English

253.535.7295

www.plu.edu/english/

Foreign Language Requirement

All English majors must complete at least two years of a foreign language at the university level, or the equivalent (see College of Arts and Sciences Foreign Language Requirements, Option I).

Courses offered through correspondence, on-line, and independent studies are not accepted to meet the literature requirement.

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
Major in English (Emphasis on Literature)

At least 36 and up to 44 semester hours in English (excluding WRIT 101) with at least 20 hours upper division, distributed as follows:

ENGL 300: English Studies Seminar

4 semester hours

Required for all English majors. Must be taken before (not concurrently with) Senior Capstone (ENGL 451 or 452). Students are recommended to take ENGL 300 in their sophomore or junior year.
Historical Surveys and Topics

16 semester hours; four from each of Lines 1 to 4 below
- Line 1: Early
  - ENGL 301:Shakespeare
  - ENGL 351: Medieval Literature
  - ENGL 353: Renaissance Literature
  - ENGL 355: Special Topics in Literature Before 1660
- Line 2: Middle
  - ENGL 361: British Literature, 1660-1800
  - ENGL 362: British Literature, 1800-1914
  - ENGL 365: Special Topics in Literature Before 1914
  - ENGL 371: American Literature Before 1860
  - ENGL 372: American Literature, 1860-1914
- Line 3: Late
  - ENGL 363: British Literature, 1914-1945
  - ENGL 364: British Literature, 1945 to the Present
  - ENGL 373: American Literature, 1914-1945
  - ENGL 374: American Literature, 1945 to the Present
  - ENGL 375: Special Topics in Literature, 1914 to the Present
- Line 4: Literature and Difference
  - ENGL 341: Feminist Approaches to Literature
  - ENGL 342: American Ethnic Literatures
  - ENGL 343: Post-colonial Literature and Theory
  - ENGL 345: Special Topics in Literature and Difference
Electives

8 to 16 semester hours

Any English-designed course: literature, writing, or publishing printing arts
Writing

4 semester hours

Any writing course from the 200-400 levels
Capstone Senior Seminar

4 semester hours

Prerequisite is ENGL 300. The capstone seminar, generally taken in the senior year, includes a capstone presentation consistent with the general university requirements. Students generally must select from appropriate 400-level course taken in the senior year.
- ENGL 451: Seminar – Major Authors
- ENGL 452: Seminar – Theme, Genre

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
Major in English (Emphasis on Writing)

At least 36 and up to 44 semester hours in English (excluding WRIT 101) with at least 20 semester hours upper division, distributed as follows:

ENGL 300: English Studies Seminar

4 semester hours

Required for all English majors. Must be taken before (not concurrently with) the Senior Capstone (ENGL 425, 427 or 429). Students are recommended to take ENGL 300 in their sophomore or junior year
Genres and Practices

16 semester hours, taken from 3 out of the 4 lines below, with at least 8 hours upper division
- Line 1: Creative Nonfiction
  - ENGL 225: Autobiographical Writing
  - ENGL 222, 322: Travel Writing
  - ENGL 325: Personal Essay
  - ENGL 385: Special Topics in Creative Nonfiction
- Line 2: Poetry and Fiction
  - ENGL 227: Introduction to Poetry and Fiction
  - ENGL 326: Writing for Children
  - ENGL 327: Intermediate Poetry Writing
    (Prerequisite: ENGL 227 or instructor approval)
  - ENGL 329: Intermediate Fiction Writing
    (Prerequisite: ENGL 227 or instructor approval)
- Line 3: History and Theory
  - ENGL 311: The Book in Society
  - ENGL 328: Theories of Reading and Writing
  - ENGL 387: Topics in Rhetoric, Writing, and Culture
  - ENGL 393: The English Language
  - ENGL 399: Critical Theory
- Line 4: Writing in Specific Contexts
  - ENGL 221: Research and Writing
  - ENGL 312: Publishing Procedures
  - ENGL 323: Writing for Professional and Public Settings
  - ENGL 324: Freelance Writing
Electives

4 to 12 semester hours

Any English designated courses: literature, writing, or publishing and printing arts.
Literature

