English
Faculty/Staff
Judy Myers Laue, Chair; Kristin Denslow, Jayne Doneskey, Renard Doneskey, Andrew Woolley III
Aims of the Department
The English Department provides classes and support for English majors, English minors, and general studies students. In Freshman Composition and Research Writing all students at the university learn how to write coherent, well-organized essays. Students also take a literature class which requires writing on literary topics. The department helps English majors and minors understand and appreciate American, English, and world literature as well as linguistics and composition.
Students may elect courses which prepare them for careers as secondary English teachers, for graduate study in English, professional schools, or careers where ability to read closely, write effectively, and think critically is essential. A major in English is also an important asset to any student who wishes to specialize in several professional areas: law, medicine, business, public relations, publishing, library science, or government service.
Programs
General Information
ENGL 121 and 220 must be completed in sequence during the freshman and sophomore years before any other course in English can be taken.
- B.A. English
- B.A. English, emphasis in Writing
- Minor in English
English, B.A.
| ENGL 211 | Approaches to Literary Research and Criticism | 3 |
| ENGL 221 | World Masterpieces I or | |
| ENGL 222 | World Masterpieces II | 3 |
| ENGL 231 | American Literature I or | |
| ENGL 232 | American Literature II | 3 |
| ENGL 342 | Composition Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ENGL 414 | History of the English Language | 3 |
| ENGL 458 | Literary Analysis | 3 |
| ENGL 464 | Advanced Grammar | 3 |
| ENGL | Electives | 12 |
Electives to be selected from the following courses:
| ENGL 451 | Studies in Renaissance Literature or | |
| ENGL 454 | Studies in Medieval Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 452 | Studies in 17th Century Literature or | |
| ENGL 453 | Studies in 18th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 455 | Studies in Romantic Literature or | |
| ENGL 456 | Studies in Victorian Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 457 | Studies in 20th Century Literature or | |
| ENGL 459 | The American Classics | 3 |
| Total: | 33 |
Required Cognate
English majors can choose to take either COMM 111 Speech or COMM 113 Oral Interpretation.
English, B.A., Writing Emphasis
| ENGL 211 | Approaches to Literary Research and Criticism | 3 |
| ENGL 231 | American Literature I or | |
| ENGL 232 | American Literature II | 3 |
| ENGL 342 | Composition Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ENGL 414 | History of the English Language | 3 |
| ENGL 458 | Literary Analysis | 3 |
| ENGL 464 | Advanced Grammar | 3 |
| ENGL | Electives | 15 |
One course to be selected from the following:
| ENGL 451 | Studies in Renaissance Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 452 | Studies in 17th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 453 | Studies in 18th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 454 | Studies in Medieval Literature | 3 |
One course to be selected from the following:
| ENGL 455 | Studies in Romantic Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 456 | Studies in Victorian Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 457 | Studies in 20th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 459 | The American Classics | 3 |
Three course to be selected from the following:
| ENGL 333 | Narrative Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 335 | Essay and Opinion Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 339 | Poetry Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 340 | Drama Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 440 | Senior Project | 3 |
| Total: | 33 |
Required Cognate
English majors can choose to take either COMM 111 Speech or COMM 113 Oral Interpretation.
Minor in English
| ENGL 221 | World Masterpieces I or | |
| ENGL 222 | World Masterpieces II | 3 |
| ENGL 224 | Survey of English Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 231 | American Literature I or | |
| ENGL 232 | American Literature II | 3 |
| ENGL 464 | Advanced Grammar | 3 |
| ENGL | Electives | 6 |
Electives to be selected from the following courses:
| ENGL 451 | Studies in Renaissance Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 452 | Studies in 17th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 453 | Studies in 18th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 454 | Studies in Medieval Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 455 | Studies in Romantic Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 456 | Studies in Victorian Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 459 | The American Classics | 3 |
| Total: | 18 |
Teaching Certification Program
The following English major and minors are for teaching certification only. Requirements for certification are listed in the Education section of this Bulletin.
You must make formal application for admittance to the Teacher Education Program. Applications are available at the Education Department office.
English, B.A. - Secondary Teaching Area
The student must meet the requirements for a B.A. degree in English.
