Eleanor Nickel, Ph.D.
Professor of English
What's possible when the written word becomes the vehicle for self expression?
Anything.
Literature changes the way we view the world.
As an English major, you’ll deepen your understanding through literature, as well as learn to express your original thoughts and insights through writing and speech.
Flexibility within the program allows you to prepare for a career in high school teaching, journalism, law, library science, or a wide range of other options. You can study Harry Potter in British Literature or develop your creative writing while expanding your repertoire of skills for multiple career paths.
With an English degree, you’ll be prepared with the versatile skill of effectively communicating across a wide variety of formats, texts and styles.
Program Highlights
- Pursue your unique interests with courses like Hispanic Literature of the United States, Creative Writing: Fiction, Film Studies, C. S. Lewis, and Literature for Children and Young Adults.
- A tailorable final project offers opportunities to blend creative expression, textual analysis, and rhetorical performance to tell stories of societal, cultural, or personal significance.
- Participate in cross-cultural learning experiences
- Study abroad in England
- Gain insight into relevant career opportunities through the Job of the Week series
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Catalog
Program Director: Eleanor Nickel, Ph.D.
Overview
The English major is ideal for students who love literature, language, and creative writing. Completing this major will prepare students to enter a single subject credential program to become a high school English teacher, and it will also prepare students for a range of other careers in editing, journalism, law, library science, publishing, and many other fields.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will read, interpret, and critique a variety of literary and non-literary texts that reflect a range of styles, historical periods, and cultural perspectives.
- Students will create a variety of literary and non-literary texts, demonstrating effective communication in multiple modes for multiple audiences and purposes.
- Students will articulate the diverse ethical, cultural, political, and religious contexts of literary texts.
- Students will use current disciplinary discourse, terminology, and research conventions.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Degree Pathways
English, B.A. Four Year Pathway
English, B.A. Three Year Pathway
English, B.A. ADT Pathway
Required Courses (36 Units)Core Courses
- COM 480 - Narrative Credits 3
- LIT 415 - Shakespeare Credits 3
- LIT 460 - Critical Approaches to Literature Credits 3
American Literature Courses
Select one.
- LIT 355 - American Literature: Beginnings to 19th Century Credits 3
- LIT 360 - American Literature: 20th Century Credits 3
- LIT 364 - Hispanic Literature of the United States Credits 3
British Literature Courses
Select one.
- LIT 400 - Medieval Life, Thought and Literature Credits 3
- LIT 405 - England in the Renaissance World Credits 3
- LIT 420 - Romantic and Victorian Literature Credits 3
- LIT 425 - Modern and Contemporary British Literature Credits 3
Language Courses
Select one.
- COM 350 - Visual Rhetoric Credits 3
- LANG 331 - Linguistics and Modern Grammar Credits 3
- PHIL 455 - Philosophy of Language Credits 3
Writing Courses
Select two.
- COM 300 - Creative Writing: Fiction Credits 3
- COM 310 - Creative Writing: Poetry Credits 3
- COM 320 - Creative Writing: Nonfiction Credits 3
- COM 330 - Writing and Reading Journalism Credits 3
- COM 486 - Topics in Communication Credits 3
Electives
Select twelve units from those courses listed above under American and British Literature Courses, Language Courses, and Writing Courses or from the following list:
- COM 342 - Advanced Academic Research and Composition Credits 3
- COM 346 - Scriptwriting Credits 3
- COM 355 - Digital Video Production Credits 3
- COM 368 - Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric Credits 3
- COM 380 - Film Studies Credits 3
- COM 390 - UI/UX Web Design Credits 3
- COM 395 - Text and Performance Credits 3
- COM 400 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3
- COM 410 - Media and Society Credits 3
- COM 420 - Conflict Management and Resolution Credits 3
- COM 430 - Group Dynamics and Leadership Credits 3
- COM 450 - Communication Theory Credits 3
- COM 486 - Topics in Communication Credits 3
- COM 496 - Communication Internship Credits 3
- HIST 364 - Classical Mythology Credits 3
- LA 180 - Paths to Teaching Credits 3
- LA 380 - Learning Communities Credits 3
- LANG 311 - Principles of Language Acquisition Credits 3
- LIT 370 - The Novel Credits 3
- LIT 426 - C.S. Lewis Credits 3
- LIT 449 - Literature and Film Credits 3
- LIT 465 - Literature for Children and Young Adults Credits 3
- LIT 486 - Topics in Literature Credits 1 - 3 *must be taken for 3 units
- LIT 496 - Literature Internship Credits 1 - 3
- THEO 400 - Theology and the Arts Credits 3
- THTR 355 - Creative Drama Credits 3
Three-year Degree Option
This academic program is available as a three-year bachelor's degree or as a standard four-year bachelor’s degree. View more information about the three-year option.
