English | Catalog 2024-25

253.535.7698	www.plu.edu/english/	english@plu.edu
James Albrecht, Ph.D., Chair

Bachelor of Arts Degree

All majors must complete one of the Concentrations below. Students may complete more than one Concentration.

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

ENGL 227: Introduction to Creative Writing CX
4 semester hours

ENGL 275: Literary Passages: An Introduction to Literatures in English
4 semester hours

The department recommends that students take ENGL 227 and 275 within their first two semesters as a declared major.

ENGL 300: Living Stories
4 semester hours

Must be taken before, and not concurrently with, the Senior Capstone (ENGL 434). Students are recommended to take ENGL 300 in their sophomore or junior year.

Literature Courses
16 semester hours (excluding ENGL 275; 12 semester hours upper division), distributed as follows:

National and Global Traditions (at least 4 semester hours)
- ENGL 360: Studies in British Literature IT
- ENGL 370: Studies in American Literature IT
- ENGL 380: Studies in Global Anglophone Literature IT,GE
Themes in Literature (at least 4 semester hours)
- ENGL 334: Studies in Lit for Young Readers IT
- ENGL 394: Studies in Literature and the Environment IT,GE
- ENGL 395: Studies in Literature, Gender, and Sexuality IT,GE
- ENGL 396: Studies in Literature, Race, and Ethnicity IT,GE
- ENGL 397: Literatures of Genocide and the Holocaust IT,GE

Writing
4 semester hours (excluding ENGL 227)
Any writing course from the 200-400 levels

Electives
0 to 8 semester hours

Any English-designated courses (100 to 400 level): literature, writing, or publishing and printing arts.

Capstone Senior Seminar

ENGL 434: Writing, Literature, and Public Engagement
4 semester hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 227, 275, and 300.

The capstone seminar, generally taken in the senior year, includes a capstone presentation consistent with the general university requirements.

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

ENGL 227: Introduction to Creative Writing CX
4 semester hours

ENGL 275: Literary Passages: An Introduction to Literatures in English
4 semester hours

The department recommends that students take ENGL 227 and 275 within their first two semesters as a declared major.

ENGL 300: Living Stories
4 semester hours

Must be taken before, and not concurrently with, the Senior Capstone (ENGL 434). Students are recommended to take ENGL 300 in their sophomore or junior year.

Writing Courses
16 semester hours (excluding ENGL 275; 12 semester hours upper division), distributed as follows:

Creative Writing; 12 semester hours in 2 of 3 major genres (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction):
- Poetry:
  - ENGL 327: Intermediate Poetry Writing
  - ENGL 339: Special Topics in Creative Writing (when taught on poetry)
- Fiction:
  - ENGL 236: Introduction to Screenwriting CX
  - ENGL 329: Intermediate Fiction Writing CX
  - ENGL 339: Special Topics in Creative Writing (when taught on fiction)
- Creative Nonfiction:
  - ENGL 225: Autobiographical Writing CX
  - ENGL 320: Intermediate Creative Nonfiction
  - ENGL 339: Special Topics in Creative Writing (when taught on creative nonfiction)
Professional, Public, and Digital Literacies; 4 semester hours, any course specified in the PPDL Concentration

Upper Division Literature
4 semester hours
Any 300-400 level English-designated literature course

Electives
0 to 8 semester hours
Any English-designated courses: literature, writing, or publishing and printing arts.

Capstone Senior Seminar

ENGL 424: Seminar: Writing
4 semester hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 227, 275, 300, and two intermediate-level writing workshop courses.

The capstone seminar, generally taken in the senior year, includes a capstone presentation consistent with the general university requirements.

Major in English (Professional, Public, and Digital Literacies Concentration)
At least 36 and up to 44 semester hours in English (excluding FYEP 101) with at least 20 semester hours upper division, distributed as follows:

ENGL 227: Introduction to Creative Writing CX
4 semester hours

ENGL 275: Literary Passages: An Introduction to Literatures in English
4 semester hours

The department recommends that students take ENGL 227 and 275 within their first two semesters as a declared major.

ENGL 300: Living Stories
4 semester hours

Must be taken before, and not concurrently with, the Senior Capstone (ENGL 434). Students are recommended to take ENGL 300 in their sophomore or junior year.