English Minor - Secondary Certification
| ENGL 221 | World Masterpieces I or | |
| ENGL 222 | World Masterpieces II | 3 |
| ENGL 224 | Survey of English Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 231 | American Literature I | 3 |
| ENGL 342 | Composition Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ENGL 464 | Advanced Grammar | 3 |
| ENGL | Electives | 9 |
Four courses selected from the following:
| ENGL 451 | Studies in Renaissance Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 452 | Studies in 17th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 453 | Studies in 18th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 454 | Studies in Medieval Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 455 | Studies in Romantic Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 456 | Studies in Victorian Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 457 | Studies in 20th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 459 | The American Classics | 3 |
| Total: | 24 |
Composition Courses
ENGL 021 - Composition Review (3 hours)
Required of students whose SAT Critical Reading score is below 450 or whose ACT English score is below 17.
This course prepares students to take Freshman Composition. It focuses on writing fundamentals, such as the thesis, paragraph development, topic sentences, and transitions. Students will improve their grammatical skills as well. Substantial reading plays an important part of the course. Credit will not apply toward graduation. (Fall, Spring)
ENGL 121 - Freshman Composition (3 hours)
Prerequisite: Minimum SAT Critical Reading score of 450, a minimum ACT English score of 17, a minimum grade of C– in ENGL 021, or successful completion of the ESL program with a score of 80 on the Michigan Test of Language Proficiency.
This course focuses on individual writing processes, the production of quality expository and argumentative prose for a variety of purposes and audiences, and the introduction of information literacy skills. The course also emphasizes the development and use of critical thinking and reading skills essential for writing college-level papers. (Fall, Spring)
ENGL 211 - Approaches to Literary Research and Criticism (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
The course introduces the concepts, applications and research involved in literary criticism. The student will be introduced to literary genres and terms. Writing of literary criticism will be the main emphasis of the class, including the use of primary sources, the construction of an essay, and the correct documentation format as specified in the Modern Language Association Stylebook. English majors will begin the process of senior portfolio development. This course fulfills the requirement for UNIV 201: Research in an Academic Discipline as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Spring)
ENGL 220 - Research Writing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121 and sophomore status
This course focuses on elements of research and information literacy skills and writing using sources. Structured for students from a variety of academic disciplines, the course emphasizes the rhetorical principles of audience, purpose, and genre and practice with APA/MLA documentation. A major focus includes critically evaluating scholarly and popular resources, both hard copy and electronic. (Fall, Spring)
ENGL 333 - Narrative Writing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 220
The course focuses on the writing of narrative, examining traditional and non-traditional plots, character development, dialogue, setting, and other literary techniques.
ENGL 339 - Poetry Writing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 220
Students write poems and read the work of others, including fellow class members as well as established poets. The class works within a supportive workshop framework.
ENGL 340 - Drama Writing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 220
This course focuses on writing for performance, which may include the creation of stage plays as well as screenplays. General concepts are included to provoke thought about writing on a much broader basis. The course includes material on the genres of comedy and tragedy as well as dialogue, characterization, conflict, action, and setting.
ENGL 342 - Composition Theory and Practice (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course, open to all majors, emphasizes both the theoretical and practical aspects fundamental to successful writing and the teaching of writing. Students examine major contemporary writing theorists and their research or contributions to the field of composition, analyze theory in relation to their own writing, define principles of effective writing and the teaching of writing, and apply these principles in a tutoring experience. Thirty hours of mentored tutoring in The Write Spot serves as a lab experience for the course. (Fall)
ENGL 440 - Senior Project (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 220
A student works closely with a professor to produce a major writing sample suitable for and prepared for publication.
Literature Courses
ENGL 221 - World Masterpieces: Ancient to Enlightenment (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This basic literature course emphasizes an understanding of and an appreciation for the various types of literature including poetry, drama, and prose. Selections will be chosen from English and world literature. (Fall)
ENGL 222 - World Masterpieces: Enlightenment to Contemporary (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course is a continuation of the study of world masterpieces from the Enlightenment to modern literature. (Spring)
ENGL 224 - Survey of English Literature (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This literature course surveys major figures and trends in British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period into the 20th century. (Spring)
ENGL 231 - American Literature I (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
A comprehensive study of the major writers and literary movements from 1609-1860, this course emphasizes Franklin, Hawthorne, Whitman, and Dickinson. The class focuses on the establishment of a distinctly American literature in both content and style. (Spring)
ENGL 232 - American Literature II (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
A continuation of the study of American literature from 1860 to the present, this course deals with the genres of the novel, poetry, and the short story with focus on the way Americans prefer individual freedom to society’s accepted norms. (Fall)
ENGL 322 - Literary Perspectives (3 hours)
This class explores the nature of literature, often through its various genres, its differing historical and cultural contexts, and its various critical approaches. Content may concentrate on a specific author (Dante, Shakespeare), literary period (World War I), theme (the hero in literature), or emphasis (women’s literature). Subject matter may vary, depending on the instructor and the sequence of the class. Students may repeat the course for credit if topic, emphasis, or genre differs from the previous class. Applies toward the general education literature requirement but not for the English major.
