Dr. Adam Wood, Department Head
Room 2109, West Hall
The Department of English offers three tracks that lead to a B. A. degree in English and two programs that lead to an M. A. degree in English. The Department also offers minors in Literature and Language, Journalism, Creative Writing and Contemporary Literature, and Professional Writing.
The tracks in the English Department build upon the basic knowledge, skills, and values provided by the University Core Curriculum while preparing students for a wide range of careers as well as for graduate study in numerous fields. The Literature, Language, and Letters Track offers two paths (literature and creative writing) appropriate for careers that rely upon critical thinking, deep reading, and creative endeavors as well as for graduate study in law, theology, and English. The English Education Track allows students to pursue double majors in English and Secondary Education and graduate with certification to teach as well as a B.A. in English and a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education. The Journalism Track offers three paths (news, magazine, and editing) that prepare students for careers in print journalism, editing, and in-house news writing. Students in every track are encouraged to gain work experience related to their major through internships or the VSU Cooperative Education Program. Each of the English Department’s tracks and paths emphasizes the importance of critical thinking skills; encourages an appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives; and develops a greater understanding of the cognitive, emotive, and aesthetic dimensions of language as an avenue of self-knowledge, cultural understanding, and social responsibility.
Selected Educational Outcomes
Each program in the English Department targets various individual outcomes. All English majors develop the following abilities:
- To explain and analyze literary works within their cultural, historical, and literary contexts.
- To write and speak with clarity, precision, and sophistication.
- To conduct appropriate forms of research and to integrate their findings into coherent works of their own composition.
- To identify the critical and/or rhetorical principles that inform writing and to use them to create written works appropriate to their audience and purpose.
Examples of Outcome Assessments
The English Department assesses its students' ability to meet these outcomes in various ways, including the following:
- An original senior capstone project, supported by an oral presentation.
- An assignment analyzing a literary work within its cultural, historical, and literary contexts.
- An Undergraduate English Major Exit Questionnaire.
English
ENGL 0989. Foundations of ENGL Composition. 3 Hours.
This is the first course in a year-long pathway leading to ENGL 0999 and ENGL 1101 in the second semester.
ENGL 0999. Support for English Composition. 3 Hours.
A course to provide corequisite support for students requiring remediation in English or reading while enrolled in ENGL 1101.
ENGL 1101. Composition I. 3 Hours.
A composition course focusing on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation, and also including introductory use of a variety of research skills. Students will develop analytical and evaluative skills by reading and writing expository and/or argumentative essays.
ENGL 1101H. Honors Composition I. 3 Hours.
An honors-level composition course focusing on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts with emphasis on more advanced forms of critical analysis, exposition, and argumentation/persuasion, and also stressing introductory use of a variety of research skills.
ENGL 1102. Composition II. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101H. A composition course, focusing on writing skills beyond the levels of proficiency required by ENGL 1101 that emphasizes interpretation and evaluation and that incorporates a variety of more advanced research skills. Students will learn to organize and present ideas and information effectively in research essays.
ENGL 1102H. Honors Composition II. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of "C" or better in ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101H. An honors-level composition course focusing on writing skills beyond the levels of proficiency required by ENGL 1102, that emphasized advanced rhetorical strategies and argument/persuasion. The course also stresses, via an array of theme-based studies, more varied forms of interpretation and evaluation and incorporates more advanced research skills than those taught in ENGL 1102.
ENGL 2000. Writing for Teachers. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in ENGL 1101 and 1102. A writing intensive course focusing on the analysis and production of discourse in various genres. Required for Early Childhood Education and Middle Grades Education majors.
ENGL 2010. Writing in the Professions. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102H. An advanced examination of the elements and core skills of writing, with an emphasis on disciplinary rhetoric and style, including usage, diction, grammar, structure, tone, brevity, and clarity.
