2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

English, BA

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.

English Major with Professional Writing Certificate

English majors can complete this certificate by taking these courses as part of their 37-credit major. Non-majors may complete the certificate by taking these four courses.

Postgraduate Study

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

Degree Requirements

See Bachelor's Degree requirements

General Education

See General Education Course Requirements for the Undergraduate College

Core Courses

ENGL 201Introduction to Literary Study and Analysis

3

ENGL 210World Literature to 1500

3

ENGL 230British Literature to 1785

3

ENGL 231British Literature Since 1785

3

ENGL 250American Literature to 1865

3

ENGL 251American Literature since 1865

3

ENGL 331/THEA 331Shakespeare

3

 

ENGL 351History of the English Language

3

or

ENGL 401English Grammar

3

 

ENGL 497Writing 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

ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 are general education requirements. All other courses listed are English major requirements. English majors must also take at least one upper-division writing course (ENGL 312, ENGL 314, or ENGL 414) and at least three English elective courses (9 credits). English electives are offered every semester. ENGL 401, which may be taken instead of ENGL 351, is offered fall, even years.

Fall Even Year Start

Freshman Year

Fall
ENGL 101Expository Writing

3

Spring
ENGL 102Argumentative and Analytical Writing

3

Sophomore Year

Fall
ENGL 201Introduction to Literary Study and Analysis

3

ENGL 230British Literature to 1785

3

Spring
ENGL 231British Literature Since 1785

3

 

ENGL 351History of the English Language

3

or

ENGL 401English Grammar

3

Junior Year

Fall
ENGL 210World Literature to 1500

3

ENGL 250American Literature to 1865

3

Spring
ENGL 251American Literature since 1865

3

ENGL 331/THEA 331Shakespeare

3

Senior Year

Fall
Elective(s)

Spring
ENGL 497Writing Portfolio

1

Fall Odd Year Start

Freshman Year

Fall
ENGL 101Expository Writing

3

Spring
ENGL 102Argumentative and Analytical Writing

3

Sophomore Year

Fall
ENGL 210World Literature to 1500

3

ENGL 250American Literature to 1865

3

Spring
ENGL 251American Literature since 1865

3

ENGL 331/THEA 331Shakespeare

3

Junior Year

Fall
ENGL 201Introduction to Literary Study and Analysis

3

ENGL 230British Literature to 1785

3

Spring
ENGL 231British Literature Since 1785

3

 

ENGL 351History of the English Language

3

or

ENGL 401English Grammar

3

Senior Year

Fall
Elective(s)

Spring
ENGL 497Writing Portfolio

1

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.