English Major, BA

Program Description

Students who major in English learn to communicate well, whether they are writing or speaking. They also learn to read and think critically, becoming skilled at analyzing the way messages in various media are composed. A solid foundation in the “soft skills” of communication, critical reading, and critical thinking prepares English majors for success in areas as varied as law, business, entertainment, marketing, and the arts.

The undergraduate major program in English is designed to accomplish five objectives: 

1. To provide students with experiences for developing competencies in the process of composing.
2. To help students acquire knowledge of the English language, its literature, and related cultures.
3. To help students develop skills in analyzing, evaluating, and responding to a wide range of literature.
4. To help students prepare for careers requiring a high degree of proficiency in writing, speaking, and critical reading and thinking.
5. To prepare students to do advanced work in English and other professional fields.

In the English major students study American, African-American, British, and world literature, as well as literary theory, linguistics, and composition.  In addition, they submit a substantial research project in the senior capstone course. The Department of English offers opportunities for students to engage in internships and independent study.

Student Learning Outcomes 

1. Students will demonstrate competence in the process of composing oral and written compositions, using appropriate language, conventions, structure, and supporting documentation, as well as employing content appropriate to the audience.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze, evaluate, and respond to a wide variety of literature.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the English language and its literature and related cultures.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to carry out research by applying established theoretical and empirical approaches.

Major Requirements

Students who major in English must earn a grade of C or higher in all pre-major general education courses and in all major courses.

The major in English comprises 33 hours of required and elective courses. The required courses include nine hours of American, African-American, and British literature; six hours of linguistics and advanced composition; and 15 hours of advanced courses in the following categories:  period/author (3 hours), genre (6 hours), theory (6 hours, including literary criticism).  Students complete the major with a senior-level capstone course.  English major may choose a minor from within the department:  Dramatic Arts or African-American Literature.

Note: If an English major chooses a major within the department, courses chosen for the major cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the minor and courses chosen for the minor cannot be used to fulfill major requirements.

Transfer credit may be accepted if the courses taken fit satisfactorily into the plan for the major outlined at Winston-Salem State University and if the student meets all the other requirements for transfer students, including the residency requirement (See Undergraduate Degree Requirements).

Requirements for the Major

Foundation Courses	ENG 1305   Thinking and Writing Critically about Literature  or ENG 1315   Black Speculative Fiction of the 20th Century
	ENG 2301    World Literature I
	ENG 2302    World Literature II  or  ENG 2306    Women’s Literature in a Global Context
	ENG 2320   Methods in Cultural Research

 

Breadth Courses	ENG 3302   Advanced Composition
	ENG 3306   British Literature to 1800
	ENG 3311   Studies in African American Literature
	ENG 3313   Studies in American Literature
	ENG 3355    Literacy Criticism
	One course from each category*: A.  Historical Perspectives (One of the following:       ENG 3307  British Literature II      ENG 3368  English Romantic Writers      ENG 3373  Victorian Literature B.  Genre Studies (One of the following:       ENG 3377  Modern Poetry      ENG 3378  Modern Fiction      DRA 3341   Studies in Drama      DRA 4331   Modern Drama

 

Depth/Concentration/ Track Name	Global Literary Studies	Writing Studies
Depth Courses	ENG 3309   The Postcolonial Novel	ENG 4302   Composition Theory and Pedagogy
	ENG 3334   Literature of the African Diaspora	ENG 4303   Writing for Publication
	* Additionally depth course in global literature	* Additional depth course in writing
	ENG 4304   Senior Seminar	ENG 4093   English Internship
	Depth electives: ENG 3347  Topics in Language and Literacy ENG 3350   History of the British Novel ENG 4364  Shakespeare ENG 4346   Independent Study	Depth electives: ENG 4302   Composition Theory and Pedagogy ENG 4303   Writing for Publication ENG 4093   English Internship Depth electives: ENG 3341   Creative Writing ENG 3347   Topics in Language and Literacy ENG 4312   Film Theory and Criticim DRA 3326   Playwriting MCM 3325   Electronic Media Writing ENG 4346   Independent Study