8 semester hours, with at least 4 hours upper division

Students are encouraged to take literature courses which contribute to their goals as writers, and which expand their experience with the history and genres of writing.
Capstone Senior Seminar

4 semester hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 300, plus courses specified below. The Capstone seminar, generally taken in the senior year, includes a capstone presentation consistent with the general university requirements. Students must select from the following courses:
- ENGL 425: Seminar: Nonfiction Writing (Prerequisite: A 300-level course from line 1, 3, or 4)
- ENGL 427: Seminar: Poetry Writing (Prerequisite: ENGL 327)
- ENGL 429: Seminar: Fiction Writing (Prerequisite: ENGL 329)

MINORS

Children’s Literature and Culture
20 semester hours, including:

CHLC 336, ENGL 235, 334

In addition, two elective courses (8 semester hours selected from the following list):

CLAS 350; EDUC 205, 385, 428; ENGL 326*, 335; PSYC 101, 320, 420; SCAN 241.

*Note: ENGL 326 has prerequisites: ENGL 235, ENGL 227, or its equivalent or consent of instructor.

When including at least one substantial project relating to childhood and youth, the following courses may also be used for the minor. Should a student wish to complete one or more of these options as a CHLC elective in a given semester, she/he must receive approval from the course instructor and the CHLC advisor before the end of the semester’s drop/add period: ARTD 101 110, 201, 210; COMA 301, 401; ENGL 311/COMA 321; MUSI 101.

Selected internship programs, regularly offered courses taught with a childhood/youth theme, and special topics courses may be included in the minor program with approval of the CHLC advisor and the faculty member teaching the affected course.

Up to 2 courses (8 semester hours) may be counted toward both a Children’s Literature and Culture minor and another minor or major.

Literature
20 semester hours (excluding WRIT 101), distributed as follows:

4 semester hours of Shakespeare
8 semester hours from Historical Surveys and Topics (see Literature Major Requirements)
8 semester hours of electives

Writing
20 semester hours (excluding WRIT 101), with at least 12 semester hours in upper-division courses, distributed as follows:

12 semester hours in writing
4 semester hours in literature
4 semester hours of electives

Publishing and Printing Arts
24 semester hours.
See separate listing under Publishing and Printing Arts.

PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS

Students preparing to teach English in secondary schools should arrange for an advisor in both English and Education. Please also see the Department of Education section of this catalog.

Secondary Education

Students preparing to teach in junior or senior high school may earn either a Bachelor of Arts in English with Certification from the Department of Education in the School of Education and Kinesiology or a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a teaching major in English. See course requirements in the Department of Education. The English major with an emphasis in literature and the English major with an emphasis in writing may both be pursued by prospective teachers. Secondary education students must fulfill all requirements for the English major: Option I of the Foreign Language Requirements (2 years of a foreign language at the university level or the equivalent); at least 36 and no more than 44 semester hours in English; and all the specific requirements for the major either in literature or in writing. State certification for teachers also mandates the following requirements, which are an overlay to the major. Courses taken to satisfy the major can also be courses that satisfy the state certification requirements.

English literature: one course
American literature: one course
Comparative literature: one course (ENGL 214, 216, 217, 232, 233, 341, 343, appropriate seminar)
Linguistics or structure of language: one course (ENGL 393)
Writing/Composition: one course (ENGL 328 is especially recommended)

Prospective teachers may take EDUC 529: Reading and Writing Across the Secondary Curriculum as an elective in the English major.

Elementary Education

Students preparing to teach in elementary schools following the Language Arts curriculum, must take 24 semester hours minimum in English, and are advised to follow the structure of the English major in satisfying state certification requirements. Consult your advisor in the Department of Education.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Low Residency): Go to the Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate section of this catalog.