Writing Courses
16 semester hours (12 semester hours upper division)

ENGL 311: The Book in Society (PPAP)
ENGL 312: Publishing Procedures (PPAP)
ENGL 323: Writing in Professional & Public Settings CX
ENGL 328: Theories of Reading and Writing ES
ENGL 336: Digital Writing and Storytelling
ENGL 387: Topics in Rhetoric, Writing, and Culture
ENGL 393: The English Language

Students may satisfy 4 credits of this concentration with COMA 215 (Writing for Communication Careers), COMA 343 (Media Writing), or, with the Chair’s approval, another appropriate Communication Course.

Upper Division Literature
4 semester hours
Any 300-400 level English-designated literature course

Electives
0 to 8 semester hours
Any English-designated courses: literature, writing, or publishing and printing arts.

Capstone Senior Seminar

ENGL 434: Seminar: Writing, Literature, and Public Engagement
4 semester hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 227, 275, and 300.

The capstone seminar, generally taken in the senior year, includes a capstone presentation consistent with the general university requirements.

Minors

Literature, Culture, and Power
Study of literature in its cultural and historical contexts; focusing on the ways literature both challenges and perpetuates systems of power; may include themes like environment, race and ethnicity, or gender and sexuality.

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

- ENGL 300: Living Stories (4 semester hours)
- Literature Electives (16 semester hours)
  - Any English-designated literature course. ENGL 227 may be substituted for 4 of these hours.

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

- ENGL 300: Living Stories (4 semester hours)
- Literature course (4 semester hours)
- Writing Electives (12 semester hours)
  - Any English-designated writing course. A second literature course may be substituted for 4 of these hours.

Publishing and Printing Arts
20 semester hours.

See separate listing under Publishing and Printing Arts.

English majors with a Literature concentration may complete a complementary Writing minor. English majors with a Writing concentration (Creative Writing or Professional, Public, and Digital Literacies) may complete a complementary Literature, Culture, and Power minor. All majors may also complete a minor in Publishing and Printing Arts (PPAP).

Prospective Teachers

Students preparing to teach English in secondary schools should arrange for an advisor in both English and Education. Please also see the School 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 School of Education or a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a teaching major in English. See course requirements in the School 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. 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.

- 1. - English literature: one course
    - American literature: one course
    - Comparative literature: one course (ENGL 214, 216, 217, 232, 233, 235, 235, 334, 348, 394, 395, 396, 397, 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 School 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 Courses

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

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

ENGL 214 : Introduction to Major Literary Genres - IT

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 - IT, GE

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 - IT, GE

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

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 225 : Autobiographical Writing - CX

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 Creative Writing - CX

A beginning workshop in creative writing, focusing on the major genres of poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction. Includes a study of techniques and forms to develop critical standards and an understanding of the writing process. (4)

ENGL 232 : Women's Literature - IT, GE

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

ENGL 234 : Environmental Literature - IT

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 - IT

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

ENGL 236 : Intro to Screenwriting - CX

Introduces students to the elements of screenwriting; including, structure, character, dialogue, and setting. Students will learn to critically read and evaluate scripted media and to produce their own original scripts. (4)

ENGL 241 : American Traditions in Literature - IT

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 - IT

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 275 : Literary Passages: An Introduction to Literatures in English

An introduction to literatures in English from around the globe, focusing on the imaginative, critical, and social power of reading and literary study. This theme-based course is centered around an in-depth study of one of Shakespeare's plays, with other readings branching out from this seed text. Students will encounter texts from a variety of historical and geographic contexts, exploring how literary form and genre develop over time and within specific communities. Organizing themes may include: Race and Empire, Nature and the Human, Language and Power, and Gender and Sexuality. Required for all English major and strongly recommended for first-years. (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 : Living Stories

A gateway course for the intermediate-level courses in each of the English major concentrations, 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, with a special focus on storytelling. Required for all English majors before taking senior seminar ENGL 424 or 434. Strongly recommended for sophomore or junior year. (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 PPAP 301, 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 PPAP 302, COMA 322. (4)

ENGL 313 : The Art of the Book I - CX

This studio course explores the history, aesthetics, and creative dimensions of book design and typography. Prerequisites: Declared PPA minor or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with PPAP321, ARTD 315. (4)

ENGL 314 : The Art of the Book II - CX

Individual projects to explore further typography and fine bookmaking. Prerequisite: PPAP 321 / ARTD 315 / ENGL 313 with a B grade or better or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with PPAP 322. (4)

