English and World Literature Major

Requirements for the Major in English and World Literature

A major in English and World Literature requires the satisfactory completion of ten (10) courses, which may include independent study courses and a senior thesis/project. Six (6) courses should be completed prior to the senior year. Majors are also encouraged to attain at least reading knowledge of a language other than English (two years of college-level course). Courses may be taken in any sequence, but it is preferable that ENGL 001 PZ is taken early in the student’s career.

Creative Writing Track

We believe that student work has meaningful literary and intellectual value, and we foster a supportive community of writers among our students. Through writing exercises, workshops, and intensive reading, students begin to take creative risks in their own writing. The aim of the writer is not to make a precise replica of experience, not to degrade the world in such a way, nor its ever-changing nature, but to build a door. If we are lucky, our readers walk through that door, arriving at a room we could never have predicted alone.

Creative Writing Track:

ENGL 001 PZ -Introduction to Literary Theory
One introductory course in creative writing (ENGL 030 PZ -Introduction to Creative Writing strongly recommended).
Three creative writing electives, at least one of which should be in a genre outside the student’s primary focus
ENGL 130 PZ -Advanced Projects in Creative Writing
One course in British Literature
One course in American Literature
One course in World Literature
One elective course in literature

Literature Track

Coursework on the Literature track is designed to develop and improve the student’s capacity to engage in meaningful interpretation, creative writing, analytical thought and aesthetic appreciation. Majors and non-majors alike will have the opportunity to gain an awareness of the intellectual and historical contexts of literature while they work to achieve skillful written and oral expression, and to refine critical thinking skills.

Literature Track:

ENGL 001 PZ -Introduction to Literary Theory
One course in British Literature before 1780 (ENGL 010A PZ -Survey of British Literature Before 1780 strongly recommended)
One course in British Literature after 1780 (ENGL 010B PZ -Survey of British Literature After 1780 strongly recommended)
One course in American Literature before 1865 (ENGL 011A PZ -Survey of American Literature Before 1865 strongly recommended)
One course in American Literature after 1865 (ENGL 011B PZ -Survey of American Literature After 1865 strongly recommended)
One course in World Literature (ENGL016 PZ or ENGL 093 PZ -World Literature in an Oceanic Context strongly recommended)
Four elective courses in English and/or World Literature, of which two may be creative writing.