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The English Major

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Programs Offered
English
Literature
Writing Studies

Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts in English

A major in English involves the study of literature and the developing of writing skills, in order to help you understand yourself and others, and improve the communication of ideas. If you enjoy reading, have a flair for language and like to write, or just want to learn more about what writers of the past and present have expressed about human experience, you will find majoring in English appealing. ENC's English Department emphasizes a strong liberal arts curriculum, while at the same time developing your background in literature and improving your writing skills.

The English major from ENC will prepare students for a variety of careers including teaching in both elementary and secondary schools, law, the ministry, business, journalism and other kinds of writing. The major is particularly strong for those who enjoy creative writing. Students may concentrate their studies in literature or writing.

In addition to the Liberal Arts Core, the basic requirement is a minimum of thirty credit hours in the Literature Track or the Writing Studies Track.  Students will select courses for their programs as follows:

Degree Requirements
Literature Track
  1. Required courses:
      EN211 Linguistics
      EN210 Approaches to Literature
      EN493A Senior Thesis

  2. Take at least two 200 level survey courses (one in British Literature and one in American Literature).
      Choose one of the following:

      EN223 British Literature I
      EN224 British Literature II

      Choose one of the following:

      EN221 American Literature I
      EN222 American Literature II

  3. Must have explored at least four periods of literature:
      British Literature, pre-1700 (Medieval and Renaissance)
      British Literature, 1700-1900 (Enlightenment, Romantic, Victorian)
      British Literature, 20th Century (Modern and Post-Modern)
      American Literature, pre-1850
      American Literature, post-1850

  4. Must have explored at least four of the following genres:
      Novel
      Short Story
      Poetry
      Drama
      Nonfiction
      Prose

  5. One writing course from the following categories:
      Journalism
      Creative Writing
      Professional Writing

  6. Must take at least one upper-level seminar during junior or senior year.

Writing Studies Track
  1. Required courses:
      EN211 Linguistics
      EN210 Approaches to Literature
      EN125 Modern Grammar
      EN493A Senior Thesis

  2. Choose one of the following:
      EN223 British Literature I
      EN224 British Literature II
      EN499 Seminar in Literature with British focus

  3. Choose one of the following:
      EN221 American Literature I
      EN222 American Literature II
      EN499 Seminar in Literature with American focus

  4. Students must take four writing electives, one from each category and one in main area of interest:

      Journalism
      EN215 Writing for the News Media
      EN315 Print Journalism
      Journalism Course/Special Topic

      Creative Writing
      EN212 Writing Autobiography
      EN312 Creative Writing
      EN362 Writing for Stage and Screen
      EN411 Writing Children's Literature
      EN414 Poetry Writing Workshop

      Professional Writing
      EN311 Advanced Writing
      EN314 Writing for the Professions
      EN362 Writing for the Popular Market

      Other Electives -- Students must choose one of the following:
      EN494 Editing/Publishing
      EN495 Theory to Practice: Teaching Composition
      EN496 Theory to Practice: Teaching Reading
      EN497 Theory to Practice: Teaching Literature
      EN498 Theory to Practice: Public Relations
      EN499 Elective Seminar in Literature - Choice of genre or period.

World Literature is basic to the English major and students should have taken this course before beginning upper division courses. Advanced Placement scores cannot be used to waive CP240 for majors in the department, but can count toward the ten courses for the major after consultation with the department chair.

All majors must pass a senior oral comprehensive examination and complete a senior thesis.

Praxis, co-ops, or internships may be completed beyond the requirements for the major.

A student may take both the Literature Track and the Writing Studies Track.


Minor in English

Students may have a minor in English by completing five courses in the English curriculum not including freshman writing courses and World Literature. It is recommended that one of the five courses be EN201 Approaches to Literature.

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English Department | Literature and Writing Studies
Eastern Nazarene College | 23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, Massachusetts 02170 
Phone: 617-745-3843 | email: English Department Head