Major & Minor Requirements

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The English Major in Literary Studies

A minimum of 10 semester units in English:*

1. Five courses at the 100, 200, or 3000 level, to include ENG 250 and EITHER ENG 222, 225, 226, 230, 231, 237, or 238, and three other introductory courses (one of which may be in creative writing).

2. Five courses at the 300, 400, or 4000 level. One of these five courses must be a Senior Seminar (ENG 450), and no more than one may be in creative writing.

The English Major in Creative Writing

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 222, 225, 226, 230, 231, 237, or 238, and two introductory creative writing courses (201, 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), at least two 300, 400, or 4000 level creative writing courses, and at least two 300, 400, or 4000 level literature courses.

*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; one literature course at the 300, 400, or 4000 level; and three writing courses, one of which must be 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.

World Languages–English Major

The interdisciplinary English and World Languages majors allow students to deepen their knowledge of world literature, to explore connections between authors of the two languages, and/or develop their creative writing skills.  The combined majors afford students enhanced opportunities to excel in ways that would make them stronger applicants for graduate study (English graduate students are required to show competency in at least one other language) and also stronger job applicants in fields in which language and cultural competency, as well as skills in research and analysis, are required (diplomacy, law, business).

It is essential that the student work closely with advisors in both departments in planning his or her program.  Students can major in English (Literary Studies or Creative Writing) combined with French or Spanish.  Although not required, participation in an abroad program related to one’s language specialization is strongly recommended.

Graduation with honors may be recommended upon the basis of grades, the completion of an honors project approved and supervised by a faculty member, and an oral presentation on the thesis.  Students who expect to undertake such a program should consult with the chairs of the English and World Languages departments early in the last term of their junior year.  Such projects must have the approval of both departments.

English Requirements for English and World Languages Majors: 6 units.

English Literary Studies: 6 courses

  • ENG 250: Methods of Critical Analysis
  • 2 Literature courses at the 200 level
  • 3 Literature courses at the 300 level

            OR

English Creative Writing: 6 courses

    • ENG 250: Methods of Critical Analysis
    • 1 Literature course at the 200 level
    • 2 Creative writing courses in different genres at the 200 level
    • 1 Creative writing course at the 300 level, in same genre as one of the introductory courses                       
    • 1 Literature course at the 300 level

Requirements in French or Spanish for English and World Languages Majors: 7 units. 

  • 6 Language courses at 103 level or higher
  • 1 Elective course multi-listed as ENGLISH and WORLD LANGUAGES     

For further details, visit the French (Francophone Studies) or Spanish (Estudios Espánicos) websites.