Welcome to the English Department!
English Department Courses
Creative Writing
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CW386 Word, Web, and Design
- 4.00 credits. This advanced course fulfills the capstone course for creative writing minors and the publishing requirement for professional writing majors. The focus of the course is on the presentation of one's work, and how different approaches to presentation can further the purpose of particular projects or become aesthetic and communicative projects in themselves.
- 4.00 credits. This advanced course fulfills the capstone course for creative writing minors and the publishing requirement for professional writing majors. The focus of the course is on the presentation of one's work, and how different approaches to presentation can further the purpose of particular projects or become aesthetic and communicative projects in themselves.
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EN100* PLE Writing and Language
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) A writing course focusing on writing as a process of discovery concerning ideas, drafting, revising and editing. Students read, write and speak about a variety of aspects of the power of language. *Note: Students assigned to EN 100 may not enroll in EN 150 and those placed in EN 150 may not enroll in EN 100.
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) A writing course focusing on writing as a process of discovery concerning ideas, drafting, revising and editing. Students read, write and speak about a variety of aspects of the power of language. *Note: Students assigned to EN 100 may not enroll in EN 150 and those placed in EN 150 may not enroll in EN 100.
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EN101* CE Literature: Form and Performance
- 4.00 credits. (Creative Expression Core Course) Students gain a deep critical and experiential knowledge of various forms of literature both by reading them and by writing or performing their own creations. Individual sections might focus on poetry, drama, Shakespeare, short story, film and the novel, or some combination of these. This course does not count toward the English major or minor.
- 4.00 credits. (Creative Expression Core Course) Students gain a deep critical and experiential knowledge of various forms of literature both by reading them and by writing or performing their own creations. Individual sections might focus on poetry, drama, Shakespeare, short story, film and the novel, or some combination of these. This course does not count toward the English major or minor.
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EN104* HUM Introduction to Literature
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) An introduction to a specific literary genre or combination of genres (drama, fiction or poetry) that emphasizes the nature of language and form and helps students make moral and aesthetic judgments. This course also may include a thematic focus. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated. This course does not count toward the English major or minor.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) An introduction to a specific literary genre or combination of genres (drama, fiction or poetry) that emphasizes the nature of language and form and helps students make moral and aesthetic judgments. This course also may include a thematic focus. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated. This course does not count toward the English major or minor.
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EN150* PLE Advanced Writing and Language
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) A writing course designed to explore the writing process and the history of the English language, its past and present uses and powers. Students write, read and speak about a variety of aspects of the history and power of language. *Note: Students assigned to EN 100 may not enroll in EN 150 and those placed in EN 150 may not enroll in EN 100.
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) A writing course designed to explore the writing process and the history of the English language, its past and present uses and powers. Students write, read and speak about a variety of aspects of the history and power of language. *Note: Students assigned to EN 100 may not enroll in EN 150 and those placed in EN 150 may not enroll in EN 100.
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EN180* CE Introduction to Creative Writing
- 4.00 credits. (Creative Expression Core Course) This course encourages students’ creative work and develops their understanding and appreciation of three principal genres, fiction, drama and poetry. This course does not count toward the English major or minor.
- 4.00 credits. (Creative Expression Core Course) This course encourages students’ creative work and develops their understanding and appreciation of three principal genres, fiction, drama and poetry. This course does not count toward the English major or minor.
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EN185 Introduction to Professional Writing
- 4.00 credits. The varieties of discourse and research in professional writing, including instruction in basic terminology and graphic techniques. *Prerequisites: Power of Language - English requirement. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. The varieties of discourse and research in professional writing, including instruction in basic terminology and graphic techniques. *Prerequisites: Power of Language - English requirement. Register by Instructor.
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EN200 Major British Writers
- 4.00 credits. A survey course designed to introduce majors to the literature of Britain, to important literary and historical concepts, and to the essential skills and methods of the discipline (such as close textual analysis, techniques for developing original and interesting theses, and basic uses of literary criticism). *Students in the literature and English Education concentrations should take this course as soon as possible after declaring an English major. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. A survey course designed to introduce majors to the literature of Britain, to important literary and historical concepts, and to the essential skills and methods of the discipline (such as close textual analysis, techniques for developing original and interesting theses, and basic uses of literary criticism). *Students in the literature and English Education concentrations should take this course as soon as possible after declaring an English major. Spring semester.
