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. 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.
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.
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.
Courses:
- ENGL 001 PZ -Introduction to Literary Theory (or equivalent)
- 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 (normally taken spring semester of senior year)
- One course in British Literature
- One course in American Literature
- One course in World Literature
- One elective course in literature
Narrative Arts for Social Justice Track
Through narrative, we forge connections, navigate the complexities and contradictions of life, and engage the world with curiosity and purpose. We tell stories to make sense of the world. We read stories to learn about the experiences of others. Stories make us who we are and create our places in the world. The Narrative Arts for Social Justice (NASJ) track is designed so students across the disciplines may self-design multiple pathways to incorporate the humanities into their everyday lives and academic goals.
Courses:
- ENGL 001 PZ -Introduction to Literary Theory (or equivalent)
- At least one course from the following list of Narrative Arts for Social Justice designated courses:
- ENGL 002 PZ - Narrative Arts for Social Justice
- ENGL 015 PZ - Epic Worlds
- ENGL 120 PZ - Ecopoetry Workshop
- ENGL 128 PZ - Writing the Body
- ENGL 181 PZ - Decolonial Futures/Postcolonial Now
- Eight electives distributed as follows:
- Four literature or creative writing classes (a creative writing class is strongly recommended)
- Four classes selected from at least three different humanities and fine arts disciplines (may include English)
- A Senior Capstone Intern Experience in which they apply their narrative arts research through the internship. All NASJ Track majors will be invited to participate in an annual capstone afternoon tea where they present their experience and what they learned from it. Students must submit to their advisors a 1-2 paragraph description of how they fulfilled the Senior Capstone Intern Experience. Senior Capstone Intern Experience projects may range from, for example, taking a humanities class that centers community engagement practices; selecting a Jumpstart tutoring opportunity in which the narrative arts are applied to construct lessons; the creation of a multi-lingual library of children’s books that may be distributed to community partners.
English and World Literature Courses
English and World Literature
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