English Major

Overview

Mission Statement

The English and Theatre Arts Department provides undergraduate education in the discipline of English and theatre, which includes studies in the language itself, in literature that expresses the accumulated resources of human thought and experience, and in the effective use of language in written and oral expression. English and theatre are presented chiefly as an area of knowledge important to the liberal arts tradition but also as preparation for post-graduate or professional study and as preparation for a career immediately following graduation.

The department maintains that the understanding and appreciation of the art of theatre can best be taught by participation. Students from all majors may participate in theatre classes and University productions.

Requirements

The English major requires 37 English credits beyond ENGL 102. Please note that like all undergraduates at University of Jamestown, English majors and minors must successfully complete both ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 with a minimum grade of C-. Neither course counts toward the major or minor. ENGL 102, moreover, is a prerequisite for all 200-level and higher English courses.

Writing Concentration

Students may elect to complete a writing concentration within the English major. These students must meet the requirements stated above but include within the 37-credit major at least three upper-division writing courses.

Postgraduate Study

Two years of a foreign language are strongly recommended for majors going to graduate school.

Core Courses

ENGL 201	Introduction to Literary Study and Analysis	3
ENGL 210	World Literature to 1500	3
ENGL 230	English Literature to 1785	3
ENGL 231	English Literature Since 1785	3
ENGL 250	American Literature to 1865	3
ENGL 251	American Literature since 1865	3
ENGL 331/THEA 331	Shakespeare	3
ENGL 351	History of the English Language	3
	or
ENGL 401	English Grammar	3
ENGL 497	Writing Portfolio	1
ENGL	Writing Elective	3
ENGL	Electives	9
Total Credit Hours:		37

English Ed majors must take both ENGL 351 and ENGL 401

ENGL (Writing Elective) must be upper division.

Total Credit Hours: 37

 

Plan of Study

Outcomes

The graduate with a degree in English will be able to:

1. Write college-level expository and argumentative essays and, as appropriate, creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry.
2. Apply basic information literacy methods and techniques as appropriate to expository and argumentative essays, including preparation of formal research papers.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the English language and/or an understanding of its grammatical and rhetorical components.
4. Interpret literature at the college level.
5. Relate literature to history and culture, including (as appropriate) Christian thought, experience, and values.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of literature in English in terms of major periods and authors.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of literary and rhetorical genres.