The English major allows students to understand many of the significant experiences and issues of human existence as they are expressed in literature. Through this major, graduates learn to communicate thoughts and insights through effective writing and speech.

The English major provides the opportunity for students to gain experience across many areas, including literature, composition, creative writing, linguistics, media studies and theater. Participation in a cross-cultural learning experience is also encouraged, though it is not required for this degree. For those who wish to teach at the secondary grade level, the English secondary teaching emphasis is also offered.

The bachelor of arts degree in English provides students with a broad background in the communicative arts, which can be used in a variety of careers including library work, writing (various forms), education and various positions in the media and journalism.

GENERAL EDUCATION OR OTHER PREREQUISITES (3 COURSES, 9 UNITS)

• COM-110 Written Communication (3)
• COM-120 Oral Communication (3)
• LIT-180 Introduction to Literature (3)

REQUIRED COURSES (49 UNITS MINIMUM)
Core Courses

• COM-345 Composition Theory and Writing (3)
• LANG-340 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
• LIT-395 Text and Performance (3)
• LIT-415 Shakespeare (3)
• LIT-460 Critical Approaches to Literature (3)
• LIT-480 Narrative (3)

Literature Courses
Select one of the following:

• LIT-350 American Wilderness Literature and Philosophy (3)
• LIT-355 American Literature: Beginnings to 19th Century (3)
• LIT-360 American Literature: 20th Century (3)

Select one of the following:

• LIT-400 Medieval Life, Thought and Literature (4)
• LIT-420 English Literature: Romantic and Victorian Literature (3)
• LIT-425 English Literature: 20th Century Literature (3)

Select one of the following:

• LIT-370 The Novel (3)
• LIT-380 World Theater: Roots to 1800 (3)
• LIT-385 World Theater: 1800 to Present (3)
• LIT-448 Multicultural Literature (3)

Language Courses
Select one of the following:

• COM-350 Visual Rhetoric (3)
• COM-455 Philosophy of Language (3)
• LANG-350 Traditional Applied Grammar (3)

Writing Courses
Select two from the following:

• COM-300 Creative Writing: Fiction (3)
• COM-310 Creative Writing: Poetry (3)
• COM-320 Creative Writing: Nonfiction (3)
• COM-330 Reading and Writing Journalism (3)

Internships and Practica
Select one of the following:

• COM-155 Journalism Practicum (1-2)
• COM-340 Composition Practicum (1)
• COM-365 Video Practicum (1-2)
• COM-496 Communication Internship (1-3)
• DRA-310 Drama Practicum (1-2)
• DRA-496 Drama Internship (1-3)
• LIT-496 Literature Internship (1-3)
• Students may write in another internship or practicum with program director approval.

ELECTIVES
In consultation with the program director select four additional courses from literature, language, communication or drama for a minimum of 12 units. Other courses may be substituted with approval from the program director.