English Literature | Advising Handbook

Students from all disciplines are welcome to join any English Literature courses (ENGL). The department offers a flexible major and minor that provides students broad training in a variety of literatures in English across historical periods and culturally-specific genres. The Literature major can serve as a powerful centerpiece around which to arrange a variety of tailored minors. The flexibility of the major and the regularity of offerings also makes it a dynamic double-major option easily completed within four years.

English Literature Major Plan

The following is a recommended schedule to complete the English Literature major in a timely manner. The major is flexible enough to accommodate late-bloomers as well as early-birds. Consider taking an ENGL 300- or 400-level elective course as soon as one appears on the schedule that strikes your interests. Or taking an ENGL 200-level course in the first term of freshman year. ENGL and ENGW 200-level courses are routinely offered in the accelerated Winter and Summer terms, while upper-division courses are not. The earlier the better, however, as scholarships are awarded every year to declared sophomores in the major.

Four-year plan

• * English Literature majors are asked to take one introductory Creative Writing course as part of their program of study. We recommend taking ENGW 209, “Creative Writing, Nonfiction,” or either of the Travel Writing courses (ENGW 222 / 226 or 322 / 326) to develop your analytical prose. Additionally, you might consider taking a Creative Writing course for the genre in which you intend to specialize for the senior capstone project (i.e., ENGW 206, 208, or 209).
• † Both ENGL 323 and 343 are specifically required for the major. They are both typically offered every year, but only in the spring term. It is recommended that you complete both in advance of or simultaneously with the capstone preparation course, ENGW 305.
• ‡ These courses much be taken specifically at the designated stages of your degree progress. In other words, ENGW 305 must be taken in the spring of the third year, ENGL 495 in the fall of the fourth year, and ENGL 496 in the spring of the fourth year. Failure to do so will delay degree completion.
• ° As a requirement for the major, we recommend pursuing a History course related to the period, geographical area, or culture on whose literature you intend to focus for the capstone project. Some Art History, Theatre History, and Music History courses are also eligible. Please consult with your English faculty advisor for more information.

Advisors

Interested in pursuing a program in English Literature? Students with plans to major or minor in Literature are encouraged to take an ENGL course in the second semester of their first year, as well as to find an English department advisor by the end of their sophomore year at the latest.

Considering the Literature minor? In addition to your major advisor, it is highly recommended that you have an advisor for the English Literature minor. ENGL and ENGW 200-level courses are routinely offered in the accelerated Winter and Summer terms, while upper-division courses are not. The earlier the better, however, as scholarships are awarded every year to declared sophomores in the minor.

All of the courses offered in English Literature can fulfill your Explorations core requirement for analyzing and interpreting texts (AIT). Likewise, all of the courses offered in Creative Writing fulfill your Explorations core requirement for artistic practice and creative processes (APCP). Some courses meet the Explorations requirement for historical context (HC), such as ENGL 323, 337, and 338. Consider ENGL 223 to fulfill your Applications core requirement for civic engagement (CE).

Requisites

There are no pre-requisites for any of our 200-level courses, but some for the 300- and 400-level courses. We recommend that students complete ENGW 180, 181, or 182—fulfilling the college-wide core Writing requirement—before enrolling in an upper-division Literature course. Frequently Literature courses necessitate that you need have completed the core Writing requirement with a grade of C or better.

Study Abroad

Study abroad proves an especially rich experience for majors in English Literature, and we highly recommend pursuing summer and short-term courses, as well as a semester abroad the University of Limerick and York-St. John, among others. Students must declare their intent to study abroad approximately a year in advance. We recommend going abroad during sophomore year or fall of junior year at the latest. Do note that the English Literature major does require students to be in residence in specific semesters to complete the program. Studying abroad during spring of junior year or any time in senior year will impede your ability to prepare and complete the senior capstone, and ultimately delay graduation. Consult with your English faculty advisor as soon as you decide to study abroad.

Rev 2019