English (ENGL) Undergraduate-Level Courses

ENGL 190 : FYEP190: Inquiry Seminar

A four-credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)

ENGL 213 : Topics in Literature: Themes and Authors - LT

A variable-content course that focuses on the act of reading and interpreting texts. (4)

ENGL 214 : Introduction to Major Literary Genres - LT

Introduction to one or more of the major literary genres (fiction, poetry or drama). Focus of course varies with instructor and term. May be taken more than once for credit with approval of department chair. (4)

ENGL 216 : Topics in Literature: Emphasis on Cross Cultural Perspectives - C, LT

A variable-content course that focuses on literature from non-Euro-American societies. Because course topics may vary considerably, course may be repeated for credit with approval of department chair. (4)

ENGL 217 : Topics in Literature: Emphasis on Alternative Perspectives - A, LT

A variable-content course that focuses on literature that fosters an awareness and understanding of diversity in the United States. Courses may be repeated for credit with approval of department chair. (4)

ENGL 221 : Research and Writing - WR

Strategies for writing academic research papers are practiced, including developing appropriate research topics, locating and using a variety of relevant sources, substantiating generalizations, and using paraphrase and citation accurately. (2 or 4)

ENGL 222 : Travel Writing - WR

Writing about travel, while traveling or upon return. Students keep travel journals, produce short travel essays, and read selected travel writers. (4)

ENGL 225 : Autobiographical Writing - WR

Reading autobiography and writing parts of one's own, with an emphasis on how writing style and personal identity complement each other. (4)

ENGL 227 : Introduction to Poetry and Fiction - WR

A beginning workshop in writing poetry or short fiction. Includes a study of techniques and forms to develop critical standards and an understanding of the writing process. Prerequisite: WRIT 101 or its equivalent, Advanced Placement, or consent of instructor. (4)

ENGL 231 : Masterpieces of European Literature - LT

Representative works of classical, medieval, and early Renaissance literature. Cross-listed with CLAS 231. (4)

ENGL 232 : Women's Literature - A, LT

An introduction to fiction, poetry, and other literatures by women writers. Includes an exploration of women's ways of reading and writing. (4)

ENGL 233 : Post-Colonial Literature - C, LT

Writers from Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the Caribbean confront the legacy of colonialism from an insider's perspective. Emphasis on fiction. (4)

ENGL 234 : Environmental Literature - LT

Examines representations of nature in literature, and the ways in which humans define themselves and their relationship with nature through those representations. Focuses on major texts from various cultures and historical periods. Includes poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. (4)

ENGL 235 : Children's Literature - LT

An introduction to the critical reading of picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction for young readers, addressing historical and cultural contexts. (4)

ENGL 241 : American Traditions in Literature - LT

Selected themes that distinguish American literature from British traditions, from colonial or early national roots to current branches: for example, confronting the divine, inventing selfhood, coping with racism. (4)

ENGL 251 : British Traditions in Literature - LT

Selected themes that define British literature as one of the great literatures of the world, from Anglo-Saxon origins to post-modern rebellions: for example, identity, society, and God; love and desire; industry, science, and culture. (4)

ENGL 287 : Special Topics in English

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ENGL 288 : Special Topics in English

ENGL 289 : Special Topics in English

ENGL 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

ENGL 300 : English Studies Seminar

A variable-content seminar (theme selected by instructor) focusing on the imaginative, critical, and social power of reading and writing. Students will read and write in a variety of genres, engage criticism and theory, and reflect on the broad question of why reading and writing matter. Required for all English majors before taking senior seminar. Strongly recommended for sophomore year or fall semester of junior year. (4)

ENGL 301 : Shakespeare - LT

Study of representative works of the great poet as a central figure in the canon of English literature. (4)

ENGL 311 : The Book in Society

A critical study of the history of book culture and the role of books in modern society. Cross-listed with COMA 321. (4)

ENGL 312 : Publishing Procedures

A workshop introduction to the world of book publishing, involving students in decisions about what to publish and how to produce it. Cross-listed with COMA 322. (4)

ENGL 313 : The Art of the Book I - AR

This studio course explores the history, aesthetics, and creative dimensions of book design and typography. Cross-listed with ARTD 315. Requires permission from the Printing and Publishing Arts director in the Department of English and instructor. (4)

ENGL 314 : Art of the Book II

Individual projects to explore further typography and fine bookmaking. (4)