ENGL 2060. Introduction to Literature. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1102 or 1102H. An introduction to literary studies, focusing on skills in critical reading, writing, and researching about the major genres of literature.
ENGL 2080. Grammar and Style. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in ENGL 1102 or 1102H. An intensive review of English usage and syntax, including a study of selected stylistic principles and their rhetorical effects.
ENGL 2111. World Literature I: The Ancient World. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in ENGL 1102 or 1102H. A study of selected works of literature from the beginning of writing to the end of the 7th to 8th century, C.E., presented in their historical and cultural contexts. This course presents myths, epics, dramas, and prose works from Gilgamesh and Homer to the great traditions of Hebrew, Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Greek, and Roman philosophers who laid the foundation for modern, global thought. The course also examines ancient and classical poetry from around the world.
ENGL 2111H. Honors World Literature I: The Ancient World. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in ENGL 1102 or 1102H. An in-depth and writing-intensive study of selected works of literature and their cultural backgrounds from the beginning of writing to the end of the 7th to 8th century, C.E., presented in their historical and cultural contexts. This course, multicultural and comparative in focus, presents myths, epics, dramas, and prose works from Gilgamesh and Homer to the great traditions of Hebrew, Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Greek, and Roman philosophers who laid the foundation for modern, global thought. The course also examines ancient and classical poetry from around the world.
ENGL 2112. World Literature II: The Age of Discovery. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in ENGL 1102 or 1102H. A study of selected works of world literature from the 8th to the 17th century, C. E., presented in their historical and cultural contexts. This course includes introductions to Medieval and Early Modern worldviews and presents literary works from India, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, and the Americas.
ENGL 2112H. Honors World Literature II: The Age of Discovery. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in ENGL 1102 or 1102H. An in-depth and writing-intensive study of selected works of world literature from the 8th to the 17th century, C. E., presented in their historical and cultural contexts. This course, multicultural and comparative in focus, includes introductions to Medieval and Early Modern worldviews and presents literary works from India, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, and the Americas.
ENGL 2113. World Literature III: The Development of Modern Thought. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in ENGL 1102 or 1102H. A study of selected works of world literature from the 17th century to the present, presented in their historical and cultural contexts. Emphasis will be placed on major trends in the development of modern thought. This course includes introductions to major literary developments in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
ENGL 2113H. Honor World Literature III: The Development of Modern Thought. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in ENGL 1102 or 1102H. An in-depth and writing-intensive study of selected works of literature and their cultural backgrounds from the 17th century to the present, presented in their historical and cultural contexts. Emphasis will be placed on major trends in the development of modern thought. This course, multicultural and comparative in focus, includes introductions to major literary developments in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
ENGL 2131. American Literature I. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102. A survey of American literature from the pre-colonial age to the mid-nineteenth century.
ENGL 2132. American Literature II. 3 Hours.
This course will present a broad overview of American literature from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Students will utilize various critical approaches and reading strategies as they examine important authors and themes of this period. The course will pay special attention to multiple cultures and perspectives. Some of the authors that will be included in this course are Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, Mark Twain, Langston Hughes, Kate Chopin, Maxine Hong, Robert Frost, and Raymond Carver.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102.
For more information on this institution's eCore courses, please see http://www.valdosta.edu/ecore/.
ENGL 2500. Contemporary Literary Magazines: Revision, Editing, and Production. 2 Hours.
A practicum focusing on the content, editing, and production of traditional and electronic contemporary literary magazines. May be repeated for credit.
ENGL 3000. Advanced Descriptive English Grammar. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 2080. An advanced descriptive study of English grammar, including modern (structural and generative) perspectives on word formation, word classes, phrase structures, clause types, and transformations.
ENGL 3010. Professional Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102. An advanced writing course focusing on the elements of effective writing, particularly as they apply to business and the professions.
ENGL 3020. Technical Writing and Editing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102 or 1102H. An advanced writing course focusing on the elements of effective writing and editing for technical and instructional documents, including visuals and Web pages.
