English, Bachelor of Arts
Students who concentrate in literary studies will read contemporary writers, as well as works of literature and philosophy that have stood the test of time. Simultaneously, students will learn to interpret what they have read by studying new developments in critical theory. Broadly integrative in design, a concentration in literary studies emphasizes the shaping authority of cultural texts. It prepares students for careers in teaching (including in higher education or journalism), public service and other jobs that require analytical ability.
The concentration in creative writing is for students who have an interest in developing their talent as novelists, short fiction or creative nonfiction writers, poets and dramatists. It provides a strong background in literary studies and emphasizes general writing skills. Students in the concentration are prepared for lives as writers. By the end of the program, students will have completed a full-length manuscript and learned the process for submitting their work for publication. Students will also be prepared for graduate study in M.A., M.F.A. and Ph.D. programs emphasizing creative writing. The department’s focus emphasis on general writing skills and career preparedness also ensures that students will be ready to enter the world of work, whether in publishing, freelance writing or numerous other writing-related fields.
Both English concentrations lead to a knowledge of literature, a heightened awareness of language, an appreciation of cultural differences and an understanding of human relations over time.
Note: Secondary certification in English is available; see the education curriculum.
Concentration in Literary Studies
Required Courses
| ENG 346 | Shakespeare's Romances and Tragedies | 3 |
| OR | |
| ENG 345 | Shakespeare's Histories and Comedies | 3 |
| | |
| ENG 311 | Structure of the English Language | 3 |
| ENG 380 | Literary and Cultural Interpretation | 3 |
| ENG 400 | Assessment Portfolio in Literary Studies | 1 |
ENG 400: Two semester hours
At least eight (24 semester hours) additional literature courses. Of these, at least three must be taken at the 300 level and one must be in each of the following areas: British literature, American literature, European literature, literature written before 1700 and literature written after 1900. Students may choose ENG 220 as one of the eight courses, provided that the above criteria are met. No 100-level English courses count toward completion of the concentration.
Concentration in Creative Writing
Required Courses
| ENG 210 | Advanced Exposition | 3 |
| | |
| ENG 212 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| OR | |
| ENG 201 | Journalism | 3 |
| | |
| ENG 220 | Creative Writing | 3 |
| | |
| ENG 346 | Shakespeare's Romances and Tragedies | 3 |
| OR | |
| ENG 345 | Shakespeare's Histories and Comedies | 3 |
| | |
| ENG 311 | Structure of the English Language | 3 |
| | |
| ENG 321 | Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry | 3 |
| OR | |
| ENG 323 | Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction | 3 |
| | |
| ENG 499 | Thesis in Creative Writing | 3 |
| OR | |
| ENG 459 | Sr Advanced Study & Research | 3 |
| AND | |
| ENG 460 | Senior Advanced Study and Research | 3 |
| | |
| ENG 355 | Internship | 3 |
| ENG 400 | Assessment Portfolio in Literary Studies | 1 |
| Three additional courses from the offerings in literature in English. | |
ENG 459, ENG 460: Honors Thesis
ENG 400: Two semester hours
At least one of the three literature courses must be at the 300 level. No 100-level English courses count toward the completion of the concentration.
Students will also select four courses from a subject area other than English, which is satisfied by (1) constructing a coherent subject area from a single department or from multiple departments with approval from student’s adviser, (2) earning a formal Wilson College minor or (3) declaring a double major in another subject area.
Coursework is supplemented each semester with seminars in genres, markets and master classes conducted by visiting writers.