Department of English

Department Chair: Dr. Grant Scott
Professors: Bloom, Cartelli, Coppa, Gold, Marsh, Rosenwasser, Stephen
Associate Professors: Miller
Visiting Assistant Professor: Lonsinger
CFD Fellow in English and Africana Studies: Staidum

The major program in English stresses writing skills and the critical analysis of literary works. The approach is both textual and historical so that majors will come to understand the ways in which language works to construct as well as reflect cultures. Though the program primarily focuses on American and British works and writers, majors will have opportunities to study other literatures and will be encouraged to do so. The critical and analytic skills required to complete this major, along with the historical and cultural perspectives that literary study fosters, will help prepare students for a wide range of careers. Careers that English majors characteristically pursue include law, teaching, Internet writing and design, journalism and publishing, sales and marketing, advertising and public relations, management and administration, public service, religion, and research. The program in English is also designed to serve students in their efforts to become attentive and articulate citizens.

General Academic Requirements

Students seeking literature courses specifically designed for the non-major may wish to choose among: ENG 113 - British Writers and ENG 115 - American Writers . Students interested in more focused thematic or writing courses and/or majoring in English might consider those 200 level courses listed below under Reading X, Genres, Literary Relations, and Ethnic & Regional Literatures. It is important to note that 100 level courses do not count toward fulfillment of the major or minor requirements.

Special Programs

Honors Program

The honors program in English and Writing effectively means undertaking an Honors Thesis. The English faculty has designed the program for English majors who have consistently demonstrated their talent for and commitment to literary studies and especially to rigorous critical inquiry. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in literature and writing will find the experience particularly useful. Students who are considering writing an honors thesis should start taking 300 level courses as soon as possible after declaring the major and completing the prerequisite for admission to advanced courses (ENG 275 - Theory & Methods of English Studies or other 200 level literature course). Ideally, a student wishing to enter the Honors Program would take more than the four 300 level courses required of majors. Junior majors interested in the honors program should direct their questions to Dr. Alec Marsh or their advisor.

Honors Program Requirements:

A minimum of 11 courses in the Department of English (which includes the two honors independent studies in the fall and spring of the senior year). A cumulative GPA of 3.3, and a major GPA of 3.5 is required for entrance into the program.

Two semesters of independent study in the senior year devoted to the development and completion of the honors thesis. The honors student will work under the direction of a faculty member. Two or three faculty members, one of whom may come from outside the department, will serve as readers. These readers will be consulted regularly on the project throughout the senior year.
The preliminary proposal for an independent study leading to an honors thesis endorsed by the faculty mentor should be submitted to the Director of the Honors Program by May 1 of the junior year. The proposal should run 3-5 double-spaced pages and include a working bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
The submission to the Honors Committee of a detailed plan or prospectus with bibliography by November 15 of the senior year. At that time, in consultation with the faculty mentor, the Honors Committee will either decide to accept the Honors project or to terminate it at the end of the fall term, in which case the Honors Independent Study will become an ordinary independent study with no further expectations. If the proposal is approved, the student may proceed.
An oral presentation to fellow English majors and English department faculty on the subject of the honors thesis in mid-April.
The completion of a thesis (typically about 50-60 pages), a copy of which must be submitted to each of the student’s readers by May 1 of the senior year.
A concluding conversation with the student’s thesis committee (mentor and readers) during finals week to discuss and evaluate the student’s work.

The thesis committee will recommend to the Department Chair the degree of honors to be awarded (none, honors, high, or highest).

Programs

Major

English, A.B.

Minor