ENGL 3030. Writing for the Legal and Social Science Professions. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 or 1102H. An advanced writing course focusing on the strategies used to write clear and effective legal and social science communications including memos, case reports, proposals, and briefs.
ENGL 3040. Digital Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102. A study of composition and rhetoric in 21st century digital environments. Specific subjects covered include social media and website writing/branding, image use, content design, and audiovisual composition.
ENGL 3050. Tutoring English Composition. 1 Hour.
Prerequisites: ENGL 2111 or 2111H, 2112 or 2112H, 2113 or 2113H, or 2060. A review of the principles of English composition with focus on the revision of student writing. Includes instruction in the holistic evaluation and careful rhetorical analysis of student writing, discussion of the proper scope and available avenues of revision, and examination of the use of computers in the writing and revision process. Students will have supervised tutoring experience.
ENGL 3060. Introduction to Criticism and Research. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 2060. An advanced writing and research course, focusing on the interpretation and evaluation of literature as well as on the role and function of criticism in the study of literature.
ENGL 3070. Freelance Writing. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, 2111H, 2112, 2112H, 2113, or 2113H. A practicum focused on querying, pitching, writing, and editing material for a variety of publications. Legal issues, submission tracking, contracts, accounting tips, and networking online an in person will be studied.
ENGL 3110. British Literature I. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A survey of the historical and formal development of British literature through the mid-18th century. Emphasis on major writers and movements as well as on terms relevant to the study of British literature.
ENGL 3120. British Literature II. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A survey of the historical and formal development of British and post-Colonial literature from the late 18th century to the present. Emphasis on major writers and movements as well as on terms relevant to the study of British literature.
ENGL 3210. American Literature I. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A survey of the historical and formal development of pre-1865 American literature, with an emphasis on major writers and movements as well as on terms and concepts relevant to the study of American literature before the Civil War.
ENGL 3215. American Literature II. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A survey of the historical and formal development of American literature from 1865 to the present, with emphasis on major writers and movements as well as on terms and concepts relevant to the study of American literature after the Civil War.
ENGL 3220. Studies in African American Literature. 3 Hours.
Also offered as AFAM 3220. Prerequisite: ENGL 2111 or 2111H, 2112 or 2112H, 2113or 2113H, 2060. A study of selected topics in African-American literature. May be repeated, but only 3 hours may be counted toward distribution requirements for the English major.
ENGL 3225. Introduction to African American Literary Criticism. 3 Hours.
Also offered as AFAM 3225. Prerequisites: ENGL 2111 or 2111H, ENGL 2112 or 2112H, ENGL 2113 or 2113H, ENGL 2060, or permission of the instructor. A study of major voices in African American literary theory. This course emphasizes the development of interpretive frameworks for examining the literature from an African American cultural perspective.
ENGL 3230. Special Topics in African American Literature. 3 Hours.
Also offered as AFAM 3230. Prerequisites: ENGL 2111 or 2111H, ENGL 2112 or 2112H, ENGL 2113 or 2113H, ENGL 2060, or permission of the instructor. Studies in African American literature, focusing on selected topics.
ENGL 3300. Special Studies in Literature. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 2111 or 2111H, 2112 or 2112H, 2113 or 2113H, or 2060. Studies of selected topics in literature.
ENGL 3320. Studies in African Literature. 3 Hours.
Also offered as AFAM 3320. Prerequisite: ENGL 2111 or 2111H, 2112 or 2112H, 2113 or 2113H, or 2060. A study of selected topics in African literature. May be repeated, but only 3 hours may be counted towards distribution requirements for the English major.
ENGL 3330. Studies in Women and Literature. 3 Hours.
Also offered as WGST 3330. Prerequisite: ENGL 2111 or 2111H, 2112 or 2112H, 2113 or 2113H, or 2060. An examination of selected topics in literature by or about women.
