English
College of Liberal Arts
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Options in the Major |
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As an English major, you focus your studies by choosing from among four option areas. Literary Studies: Emphasizes literature, critical thinking, and writing. Ideal preparation for graduate education in English or literary studies; also works well as a double major or in conjunction with a minor in another department. Rhetoric and Professional Writing: Tailored to students preparing for careers in business, public service, law, or other professions requiring strong writing and reading skills. Also prepares students for graduate study and for careers in higher education specializing in rhetoric and composition. Certificate in professional writing Teaching: Specific training in the teaching of language and literature at the secondary-school level; courses are coordinated with the Department of Teaching and Learning. More about English/language arts teaching Teaching English as a second language (ESL) Creative Writing: Focuses on creative writing in various forms (poetry, fiction, nonfiction prose); can also serve as preparation for careers in editing, publishing, and related areas. More about creative writing |
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Requirements and Core Courses |
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—Bachelor of Arts in English The department offers a traditional option in English, which provides a general liberal arts education emphasizing literature, critical thinking, and writing, as well as pre-professional options in graduate study preparation, English teaching, English/business, English/pre-law, and creative writing. The pre-professional options share the core curriculum of the general English option (shown below) and are supplemented with additional courses in the chosen area. See the University catalog or the English department’s Web site for specific requirements. REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING PROGRAM A student may certify a major in English upon completing 24 credits with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Those interested in the teaching option should consult the College of Education concerning certification requirements. REQUIRED ENGLISH COURSES Hum 101—Humanities in the Ancient World or 103—Mythology Engl 302—Writing about Literature One of the following: Engl 108—Introduction to Literature Engl 199—English Composition and Literature Honors Engl 209—Readings in English Literature Engl 210—Readings in American Literature Four upper-division courses in English literature (at least three in literature prior to 1900) including: Engl 305—Shakespeare (to 1600) or 306—Shakespeare (after 1600) One of the following: • Engl 383—Chaucer and Medieval Literature • Engl 384—English Literature of the 16th Century • Engl 385—Milton and English Literature of the 17th Century • Engl 386—English Literature of the Restoration & 18th Century One of the following: • Engl 387—English Romantic Literature • Engl 388—Victorian Literature • Engl 389—Modern British Literature Two upper-division courses in American literature (at least one in literature prior to 1916), including: One from American literature period courses: • Engl 380—American Literature to 1855 • Engl 381—American Literature 1855-1916 • Engl 382—Modern American Literature One from courses dealing with American writers of color: • Engl 311—Asian/Pacific American Literature • Engl 314—Topics in Asian/Pacific American Literature • Engl 321—Introduction to African American Literature • Engl 322—Topics in African American Literature • Engl 341—Native American Literature • Engl 345—Introduction to Chicano/Chicana Literature • Engl 346—Vanguard Poetics in Chicano/Latino Writers Four courses as an upper-division concentration in one of the following areas of English literature (coursework to be determined by student and advisor): American Literature Literature and Criticism World Literature/Humanities Writers of Color/Ethnic Studies Gender Identity and Literature Literature and Cultural Studies Language and Linguistics Writing and Rhetoric (Professional Writing, Creative Writing, or Rhetoric and Composition Studies emphasis) NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate. |
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Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You |
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• American Studies • Communications • Digital Technology and Culture • Journalism • Linguistics • Film Studies |
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Contact Information |
| Department of English |
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Washington State University Avery Hall 202 PO Box 645020 Pullman, WA 99164-5020 Phone: 509-335-2581 |
| smithjer@wsu.edu |
| 509-335-2581 |
Strengths of the Program
- Learn from professors who make important contributions to the fields of literary studies, linguistics, and writing.
- Award-winning professors help you develop your own creativity.
- Develop high-level skills in critical thinking, analysis, and writing, which are all vital to academic success and effective leadership careers.
- Enjoy the flexibility of focusing on particular areas of interest or pursuing second majors in other departments.
- Experience courses that emphasize small discussion and provide opportunities to work closely with faculty.
- The English department operates the state-of-the-art Avery Microcomputer Lab, equipped with Windows NT 4.0 and Macintosh OS workstations for undergraduate writing classes.