English Major & Minor Requirements

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Requirements for the Major

The English Major in Literary Studies

A minimum of 10 semester units in English:* For students matriculating before fall 2019: A minimum of 10 semester units in English:*

1.             Five courses at the 100, 200, or 3000 level, to include ENG 250 and four other introductory courses (one of which may be in creative writing).

2.             Five courses at the 300, 400 or 4000 level, with no more than two courses from any one of the Studies rubrics. These five courses must include a Senior Seminar (ENG 450).

For students matriculating after fall 2019:

1. Five courses at the 100, 200, or 3000 level, to include ENG 250 and EITHER ENG 225, 226, 237, or 238; three other introductory courses (one of which may be in creative writing).

2. Five courses at the 300, 400, or 4000 level,  with no more than two courses from any one of the Studies rubrics:  These five courses must include a Senior Seminar (ENG 450).

The English Major in Creative Writing

A minimum of 10 semester units in English:* For students matriculating before fall 2019:

1.             Five courses at the 100, 200, or 3000 level, to include ENG 250, one additional literature course, and two introductory creative writing courses.

2.             Five courses at the 300, 400, or 4000 level. These five courses must include a Senior Seminar (ENG 450). Two courses must be taken under the Studies in Advanced Writing (AW) rubric, but no more than two courses may be taken from any one of the Studies rubrics.

For students matriculating after fall 2019: A minimum of 10 semester units in English:*

1. Five courses at the 100, 200, or 3000 level, to include ENG 250 (Methods of Critical Analysis), EITHER ENG 225, 226, 237, or 238, and two introductory creative writing courses (201, 223, 241, 242, 243, 244, 293, or 295).

2. Five courses at the 300, 400, or 4000 level.  These five courses must include a Senior Seminar (ENG 450).  Two courses must be taken under the Studies in Advanced Writing (AW) rubric, but no more than two courses may be taken from any one of the Studies rubrics.

*Students may take more than the minimum of 10 courses in English. However, no more than 14 units in a single department will receive credit toward graduation.

Requirements for the Minor

The English department offers two ways to minor in English, each one consisting of a group of six courses.

1.     The English minor in literary studies requires ENG 250 (Methods of Critical Analysis); two literature courses at the 200 or 3000 level; and three literature courses at the 300, 400, or 4000 level.

2.     The English minor in creative writing requires ENG 250 (Methods of Critical Analysis); one literature course at the 200 or 3000 level; three writing courses, one of which must be from the Studies in Advanced Writing (AW) rubric; and one literature course at the 300, 400, or 4000 level.

Environmental Studies–English Major

The environmental studies–English major gives students an opportunity to combine seven core courses in environmental studies with seven core courses/electives in English, thus providing substantial study in both disciplines, as well as in their intersection. The interdisciplinary major seeks to attract students who combine an interest in the environment with the desire to explore existing literature and to create new literature on environmental themes. Note that students pursuing this major may not also major in English. Please consult the Environmental Studies section of this Catalog for the complete list of courses.

Certification to Teach English

The teacher certification minor is only available to students who matriculated before fall semester 2019. For information on teacher certification options approved by the New York State Board of Regents, requirements for the certification minor, and the requirements for the professional semester (including student teaching) please go to the Education department's website (https://www.stlawu.edu/education) or contact the Coordinator of the Teacher Education Program.  Students who are eligible to pursue this minor must complete all requirements and the professional semester by the end of spring semester 2022.