ENGL 3340. Topics in Diversity. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of literature focusing on key figures and themes related to diversity.
ENGL 3400. Introduction to Creative Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 2111 or ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112 or ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113 or ENGL 2113H, or ENGL 2060. An introduction to the stylistic conventions and techniques of poetry and prose. The course also emphasizes techniques of literary invention and offers a brief exposure to the analysis and critique of peer texts.
ENGL 3420. Intro to Creative Non-Fiction. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 3400. An introduction to non-fiction writing which employs a variety of literary techniques common in literary journalism and fiction writing. Students will read model texts and further develop workshop and revision techniques in order to produce a carefully revised piece of their own non-fiction.
ENGL 3440. Poetry Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 3400. A study of poetic technique beyond the fundamentals introduced in ENGL 3400. The course emphasizes prosody and poetic forms, both prescribed and organic. Students receive further training in workshop techniques via the analysis of poems produced by members of the class.
ENGL 3460. Fiction Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: ENGL 3400. A craft-oriented course devoted to the genre of the modern short story. Students will study classic stories by writers such as Chekhov, Maupassant, O'Connor, and more recent award-winning writers as well as undertaking exercises in technique and producing at least two stories of their own.
ENGL 4110. Studies in British Literature to 1500. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of medieval literature, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4120. Studies in British Literature 1500-1660. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of British literature of the Renaissance period, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4130. Studies in British Literature 1660-1800. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of British literature of the Restoration and 18th century, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4140. Studies in British Literature: The Romantics. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of British literature of the Romantic period, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and /or themes.
ENGL 4145. Studies in British Literature: The Victorians. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of British literature of the Victorian period, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and /or themes.
ENGL 4150. Studies in British Literature 1910-1968. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of British literature from 1910-1968, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4160. Studies in British Literature since 1968. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of British literature since 1968, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and or themes.
ENGL 4210. Studies in American Literature to 1800. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of the literature of America from its beginning to 1800, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4220. Studies in American Literature 1800-1865. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of the literature of America from 1800 to 1865, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4230. Studies in American Literature 1865-1914. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of literature of America from 1865 to 1914, focusing major works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4240. Studies in American Literature 1914-1945. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of literature of the Americas from 1914 to 1945, focusing on major works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4250. Studies in American Literature since 1945. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of literature of the Americas after World War II, focusing on major contemporary works, figures (three or more), and/or themes.
ENGL 4300. Special Topics in Literature. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. Studies of literature focusing on selected topics.
ENGL 4310. Studies in Major Writers. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of the interrelationship of the life and works of one or at most two major figures in literature.
ENGL 4320. Studies in Poetry. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A focused study of selected poetic works, with special emphasis on employing the tools of literary and critical analysis.
ENGL 4330. Studies in Narrative. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A focused study of selected works of narrative (fiction and/or non-fiction), with special emphasis on employing the tools of literary and critical analysis.
ENGL 4340. Studies in Drama. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A focused study of drama, with special emphasis on employing the tools of literary and critical analysis.
ENGL 4350. Studies in Criticism/Theory. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. Topics in literary theory.
ENGL 4360. Special Topics in Language and Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. Studies of language or writing focusing on selected topics.
ENGL 4410. Genre Form and Theory. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of formal and theoretical elements of 20th and 21st century Anglophone literary genres. The course will focus on the study of contemporary examples of genre, along with reflections on form and craft.
ENGL 4420. Narrative: Form and Theory. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite or corequisite: ENGL 3060. A study of key formal and theoretical elements in 20th and 21st century Anglophone fiction and fiction in translation. The course will emphasize the novel as genre, with a reflection on craft and narrative history and analysis.
ENGL 4440. Advanced Poetry Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A workshop-intensive course emphasing technical analysis of poems produced by members of the class. The course also emphasizes the application of various aesthetic theories, and students will articulate their own poetics. Repeatable once for credit.