ENGL 320 : Intermediate Creative Nonfiction

Intermediate-level writing workshop that focuses on the analysis and writing of creative nonfiction. Course may focus on one or more specific sub-genres (personal essay, lyric essay, place-based writing, free-lance writing, memoir, biography, environmental writing, social justice writing, etc.). Prerequisite: ENGL 227. (4)

ENGL 323 : Writing in Professional and Public Settings - CX

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

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

ENGL 329 : Intermediate Fiction Writing - CX

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

ENGL 334 : Studies in Literature for Young Readers - IT

Study of literature and media produced for and about young audiences, from early childhood to adolescence. Possible topics include genres, themes, historical periods, and traditions. Course content varies. Course is repeatable once with different topic. (4)

ENGL 336 : Digital Writing and Storytelling

Students analyze and practice various genres of creative and professional digital writing, visual rhetoric and narrative, and storytelling in the context of Internet and print history and culture. Students read theory, engage in research, collaborate in workshops, and learn project development. (4)

ENGL 339 : Special Topics in Creative Writing

Intermediate-level writing workshop that focuses on the analysis and writing of fiction, poetry, or nonfiction in a particular style or genre. Course topic varies by year. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 227 or instructor approval. (4)

ENGL 360 : Studies in British Literature - IT

Study of specific historical periods, literary movements, socio-cultural issues and themes, or major authors in British literature. Emphasis is on careful interpretation of literary texts with attention to their contexts. Course content varies. Course is repeatable once with different topic. (4)

ENGL 370 : Studies in American Literature - IT

Study of specific historical periods, literary movements, socio-cultural issues and themes, or major authors in American literature. Emphasis is on careful interpretation of literary texts with attention to their contexts. Course content varies. Course is repeatable once with different topic. (4)

ENGL 380 : Studies in Global Anglophone Literature - IT, GE

Study of specific historical periods, literary movements, socio-cultural issues and themes, or major authors in global Anglophone literature. Emphasis is on careful interpretation of literary texts with attention to their contexts. Course content varies. Course is repeatable once with different topic. (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 394 : Studies in Literature and the Environment IT, GE

Study of literature and media on landscape, human/animal categories, conservation, sustainability, climate, and planet. Approaches may involve ecocritical, ecofeminist, animal studies, or green standpoints. Texts come from genres and movements including ecopoetics, realist fiction, speculative fiction, sf, creative nonfiction, blogs, film, performance, and public art. Course content varies. Course is repeatable once with different topic. (4)

ENGL 395 : Studies in Literature, Gender, and Sexuality - IT, GE

Study of literature through the lens of gender and sexuality. Students practice feminist and queer approaches to literature from a range of historical periods, genres, and 13 national/global contexts. Additionally, this course creates a venue for students and faculty to study literature written by and about sexual and gendered minority communities, including women writers of color and LGBTQ authors. Course content varies. Course is repeatable once with different topic. (4)

ENGL 396 : Studies in Literature, Race, and Ethnicity - IT, GE

Study of literature through the lens of race and ethnicity. Students explore English-language texts written by authors of color, and/or writers from marginalized ethnic, immigrant, or indigenous communities. Focus may be on specific authors, themes, genres, or historical periods. Course content varies. Course is repeatable once with different topic. (4)

ENGL 397 : Literatures of Genocide and the Holocaust - IT, GE

Study of representations and narratives that attempt to engage and make sense of the Holocaust and other genocides. Texts may include a variety of literature written in multiple genres (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, life writing) and media (film, television, plays, photography, blogs) from a range of historical periods and national/global contexts. Course content varies. Course is repeatable once with different topic. (4)

ENGL 424 : Seminar: Writing - SR

An advanced seminar in revision in which students produce a portfolio of their writing (in at least two genres) for public presentation. Prerequisites: ENGL 300 plus two intermediate-level writing workshop courses (ENGL 322 through 329; 339; 385; 387) or instructor permission. (4)

ENGL 434 : Seminar: Writing, Literature, and Public Engagement - SR

An advanced seminar exploring how various genres of writing, literature, and criticism function as forms of public engagement. Students compile a portfolio of work from their major and produce one substantial project for public presentation. Prerequisites: ENGL 227, 275, and 300; plus two intermediate (300-level) courses from either the Literature or the Professional, Public, and Digital Literacies concentrations; or instructor permission. (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)