English, BA

Overview

The English major offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum that spans various genres and historical periods. Students engage deeply with literature, creative writing, and media studies, exploring texts from medieval to postmodern times. The program emphasizes critical and theoretical approaches, encouraging students to analyze and interpret diverse modes of expression, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction prose, drama, and film. Through large classes, small seminars, and one-on-one interactions, students develop strong analytical and writing skills, preparing them for careers in diverse fields such as law, education, journalism, advertising, publishing, public relations, technical and professional writing, social work, and the arts.

Students may complete one of three areas of focus: English Literature, Creative Writing, or Media Studies. NOTE: Either ENGL 1100 or ENGL 1200 is a prerequisite for all ENGL courses

Degree Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Arts in English, students must complete a minimum of 128 credits including major requirements, Stern College General Education and Jewish Studies requirements, and elective courses as needed.

Major Requirements (33 credits)

Core Courses

ENGL 2000	Textual Methods and Theory	3
	Complete one ENGL course	3

Electives

Complete 27 credits of English elective courses
See optional areas of focus below.

English Literature focus:

Choose three ENGL courses meeting the following criteria:

Must include courses from at least two of the three groups below

1. Medieval to Early Modern Literature and Culture 650 BCE to 1660
2. Enlightenment to the Rise of National Literatures 1660 to 1870
3. 1870 to Present

Complete seven ENGL courses meeting the following criteria:

Five to seven of these courses must be from groups A-E (below). A course in methods from D (Literature and Other Disciplines) or E (Literary Theory and Practice) is recommended. In lieu of literature courses, two courses may be chosen from creative writing and/or media studies.

1. World Literature
2. Literary Genres
3. Special Topics in Literature
4. Literature and Other Disciplines
5. Literary Theory and Practice
   - Creative Writing courses (up to two allowed)
   - Media Studies courses (only one allowed)

Creative Writing focus:

Choose two ENGL courses meeting the following criteria:

Must include courses from at least two of the three groups below

1. Medieval to Early Modern Literature and Culture 650 BCE to 1660
2. Enlightenment to the Rise of National Literatures 1660 to 1870
3. 1870 to Present

Choose three ENGL courses meeting any of the following criteria:

1. World Literature
2. Literary Genres
3. Special Topics in Literature
4. Literature and Other Disciplines
5. Literary Theory and Practice

Complete four ENGL courses:

ENGL 1800	Introduction to Creative Writing	3
ENGL 1900	Advanced Creative Writing	3
	Complete two ENGL courses in Creative Writing	6

Media Studies focus:

Complete four ENGL courses meeting the following criteria:

	Complete one course from Historical category
	Complete one course from Topics, Methods category
	Complete one course from either Historical category or Topics, Methods category
	Complete one course from Creative Writing, Historical category or Topics, Methods category

Required

	Complete five ENGL courses in Media Studies
	Complete one ENGL course as an open elective