ENGL 4460. Advanced Fiction Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A workshop-intensive course in fiction writing. Students will produce their own work and study narrative alternatives and storytelling strategies. Students will also read book-length story collections and/or novels and write stylistic analyses of a major contemporary writer. Repeatable once for credit.
ENGL 4480. Advanced Creative Nonfiction. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: C or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. An advanced, workshop-intensive course in creative nonfiction employing a variety of literary techniques common in contemporary creative writing. Repeatable once of credit.
ENGL 4500. Publishing Academic Journals. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, 2111H, 2112, 2112H, 2113, 2113H. A study of the theory and practice of editing an academic journal. Specific topics include peer review, open access and digital publishing, and he role of publication in academia. Students will also produce a new volume of VSU's undergraduate research journal Omnino.
ENGL 4600. Narrative at Work. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, 2111H, 2112, 2112H, 2113, or 2113H. An examination of narrative as a rhetorical strategy in professional writing.
ENGL 4610. History of the English Language. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of the origins and development of the English language.
ENGL 4620. Survey of the History of Rhetoric. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of rhetorical theory and its major figures from the classical period to the present.
ENGL 4630. Advanced Professional Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: C or better in ENGL 3010 or permission of the instructor. A study and application of principles and methods relevant to the development and management of advanced writing projects.
ENGL 4640. Studies in Composition Theory. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2080, ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of the theory and practice of composition pedagogy, including crafting assignments; planning, drafting, and revising texts; and evaluating student writing.
ENGL 4700. Directed Study. 1-3 Hours.
Prerequisite or corequisite: ENGL 3060. Individualized studies in selected areas of language and literature, the amount of credit depending upon the requirements. Permission to enroll must be secured from the instructor.
ENGL 4800. Internship in English. 3-12 Hours.
Prerequisite or corequisite: ENGL 3060. Graded “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.” Supervised work involving writing, for example, in a law office, an agency, a publishing company, or a business. The amount of credit depends upon the requirements. Permission to enroll must be secured from the adviser and the Department Head.
ENGL 4900. Senior Seminar. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite or corequisite: senior standing and ENGL 3060. A capstone course, focused on selected topics and projects appropriate to the students’ track, designed to help students synthesize their knowledge and reinforce the skills they have acquired as English majors.
For additional offerings in the Department of English, see English as a Second Language (ENSL), Creative Writing and Contemporary Literature (CWCL), Journalism (JOUR), and Linguistics (LING).
Journalism
JOUR 2500. Journalism Newspaper Seminar. 1-2 Hours.
A practicum for students involved in newspaper production. Content, editing, and production (traditional and electro- nic) will be addressed. In order to register for two hours, students must have already completed one semester of JOUR 2500. May be repeated for credit.
JOUR 2510. Journalism Magazine Seminar. 2 Hours.
A practicum for students involved in the production of non-literary magazines and journals. Content, editing, and production (traditional and electronic) will be addressed. May be repeated for credit.
JOUR 3080. Editing for Publications. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 2110 or 2110H or 2120 or 2120H or 2130 or 2130H or 2080. A study of the theory and practice of editing for publications. Topics include grammar and usage as well as practical rhetorical analysis to ensure effective communication. Students will be taught fundamental approaches to editing and practical editing techniques.
JOUR 3500. Introduction to Journalism. 3 Hours.
A survey of the development, function, and philosophy of journalism with an emphasis on contemporary attitudes, practices, and problems.
JOUR 3510. News Writing. 3 Hours.
A basic course in writing and reporting for newspapers, with application to other mass communication media. The course acquaints students with the theoretical background and prac- tical experience necessary for them to function effectively in journalistically related fields (newsletter writing, bus- iness writing, public relations).
JOUR 3520. Essential Reporting Skills. 1-2 Hours.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: JOUR 3510. A study of practical reporting skills for gathering and presenting information, including basic math, fact-checking techniques, interviewing, speed writing, and radio and television formats Students taking this course for the second hour will learn Web presentation skills for reporting news.
