a concentration based on the attributes of a given elective.

Senior Seminar (ENGL 4600–4999)

These small seminars (capped at 18) are open to senior English majors only. They offer substantial engagement in a particular topic 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 (20–25 pages)