ENGL 335 - Essay and Opinion Writing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 220
The course focuses on non-narrative prose and students writing personal and persuasive essays, opinion pieces and editorials, autobiography and memory vignettes, and travel pieces.
ENGL 451 - Studies in Renaissance Literature (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course focuses on the historical and literary background of the English Renaissance from 1485-1616 with emphasis on the most significant writers of the period, including Shakespeare. This course may be taken for general education credit with permission of the instructor only. (Spring, even years)
ENGL 452 - Studies in 17th Century Literature (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course covers English prose and poetry from 1603-1660 with particular attention to the poetry of Jonson, Donne, and Herbert as well as a more detailed study of John Milton and his major poems. This course may be taken for general education credit with permission of the instructor only. (Fall, odd years)
ENGL 453 - Studies in 18th Century Literature (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course focuses on English poetry and prose from 1660-1800 with special attention to the major works of Dryden, Swift, and Pope. The course may be taken for general education credit with permission of the instructor only. (Fall, even years)
ENGL 454 - Studies in Medieval Literature (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
A study of selected Old and Middle English texts (900-1400) with special emphasis on Anglo-Saxon language, Middle English, Chaucer, the Pearl Poet, and religious dissent in the fourteenth century is the emphasis of this course. It may be taken for general education credit with permission of the instructor only. (Spring, odd years)
ENGL 455 - Studies in Romantic Literature (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This covers representative English Romantic poetry and prose with special emphasis on Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Keats, and Byron. It may be taken for general education credit with permission of the instructor only. (Spring, odd years)
ENGL 456 - Studies in Victorian Literature (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course is a study of British poetry, novels, essays, and plays from 1830-1900 with emphasis on Dickens, R. Browning, Hardy, and E. Bronte. The course may be taken for general education credit with permission of the instructor only. (Fall, odd years)
ENGL 457 - Studies in 20th Century Literature (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course is a study of the major trends and writers in English and American literature since 1900. It may be taken for general education credit with permission of the instructor only. (Spring, even years)
ENGL 458 - Literary Analysis (3 hours)
Prerequisite: Completion of all lower-division English requirements.
This course examines literary theories and genres and their application to selected works of literature. It is designed as a capstone to the English major, and taken during the student’s senior year, it serves as the fourth-year writing class. . (Spring)
ENGL 459 - The American Classics (3 hours)
This course is a study of major texts or authors in American literature in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries with an emphasis on distinctive elements in American subject matter and style. This course may be taken for general education credit with permission of instructor only. (Spring, odd years)
Other English Courses
ENGL 272 - Introduction to Drama (3 hours)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course is a study of representative plays written in English, considering their literary history and dramatic staging. (Fall)
ENGL 278 - Dramatic Production (3 hours)
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Students will help to produce a play for the university, cultivating voice control, state presence, character creation, and state management. It may be repeated and is elective credit only.
ENGL 291 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval by department chair
This course offers the student opportunity to pursue investigations in fields of special interest under the direction of the departmental staff. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration, and it may be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
ENGL 414 - History of the English Language (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course is a linguistic study of the history of the English language through modern English. Study also will be given to American English and how it relates to our present culture. (Fall, even years)
ENGL 464 - Advanced Grammar (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121, 220
This course is primarily designed for prospective elementary and secondary teachers who will need the knowledge of and methods for teaching basic English grammar. Study also will be given to current theories and rules of grammar. (Fall)
ENGL 491 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval by department chair
This course offers the advanced student opportunity to pursue investigations in fields of special interest under the direction of the departmental staff. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration, and it may be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Reading Courses
RDNG 011 - Developmental Reading (3 hours)
Required of students with a Nelson Denny reading score of 10.9 and below.
This course is designed to help the student increase comprehension, reading rate, vocabulary, study skills, and critical literacy. The course enables students to deal more effectively with the reading requirements in other college-level courses. Credit will not apply toward graduation. (Fall, Spring)