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EN220* WCH Pre-1800 British Literature and Culture
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A study of the literature and culture of Britain before 1800, with an emphasis on the literary forms, philosophy, cosmology, sexual roles and political events of this important period of growth in English literature. This course focuses on Medieval, Renaissance or Neoclassical literature. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A study of the literature and culture of Britain before 1800, with an emphasis on the literary forms, philosophy, cosmology, sexual roles and political events of this important period of growth in English literature. This course focuses on Medieval, Renaissance or Neoclassical literature. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
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EN230* WCH Post-1800 British Literature and Culture
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An examination of post-1800 British poetry, fiction and nonfiction prose in historical and cultural contexts. Each section of the course will cover writers from one or more periods: the Romantic period (e.g., Blake, Wordsworth and Keats); the Victorian period (e.g., Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, Tennyson and Browning); and the Modern period, 1900 to the present (e.g., Woolf, Yeats, Joyce and Achebe). *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An examination of post-1800 British poetry, fiction and nonfiction prose in historical and cultural contexts. Each section of the course will cover writers from one or more periods: the Romantic period (e.g., Blake, Wordsworth and Keats); the Victorian period (e.g., Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, Tennyson and Browning); and the Modern period, 1900 to the present (e.g., Woolf, Yeats, Joyce and Achebe). *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
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EN240* WCH American Literature and Culture
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A study of the literature and culture of America from the beginnings to modern times. Each section of the course covers writers from one or more periods: the Romantic period; the Realist period; and the Modern period. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A study of the literature and culture of America from the beginnings to modern times. Each section of the course covers writers from one or more periods: the Romantic period; the Realist period; and the Modern period. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
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EN245* HUM Growing Up in America
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) Through a careful reading of important American novels and biographies, students will better understand the distinct experiences that comprise growing up in America. Both the uniqueness of experiences of growing up in America and the universality of shared problems, crises, challenges and joys are explored. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) Through a careful reading of important American novels and biographies, students will better understand the distinct experiences that comprise growing up in America. Both the uniqueness of experiences of growing up in America and the universality of shared problems, crises, challenges and joys are explored. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
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EN251* HUM Multicultural Literature
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) An examination of poetry, fiction, drama and nonfiction prose from cultures traditionally marginalized because of ethnic and racial differences. The course investigates the historical role and context of American and world authors such as Frederick Douglass, Jean Toomer, Sherman Alexie and Sandra Cisneros, as well as the values evident in their work. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) An examination of poetry, fiction, drama and nonfiction prose from cultures traditionally marginalized because of ethnic and racial differences. The course investigates the historical role and context of American and world authors such as Frederick Douglass, Jean Toomer, Sherman Alexie and Sandra Cisneros, as well as the values evident in their work. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
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EN280 Creative Writing - Poetry, Prose
- 4.00 credits. The writing of original poetry or prose. Graded Pass/No Pass. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. The writing of original poetry or prose. Graded Pass/No Pass. Register by Instructor.
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EN281* CE Writing and Analyzing the Short Story
- 4.00 credits. (Creative Expression Core Course) Students analyze classic short stories using the language and concepts of literary criticism through discussion, oral presentations, and a major research paper. Emulating classic literary models, they also write original short stories, revising according to detailed critiques by their peers and the instructor. *Prerequisite: Power of Language - English requirement. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
- 4.00 credits. (Creative Expression Core Course) Students analyze classic short stories using the language and concepts of literary criticism through discussion, oral presentations, and a major research paper. Emulating classic literary models, they also write original short stories, revising according to detailed critiques by their peers and the instructor. *Prerequisite: Power of Language - English requirement. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
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EN282 Technical Writing
- 4.00 credit(s). A course emphasizing clarity and precision in writing and including instruction in oral and graphic presentation of technical and scientific information. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credit(s). A course emphasizing clarity and precision in writing and including instruction in oral and graphic presentation of technical and scientific information. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
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EN283 Legal Writing
- 4.00 credits. A survey of the types of writing common in government, politics and law. Students practice basic legal analysis, statistical analysis, persuasion and more advanced forms of legal writing, such as the appellate brief. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. A survey of the types of writing common in government, politics and law. Students practice basic legal analysis, statistical analysis, persuasion and more advanced forms of legal writing, such as the appellate brief. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor.
