Department Chair: Laura Smith, Ph.D.
Description
The English major combines courses in literary analysis, creative and professional writing, publishing, digital studies, and career development to hone the intellectual skills most critical across industries—to write, speak, research, analyze, evaluate, and develop solutions using a balance of creative and analytical thinking. Core courses introduce students to foundations of language, analysis, writing and editing, and career paths within the field. Beyond the core, students choose emphasis areas based on their career goals and intellectual interests.
Literature courses combine classic literary works with popular texts and underrepresented voices, offering challenging and diverse content that invites students to think critically about canons and culture alike.
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced creative writing workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction prioritize technique and experimentation. Students learn to draft, revise, and submit manuscripts while becoming familiar with contemporary literary markets.
Courses in professional writing and digital publishing cover skills in a wide range of contemporary fields and genres, including journalism, magazine writing and production, digital storytelling, blogging, and public relations writing.
In career development courses, students explore the wide range of careers available to English majors through job market research and skills assessment, prepare application materials, hone interview skills, and pursue one or more internships.
Objectives
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, graduates will be able to:
- Solve problems by thinking creatively and critically.
- Read and interpret texts using critical theory and language arts.
- Use research resources.
- Write academic, professional, and/or creative texts.
- Communicate orally and nonverbally.
- Negotiate personal values in relation to the values of others.
- Apply academic preparation to professional and cultural experiences beyond the classroom.
- Make informed academic and career choices based on self-determined goals.
Policies
Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. The lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all courses listed in the catalog under "Program Requirements" for the major, including both courses in the major and SEE courses required by the major and complete two semesters of a foreign language from the point of placement or completion of 202 level.
No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next course without earning a grade of "C" or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below "C" is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course.
Once students have declared their intention to major in English language and literature, they are required to take all major courses at Stevenson University. Full-time students interested in languages other than French and Spanish are eligible to participate in the Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP) with area colleges and universities. Contact the Registrar's Office for information on this program.
Requirements
The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in English language and literature. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).
Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.
(Note: Some courses may be repeated for credit when focus or topic changes. Check the course descriptions following this section to identify these courses.)
Required Courses
| FYS 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 credit |
| ENG 160 | Introduction to Literary Studies | 3 credits |
| ENG 231 | Style and Editing | 3 credits |
| ENG 256 | Introduction to Digital Publishing | 3 credits |
| ENG 331 | Design Your Career | 3 credits |
| ENG 332 | Advanced Critical Approaches to Literature | 3 credits |
| ENG 420 | English Capstone: Internship | 3 credits |
Two English elective courses at the 200-level
Two English elective courses at the 300-level
Two English elective courses at any level
One Literature elective courses at the 200-level
One Literature elective courses at the 300-level
One Literature elective course at the 400-level
Meet foreign language requirement
Suggested Course Sequence
2020-2021 English SCS
Minor in English Language and Literature
The minor in English requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with an ENG prefix at the 200-level or above. Courses ineligible for the English minor are ENG 150, ENG 151, ENG 152, and ENG 153.
Please note: ENG 160 Introduction to Literary Studies can be taken as one of the courses to fulfill a minor in English.
Students minoring in English are eligible to take courses restricted to the English major if the prerequisites are met. Please see an academic advisor for more information. General guidelines regarding minors may be found in the Minors section of the catalog.
Course Descriptions
See English Course Descriptions