ENGL 322 : Travel Writing

Writing about travel, while traveling or upon return. Students keep travel journals, produce short travel essays, and read selected travel writers. (4)

ENGL 323 : Writing in Professional and Public Settings - WR

Students working in professional settings analyze the rhetorical demands of their job-related writing. (4)

ENGL 324 : Free-Lance Writing - WR

A workshop in writing for publication, with primary emphasis on the feature article. (4)

ENGL 325 : Personal Essay - WR

Students write essays on topics of their choice, working particularly on voice and style. (4)

ENGL 326 : Writing for Children - WR

A workshop in writing fiction and non-fiction for children and teenagers, with an introduction to the varieties of contemporary children's literature. Prerequisite: ENGL 235, ENGL 227 or its equivalent, or consent of instructor. (4)

ENGL 327 : Intermediate Poetry Writing

An intermediate-level workshop that focuses on the analysis and writing of poems. Prerequisite: ENGL 227. (4)

ENGL 328 : Theories of Reading and Writing - WR

Students are introduced to philosophical, social, and pragmatic issues confronting teachers of writing. Required for certification by the School of Education and Movement Studies. (4)

ENGL 329 : Intermediate Fiction Writing WR

An intermediate-level workshop that focuses on the analysis and writing of fiction. Prerequisite: ENGL 227. (4)

ENGL 334 : Special Topics in Children's Literature - LT

Content varies each year. Possible topics include genres, themes, historical periods, and traditions. May be repeated for credit with different topic. (4)

ENGL 335 : Fairy Tales and Fantasy - LT

Fairy tales are told and interpreted; interpretive models and theories from several psychological traditions are explored. Fantasy is looked at both as image and as story. (4)

ENGL 341 : Feminist Approaches to Literature - A, LT

Introduction to a variety of feminisms in contemporary theory as frameworks for reading feminist literature and for approaching traditional literature from feminist positions. (4)

ENGL 342 : American Ethnic Literatures - A, LT

Attention to literatures and popular traditions of America's ethnic communities. Includes African and Asian Americans, Native Americans and Latino/as. (4)

ENGL 343 : Post Colonial Literature and Theory - C, LT

Introduces perspectives of post-colonial theorists as a framework for understanding the relationship of colonialism and its legacies to the works of writers from Africa, the Caribbean, and other ex-colonial territories. (4)

ENGL 345 : Special Topics in Literature and Difference - A or C, LT

A variable-content course, focusing on specific authors, themes, genres, or historical periods in literatures in English written by marginalized or under-represented groups. May be repeated for credit with approval of department chair. (4)

ENGL 351 : English Medieval Literature - LT

A survey of the first two periods of English literature: Old English, including the epic Beowulf, and Middle English, ranging from the romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to the beginnings of English drama in Everyman. (4)

ENGL 353 : Renaissance Literature - LT

Studies the Golden Age of English literature. Selected poets from Wyatt to Marvell, including Sidney, Spenser, Shakespeare, Donne, and Jonson; selected playwrights from Kyd to Webster; selected prose from More to Bacon and Browne. (4)

ENGL 355 : Special Topics in Literature Before 1660 - LT

A variable-content course, focusing on specific authors, themes, genres, or historical periods in literature written before 1660. May be repeated for credit with approval of department chair. (4)

ENGL 361 : British Literature 1660-1800 - LT

Surveys the lively drama, neoclassical poetry, gothic fiction, and early novel of a period marked by religious controversy and philosophical optimism. (4)

ENGL 362 : British Literature 1800-1914 - LT

A survey of the richly varied writers of 19th-century England seen in the context of a rapidly changing social reality-from romantic revolutionaries and dreamers to earnest cultural critics and myth-makers. (4)

ENGL 363 : British Literature, 1914-1945 - LT

A survey of major developments in British literatures from 1914 to 1945. Includes focus on modernism and literatures of the two world wars. (4)

ENGL 364 : British Literature, 1945 to the Present - LT

A survey of major developments in British literatures from 1945 to the present. Includes focus on postmodernism and post colonialism. (4)