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EN284 Writing in the Social Sciences
- 4.00 credits. Students analyze articles, books, reviews and research in the fields of psychology, political science, anthropology, sociology, history and economics. Assignments include a variety of research forms, including the observation, experiment, survey and interview. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. Students analyze articles, books, reviews and research in the fields of psychology, political science, anthropology, sociology, history and economics. Assignments include a variety of research forms, including the observation, experiment, survey and interview. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor. Alternate years.
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EN285 Business Writing
- 4.00 credits. This course is designed to strengthen each student's competence and confidence in business communication. Students will focus on the most common writing tasks in business and public relations, including instruction and practice in writing and laying-out display ads, news releases, brochures, newsletters, in-house proposals and business plans. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. This course is designed to strengthen each student's competence and confidence in business communication. Students will focus on the most common writing tasks in business and public relations, including instruction and practice in writing and laying-out display ads, news releases, brochures, newsletters, in-house proposals and business plans. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor.
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EN286 Creative Non-Fiction
- 4.00 credits. A readings and workshop course in literary nonfiction, this course acquaints students with the research and writing techniques used by writers of nonfiction and with the history of the genre. Students select their own writing projects from a variety of genres. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. A readings and workshop course in literary nonfiction, this course acquaints students with the research and writing techniques used by writers of nonfiction and with the history of the genre. Students select their own writing projects from a variety of genres. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor. Alternate years.
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EN287 Writing Children's Literature
- 4.00 credits. An introductory survey of children’s literature primarily from 19th and 20th century British and American authors. Students write fiction and nonfiction for a variety of current target markets in children’s literature, such as picture books, early readers, chapter books, and middle-grade to young-adult level books. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. An introductory survey of children’s literature primarily from 19th and 20th century British and American authors. Students write fiction and nonfiction for a variety of current target markets in children’s literature, such as picture books, early readers, chapter books, and middle-grade to young-adult level books. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185. Register by Instructor. Alternate years.
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EN302 The English Language
- 4.00 credits. A study of historical, grammatical and linguistic analyses of the English language. This course includes traditional, transformational and transactional grammars; and structural, social and psycholinguistics, including biological and environmental influences on language acquisition. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. A study of historical, grammatical and linguistic analyses of the English language. This course includes traditional, transformational and transactional grammars; and structural, social and psycholinguistics, including biological and environmental influences on language acquisition. Alternate years.
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EN306 Methods Seminar in Teaching Language and Composition
- 4.00 credits. The teaching of English grammar and usage with reference to teaching composition at the secondary school level and practical application of various methodologies through teaching internships in the classroom and/or the Learning Center. *Must be completed prior to the professional semester.
- 4.00 credits. The teaching of English grammar and usage with reference to teaching composition at the secondary school level and practical application of various methodologies through teaching internships in the classroom and/or the Learning Center. *Must be completed prior to the professional semester.
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EN311 Genre Studies
- 4.00 credits. A study of a particular genre such as autobiography or nonfiction narrative. Representative works will be discussed. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, providing the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. A study of a particular genre such as autobiography or nonfiction narrative. Representative works will be discussed. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, providing the content is not duplicated.
