English

Full Time Faculty: Peter Bognanni (Chair), Matthew Burgess, James Dawes, Amy Elkins, Daylanne English, Sally Franson, Penelope Geng, Rachel Gold, Marlon James, David Chioni Moore (International Studies/English), Michael Prior, Sonita Sarker (Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies/English), Andrea Kaston Tange, Emma Törzs

The English department offers students the opportunity to study and to create literature in all its forms, including fiction, poetry, drama, screenwriting, and non-fictional prose. Students learn to interpret literary works from a variety of theoretical perspectives and to develop their knowledge of literary history. Sudents also have the opportunity to hone their skills in writing creatively as well as analytically.

English Department courses aim to teach how to write and think clearly and persuasively, as well as how to analyze and/or create literary works.

100-level literature courses emphasize skills in composing clear, precise sentences; sustaining a line of thought from paragraph to paragraph; attending to form; reading closely; using evidence to support argument.
200-level literature courses emphasize knowledge of literary-historical traditions and genres; they also emphasize the combination of close reading with interpretation of broader meanings of the text.
300-level literature courses emphasize skills in research: finding and engaging the work of other scholars; developing logical argument; revising broadly and structurally.
400-level literature courses emphasize planning and developing a large research essay; using textual evidence to advance complex claims; anticipating and discussing potential objections.

General Distribution Requirement

All courses in the English department count toward the general distribution requirement in humanities except for creative writing courses (ENGL 150 , ENGL 280 , ENGL 281 , ENGL 282 , ENGL 284 , and ENGL 406 ). Courses numbered ENGL 150 , ENGL 225 , ENGL 280 , ENGL 281 , ENGL 282 , ENGL 284 , ENGL 286 , and ENGL 406 count toward the requirement in fine arts. ENGL 101 and 600-level courses do not count toward any distribution requirement.

General Education Requirements

Courses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and U.S identities and differences will be posted on the Registrar’s web page in advance of registration for each semester.

Additional information regarding the general distribution requirement and the general education requirements can be found in the graduation requirements section of this catalog.

Honors Program

The English department participates in the honors program. The honors program is open to senior English majors who have a departmental GPA of at least 3.6. Eligibility requirements, application procedures and specific project expectations for the department are available from either the department office or the Academic Programs and Advising Office.

Topics Courses

ENGL 194 , ENGL 294 , ENGL 394 , ENGL 494

Topics courses offer alternative and exploratory approaches to literary works and issues through, for example, interdisciplinary study, studies of single authors or groups of authors from several periods, or studies of recurrent themes in literature. These courses often reflect faculty members’ interests in new approaches to literary study or new areas of study. Several topics courses are offered each year, and students should consult the detailed course descriptions in the English department offices and the English department website. Every year. (4 credits)

Independent Study

The department offers independent study options in the form of tutorials, independent projects, internships, preceptorships and Honors independent projects. For more information contact the department and review the Curriculum section of the catalog.