ENGL 365 : Special Topics in Literature Before 1914 - LT

A variable-content course, focusing on specific authors, themes, genres, or historical periods in Anglophone literatures written between 1608 and 1914. May be repeated for credit with approval of department chair. (4)

ENGL 371 : American Literature Before 1860 - LT

A survey of major developments in American literature, from the initial contact between European colonists and Native Americans, to the American Civil War. Focus includes colonial literature, early federal period, romanticism and transcendentalism, and literature of the sectional crisis over slavery. (4)

ENGL 372 : American Literature, 1860-1914 - LT

A survey of major developments in American Literature between the end of the Civil War and the outbreak of World War I. Focus includes major movements, such as realism and naturalism. (4)

ENGL 373 : American Literature, 1914-1945 - LT

A survey of major developments in American literature between 1914 and 1945. Focus includes modernism, the Harlem Renaissance, and literatures of the two world wars and the Great Depression. (4)

ENGL 374 : American Literature, 1945 to Present - LT

A survey of major developments in American literature between 1945 to present. Includes focus on postmodernism, and major authors and forms both conventional and experimental. (4)

ENGL 375 : Special Topics in Literature, 1914 to Present - LT

A variable-content course, focusing on specific authors, themes, genres, or historical periods in Anglophone literatures written since 1914. May be repeated for credit with approval of department chair. (4)

ENGL 385 : Special Topics in Creative Nonfiction

An open-topic course focusing on a specific subgenre of or topic in nonfiction prose writing. Possible topics might include the lyric essay, memoir, biography, environmental writing, social justice writing, etc. May be repeated for credit with approval of department chair. (4)

ENGL 387 : Topics in Rhetoric, Writing and Culture

Provides writers with a grounding in Rhetoric, the art of shaping discourse to respond to cultural context and to produce cultural and social effects. Strategies for generating discourse, appealing to audiences, and crafting a style will be studied in light of their historical origins, theoretical assumptions, social and ethical implications, and practical utility. Recommended for writing majors. (4)

ENGL 388 : Special Topics in English

ENGL 389 : Special Topics in English

ENGL 393 : The English Language

Studies in the structure and history of English, with emphasis on syntactical analysis and issues of usage. (4)

ENGL 399 : Critical Theory - LT, WR

Issues in literary studies and in rhetorical theory are discussed in relationship to influential movements such as reader-response, cultural studies, feminism, and deconstruction. Recommended for prospective graduate students. (4)

ENGL 421 : Tutorial in Writing - WR

Guided work in an individual writing project. A plan of study must be approved before the student may register for the course. (1 to 4)

ENGL 425 : Seminar: Nonfiction Writing - SR, WR

An advanced-level workshop in the writing of nonfiction prose. Focus (on genre or theme) varies with instructor. Prerequisite: ENGL 300 and one upper-division course from lines 1, 3 or 4 of writing emphasis, or instructor permission. (4)

ENGL 427 : Seminar: Poetry Writing - SR, WR

An advanced-level workshop that focuses on the analysis and writing of poems. Prerequisites: ENGL 300 and 327, or instructor permission. (4)

ENGL 429 : Seminar: Fiction Writing - SR, WR

An advanced-level workshop that focuses on the analysis and writing of fiction. Prerequisites: ENGL 300 and 329, or instructor permission. (4)

ENGL 451 : Seminar: Major Authors - LT, SR

Concentrated study of the work, life, influence, and critical reputation of a major author in the English-speaking world. The course includes careful attention to the relations of the author to cultural contexts, the framing of critical approaches through literary theory, substantial library research, and a major writing project. (4)

ENGL 452 : Seminar: Theme, Genre - LT, SR

Concentrated study of a major literary theme or genre, as it might appear in various periods, authors, and cultures. The course includes careful attention to practical criticism, the framing of critical approaches through literary theory, substantial library research, and a major writing project. (4)

ENGL 487 : Special Topics in English

ENGL 488 : Special Topics in English

ENGL 489 : Special Topics in English

ENGL 491 : Independent Study

An intensive course in reading. May include a thesis. Intended for majors only. (4)

ENGL 495 : Internship

To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)