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EN313 Studies in Drama
- 4.00 credits. A study of drama considering such issues as links between the visual and verbal representation of meaning, and the development of the concepts of comedy and tragedy. *Since the course may vary in focus from early drama to modern, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. A study of drama considering such issues as links between the visual and verbal representation of meaning, and the development of the concepts of comedy and tragedy. *Since the course may vary in focus from early drama to modern, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
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EN317 Studies in Narrative
- 4.00 credits. A study of narratives, with attention to the history and development of genres such as the novel. Both literary and theoretical works are discussed. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. A study of narratives, with attention to the history and development of genres such as the novel. Both literary and theoretical works are discussed. *Since the course may vary in focus, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
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EN318 Studies in Poetry
- 4.00 credits. A study of at least three major poets from one or more periods of American or English literature. *Since the course may vary in focus from early forms to modern, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. A study of at least three major poets from one or more periods of American or English literature. *Since the course may vary in focus from early forms to modern, it may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
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EN320 Themes, Traditions and Perspectives
- 4.00 credits. This course examines selected literary themes and traditions and brings a variety of critical perspectives to bear on works of poetry, drama and/or prose. *Since the course may vary in thematic focus, it may be repeated for credit provided the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. This course examines selected literary themes and traditions and brings a variety of critical perspectives to bear on works of poetry, drama and/or prose. *Since the course may vary in thematic focus, it may be repeated for credit provided the content is not duplicated.
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EN370 Special Topics in English
- 4.00 credits. Courses involving specific subjects chosen in response to student and faculty interest.
- 4.00 credits. Courses involving specific subjects chosen in response to student and faculty interest.
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EN385 Writing and Editing for Publication
- 4.00 credits. Advanced study of writing nonfiction articles, copy editing and strategies for getting manuscripts published. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185 and either 282 or 285. Register by Instructor. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. Advanced study of writing nonfiction articles, copy editing and strategies for getting manuscripts published. *Professional Writing majors must have completed EN 185 and either 282 or 285. Register by Instructor. Alternate years.
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EN403 Shakespearean Drama
- 4.00 credits. A study of representative works by Shakespeare. Does not fulfill the 400-level authors seminar requirement. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. A study of representative works by Shakespeare. Does not fulfill the 400-level authors seminar requirement. Alternate years.
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EN420 Pre-1800 British Authors
- 4.00 credits. A seminar focused on the writings of one or more British authors active before 1800, such as Chaucer, the Pearl Poet, Donne and Herrick, or Pope and Swift. *Since the authors studied may vary from term to term, the course may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. A seminar focused on the writings of one or more British authors active before 1800, such as Chaucer, the Pearl Poet, Donne and Herrick, or Pope and Swift. *Since the authors studied may vary from term to term, the course may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
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EN430 Post-1800 British Authors
- 4.00 credits. A seminar focused on the writings of one or more British authors active after 1800, such as Blake or Coleridge, or Austen and Eliot. *Since the authors studied may vary from term to term, the course may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. A seminar focused on the writings of one or more British authors active after 1800, such as Blake or Coleridge, or Austen and Eliot. *Since the authors studied may vary from term to term, the course may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
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EN440 American Authors
- 4.00 credits. A seminar focused on the writings of one or more American authors, such as Hemingway, Morrison and Faulkner, or Hall, Bly and Kinnell. *Since the authors studied may vary from term to term, the course may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. A seminar focused on the writings of one or more American authors, such as Hemingway, Morrison and Faulkner, or Hall, Bly and Kinnell. *Since the authors studied may vary from term to term, the course may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
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EN450 World Authors
- 4.00 credits. A seminar focused on the writings of one or more Continental or non-Western authors, such as Dante, Tolstoy or Kafka. *Since the authors studied may vary from term to term, the course may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
- 4.00 credits. A seminar focused on the writings of one or more Continental or non-Western authors, such as Dante, Tolstoy or Kafka. *Since the authors studied may vary from term to term, the course may be repeated for credit, provided the content is not duplicated.
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EN474 Internship English
- Variable (2.00 to 4.00) credits. Internships provide students with practical workplace experience at a newspaper office, magazine publisher, public relations firm, or other venue for professional writing. Register by Instructor.
- Variable (2.00 to 4.00) credits. Internships provide students with practical workplace experience at a newspaper office, magazine publisher, public relations firm, or other venue for professional writing. Register by Instructor.
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EN482 Independent Study in English
- Variable credit. Individual students are provided the opportunity to pursue work in an area of major interest under the guidance of a member of the Department of English. *Prerequisites: approval of Department Chair and the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
- Variable credit. Individual students are provided the opportunity to pursue work in an area of major interest under the guidance of a member of the Department of English. *Prerequisites: approval of Department Chair and the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
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EN493 Seminar in Rhetorical Theory
- 4.00 credits. A seminar for majors in the Professional Writing concentration on the history of rhetoric and its application to the composing process. *Prerequisites: Professional Writing concentration, EN 185, and one 200-level professional writing course.