JOUR 3530. Special Topics in Journalism. 3 Hours.
Selected subjects of interest in journalism.
JOUR 3540. The Law and Journalism. 3 Hours.
A broad application of the principles of law to the mass media with emphasis on the print media. Topics including libel, privacy, obscenity, and free press-fair trial will be covered.
JOUR 3560. Contemporary American Magazines. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A survey of contemporary American magazines and their role in society. The course focuses on writing for specific aud- iences, interpreting policy and influence, resolving ethical questions, and reviewing production processes.
JOUR 3570. Photojournalism. 3 Hours.
A basic course in the principles of news photography. This course will provide students with the fundamental and practical skills needed to photograph news events for newspapers and magazines for both print and online use.
JOUR 4500. Document Design. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 2060 or ENGL 2080, or permission of instructor. A study of the theory of layout and design, including editorial decision-making, photo editing, and production technology for print and on-line media.
JOUR 4510. Feature Writing. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A study of the the- ory and practice of writing a variety of features for news- papers and magazines, with emphasis on intensive research, interviews, use of statistics, and the organization of long articles.
JOUR 4520. Literary Journalism. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: ENGL 2060 or ENGL 2080, JOUR 3510, or permission of instructor. A study of the theory and practice of applying fiction techniques to journalistic fact. The course will explore the relationship between literature and journalism, especially in terms of style and subject matter.
JOUR 4530. Editorial, Column, and Review Writing. 3 Hours.
A study of the theory and practice of writing editorials, columns, and reviews.
JOUR 4540. Journalism in the Digital Age. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: JOUR 3510 or permission of instructor. A study of journalistic writing and reporting techniques in the digital age, focusing on the Internet as a reporting tool, computer-assisted reporting, and methods to write effectively for online presentation.
JOUR 4550. Reporting. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: JOUR 3510. An advanced course in reporting for the media. Emphasis will be on learning to cope with spe- cialized, often highly technical or complex information. Students will learn the fundamentals of covering local government, law enforcement, and the courts and will deal with the controversial issues of our time.
JOUR 4560. The Converged Newsroom. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: JOUR 3510 and JOUR 3520. A study of the theory and practice of journalistic convergence for multiple media outlets, specifically emphasizing the production of written and related material suitable for converged media.
JOUR 4570. Introduction to Sportswriting. 3 Hours.
A study of the theory and practice of writing and reporting on sports for newspapers, magazines, and on-line publications. The course will focus on the techniques of sports coverage, and the history of sports journalism and today's sports media culture.
JOUR 4700. Directed Study in Journalism. 1-3 Hours.
Prerequisite: JOUR 3510. Study in an area or subject not normally found in established courses offered by the department. Permission of advisor, instructor, and department head required. Forms must be completed before registration. May be repeated for credit.
JOUR 4800. Internship in Journalism. 3-12 Hours.
Supervised work at a newspaper, magazine, or related public- ation (traditional or online format). The amount of credit depends on the work requirements. Permission to enroll must be secured from the advisor and the department head at least one semester in advance of registration. Graded S/U.
Linguistics
LING 4000. Principles of Language Study. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2060, ENGL 2080, ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of the nature, structure, and diversity of language, including English phonology (sounds), morphology (word formation), syntax (sentence structure), and semantics (meaning) contrasted with features of other selected languages and applied to fields such as literary study, written communication, and language acquisition.
LING 4160. Language in Society. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in one of the following: ENGL 2060, ENGL 2080, ENGL 2111, ENGL 2111H, ENGL 2112, ENGL 2112H, ENGL 2113, or ENGL 2113H. A study of the nature of language and its use in society, including psychological and sociocultural variables in conversation, language varieties, multilingualism, world Englishes, and the development of language policy.
