Course Descriptions
for English

Course Descriptions


ENG 146, ADVANCED COMPOSITION, 4 credits
Review of grammatical principles and mechanics, to encourage correct writing in individual styles. Emphasis on exploration, discovery, and creation through language.

ENG 150, WRITERS’ WORKSHOP, 4 credits. In an atmosphere free of tension and rigid regulations, Writers’ Workshop aims to provide an outlet for creativity under the supervision of a skilled writer or Instructor whose training and interest permit service as a mentor for aspiring younger writers. May be taken by any interested student.

ENG 180, STUDIES IN LITERATURE, 4 credits
Exploration of major authors and ideas in literature. Topics will vary from semester to semester. This course is available to all students, regardless of class standing or major. Course may be repeated without penalty.

ENG 220, SURVEY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE, 4 credits
A historical survey of the main currents in American literature from the pre-colonial period to the present. Students will be exposed to the traditional canon as well as to texts by those who have previously been excluded from that canon, such as female and minority writers.

ENG 222, AMERICAN LITERATURE–FIGURE, 4 credits
An opportunity to explore a major American literacy figure (or perhaps two or three) in depth. Reading will include the primary texts by that figure (or figures) as well as biographical and critical materials. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite:  ENG 220 or consent of Instructor.

ENG 224,  AMERICAN LITERATURE–PERIOD, 4 credits
An opportunity to explore a period of American literature in depth. Periods could be as long as a century or as short as a decade. Readings will include historical background to the era under study as well as primary texts. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite:  ENG 220 or consent of Instructor.

ENG 226, AMERICAN LITERATURE–GENRE, 4 credits
An opportunity to explore an American literary genre in depth. Genres could be as general as “The American Novel” or “American Drama,” or they could be as specific as “American Detective Fiction” or “The American Long Poem.” Exact topics will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: ENG 220 or consent of Instructor.

ENG 240, WOMEN AND LITERATURE, 4 credits
An exploration of the concerns and images of women in literature with possible emphasis on genre, period, ethnic group, or individual writer.

ENG 265, SHAKESPEARE, 4 credits
Survey of major Shakespearean plays and poetry, aiming to develop a meaningful reading of Shakespeare, familiarity with the method and matter of a great mind, and an understanding of the poet’s effect on his own and all ages.

ENG 275, AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE, 4 credits
The African American literary record from Phyllis Wheatley to the present; the short story, novel, drama, folk literature, poetry, essays, letters, and biography. The approach is chronological and emphasizes the effects of social history upon the thinking of African Americans specifically and Americans in general.

ENG 276, THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE, 4 credits
The Harlem Renaissance of the twenties as defined and represented by African American authors such as Arna Bontemps, Sterling Brown, Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Nella Larsen, Jean Toomer, and Wallace Thurman.

ENG 280, SEMINAR, 4 credits
Designed to allow faculty and students to explore topics of special interest, the seminars may explore varied topics such as masterpieces of world literature, the African American experience as reflected in literature and folklore, and other areas of faculty members’ choosing. The seminar may be taken more than once for credit as topics change from term to term–though English majors are reminded of the need to keep total hours within the prescribed limit for courses in the Department.

ENG 330, SURVEY OF BRITISH LITERATURE, 4 credits
An overview of the major British writers and texts from the Old English period to the Modern.

ENG 332,  BRITISH LITERATURE–FIGURE, 4 credits
A close analysis of the works of one significant figure (excluding Shakespeare) in the history of British literature and works of those closely associated with him or her. Prerequisite:  ENG 330 or consent of Instructor.

ENG 334, BRITISH LITERATURE–PERIOD, 4 credits
An in-depth analysis of the writers and texts from one period in the history of British Literature: Old English, Middle English, Renaissance, Restoration, Romantic, Victorian, Modern, and Contemporary. Prerequisite:  ENG 330 or consent of Instructor.

ENG 336, BRITISH LITERATURE–GENRE, 4 credits
An in-depth analysis of one of the major genres as it developed throughout the history of British Literature: drama, poetry, and fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 330 or consent of Instructor.

ENG 480, SENIOR SEMINAR: 4 credits
The course is suggested for all majors to further develop and strengthen their writing and analytical skills. Students will also discuss, write and critically address the humanities and other disciplines as crucial components of formulating, expressing, and developing ideas.  From this, a broader understanding of the scope of opportunities open to graduates with sound writing and literacy skills may be realized. One primary aspect of the course requires each student to present original research within the areas of the humanities [art, music and religion etc.] and student interest will determine the readings for the class. Prerequisite:  Senior status or by permission of the department.