Sample Curriculum Map
Below is a sample curriculum map for this program. This map serves as an example of how courses are set up to ensure completion of the degree in three years. The course listing is based on a sample year and follows a fall, spring and summer academic year. Some courses are only offered on odd or even years. An advisor will work with you to create a curriculum map that is unique to you.
Year 1
Fall
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CP 152 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| BIB 100 | Jesus and the Christian Community | 3 |
| HIST 120 | Ancient Civilizations | 4 |
| COM 110 | Written Communication | 3 |
| LIT 180 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| SPAN 100 | Elementary Spanish | 4 |
| Total units | 18 |
Spring
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities | 3 | |
| HIST 130 | Medieval and Early Modern Civilization | 4 |
| COM 120 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| SPAN 105 | Elementary Spanish II | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Total units | 17 |
Summer
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 140 | Modern Civilizations | 4 |
| Biblical Literature | 3 | |
| PHYS 106 | Physical Science | 3 |
| Total units | 10 |
Year 2
Fall
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 120 | Principles of Mathematics | 4 |
| KIN 120 | Concepts of Wellness | 3 |
| COM 345 | Composition Theory and Writing | 3 |
| COM 300 | Creative Writing: Fiction | 3 |
| LIT 460 | Critical Approaches to Literature | 3 |
| COM 155 | Journalism Practicum | 1 |
| Total units | 17 |
Spring
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 100 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| LIT 415 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| COM 310 | Creative Writing: Poetry | 3 |
| LANG 340 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| COM 155 | Journalism Practicum | 1 |
| Total units | 17 |
Summer
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| WILD 300 | Wilderness & the Liberal Arts | 3 |
| PHIL 430 | Wilderness Philosophy, Theology, and Literature | 3 |
| PE 146 | Backpacking | 1 |
| Total units | 7 |
Year 3
Fall
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COM 395 | Text and Performance | 3 |
| LIT 420 | English Literature: Romantic and Victorian Literature | 3 |
| LIT 448 | Multicultural Literature | 3 |
| English Elective | 3 | |
| English Elective | 3 | |
| COM 155 | Journalism Practicum | 1 |
| Total units | 16 |
Spring
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COM 480 | Narrative | 3 |
| LIT 380 | World Theater: Roots to 1800 | 3 |
| COM 350 | Visual Rhetoric | 3 |
| English Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Total units | 18 |
Total Units: 120
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
- Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information
English (AA-T) to English, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
- All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
- BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
- COM 110 Written Communication (3)
- LIT 180 Introduction to Literature (3)
- This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Non-traditional Admission
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
Room & Board Rates
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
| Name | GPA | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Paragon | Full Tuition | |
| President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
| Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
| Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
| Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
| Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
| Name | GPA | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
| Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
| Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
| Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Performance-based Scholarships
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
| Music | $400 to $10,000 |
| Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
| Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Other FPU Grants and Scholarships
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
| Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
| International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
| Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
| Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
| Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Federal and State Grants
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
| Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
| Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Federal Loans and Work-Study
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
| PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
| Work-study | Contingent on employment |
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
Mathematics
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Career Opportunities
Approximately half of our students go on to careers in teaching, and your degree in English allows you to enter a single subject credential program to become a high school English teacher.
Career Possibilities
- Teacher
- Creative writer
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Speech writer
- Communications specialist
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more