- 4.00 credits. A seminar for majors in the Professional Writing concentration on the history of rhetoric and its application to the composing process. *Prerequisites: Professional Writing concentration, EN 185, and one 200-level professional writing course.
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EN494 Seminar in Literary Theory
- 4.00 credits. A seminar for majors in the Literature concentration on literary theory and its application to texts. *Prerequisites: Literature concentration, and junior or senior status, or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. A seminar for majors in the Literature concentration on literary theory and its application to texts. *Prerequisites: Literature concentration, and junior or senior status, or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
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EN498 Directed Senior Research I
- 2.00 credits. English majors of superior ability are allowed to explore a topic of their choosing and to produce a major work of 40 to 60 pages. *Prerequisites: senior standing, a grade point average of 3.50 or higher in the major and overall, and permission of the Department. Two credits are awarded each semester of the senior year. See the Department Chair or Head of the English Directed Senior Research Program for more information. Register by Instructor.
- 2.00 credits. English majors of superior ability are allowed to explore a topic of their choosing and to produce a major work of 40 to 60 pages. *Prerequisites: senior standing, a grade point average of 3.50 or higher in the major and overall, and permission of the Department. Two credits are awarded each semester of the senior year. See the Department Chair or Head of the English Directed Senior Research Program for more information. Register by Instructor.
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EN499 Directed Senior Research Project II
- 2.00 credits. English majors of superior ability are allowed to explore a topic of their choosing and to produce a major work of 40 to 60 pages. *Prerequisites: senior standing, a grade point average of 3.50 or higher in the major and overall, and permission of the Department. Two credits are awarded each semester of the senior year. See the Department Chair or Head of the English Directed Senior Research Program for more information. Register by Instructor.
- 2.00 credits. English majors of superior ability are allowed to explore a topic of their choosing and to produce a major work of 40 to 60 pages. *Prerequisites: senior standing, a grade point average of 3.50 or higher in the major and overall, and permission of the Department. Two credits are awarded each semester of the senior year. See the Department Chair or Head of the English Directed Senior Research Program for more information. Register by Instructor.
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HEN243* HNR WCH American Visions: Cultural Dialogue in the U.S.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course - Honors) A study of American cultural history with an emphasis on how popular culture, political and social history, and the fine arts reveal new ways of understanding American fiction in transitional eras. *A Writing and Research Intensive course. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course - Honors) A study of American cultural history with an emphasis on how popular culture, political and social history, and the fine arts reveal new ways of understanding American fiction in transitional eras. *A Writing and Research Intensive course. Register by Instructor.
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HEN252* HNR HUM Irony, Humor, and Despair in Modern Literature
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course - Honors) An exploration of the relationship among several quintessential modern writers and an investigation of their use of humor and irony to stave off despair and affirm at least the value of artistic creation and the need for each of us to assert meaning in life. *Note: Formerly HEN 231. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course - Honors) An exploration of the relationship among several quintessential modern writers and an investigation of their use of humor and irony to stave off despair and affirm at least the value of artistic creation and the need for each of us to assert meaning in life. *Note: Formerly HEN 231. *A Writing and Research Intensive Course. Register by Instructor.
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HEN253* HNR WCH Gaelic and Anglo-Irish Ireland
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course - Honors) A study of the intersection between the Gaelic and Anglo-Irish linguistic, cultural and literary traditions of Ireland. Besides exploring the past and present state of Gaelic language and culture, the class will focus on the impact of the older Gaelic heritage on English-language classics by writers such as Swift, Joyce, Yeats, Beckett and Heaney. *Note: Formerly HEN 232.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course - Honors) A study of the intersection between the Gaelic and Anglo-Irish linguistic, cultural and literary traditions of Ireland. Besides exploring the past and present state of Gaelic language and culture, the class will focus on the impact of the older Gaelic heritage on English-language classics by writers such as Swift, Joyce, Yeats, Beckett and Heaney. *Note: Formerly HEN 232.
