Language Degrees Online

Graduate Programs in English

The M.A. in English requires 30 credits of course work and a 3-credit thesis (ENG 708). ENG 510 Research Methods and Critical Writing or another course with disciplinary methodology (ENG 505 Classical Rhetoric, ENG 563 Comparative Literature, or ENG 670 The Critical Tradition) should be taken in the first year of graduate study. There are no other required courses, but courses taken should represent a broad range of periods and subject matter.

The M.S. in English for Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12) or Middle Childhood Education (Grades 5-9) requires 18 credits in English, including ENG 510 Research Methods and Critical Writing. Additional English courses must be taken in five of six broad areas of study (early literature and language, literature of the English Renaissance, literature of the Restoration and eighteenth century, nineteenth-century British literature, American literature of any period, and modern literature of any country). There is a comprehensive written essay examination covering this course work in English. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction specifies credits in Education and the culminating experience of a portfolio on this work. Students without Education courses on the undergraduate level may need to take additional courses in Education. For further information contact the Graduate Advisor for Adolescence Education: 516-299-2123.

There also is a graduate program in Teaching English as a Second Language administered by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction: 516-299-2199.

Besides Teaching, What Can I Do?

While English is the proper pre-professional major for those intending to become teachers of English (and there will be a growing need for such teachers during the next decade), English is also an especially appropriate major for those intending to enter a wide variety of other professions. For example, with introductory courses in logic and Political Science, English is an excellent, traditional pre-law major, and with appropriate introductory sequences in the sciences, English is also an excellent pre-medical or pre-dental major. With a minor in Business or Computer Science, a student who majors in English will prepare especially well for many executive positions in business and government.

Courses in English strengthen the career preparation of students entering any line of work. Broad general knowledge, strong skill in written expression, and an ability to learn on the job are the qualifications most often sought by employers in every field. Studies show that an ability to learn new skills and procedures is an outstanding characteristic of those who have majored in English. In addition, a major in English gives a student the writing skills especially in demand in today’s job market.

While many C.W. Post graduates are indeed teachers, both at the secondary level and in colleges and universities (teachers of Spanish, music, and communications as well as English), a recent survey of graduates of the English program at C.W. Post reveals that respondents are working in a wide variety of jobs. Quite a number have published books (fiction, non-fiction, scholarship and poetry), and one works for a publisher. There are a number of magazine editors, and two are librarians. A dozen have earned Ph.D.’s (and one a D.A.). Others are in graduate school, not necessarily in English. Quite a few are lawyers. One is a policeman. One is a movie star. One is a college administrator. One manages a tennis court. One works for a catering service. One is a rabbi. One is a fashion model. Several work in big business, and one works for a big utility. Others are consultants. Two are chairs of English Departments, and two are high school principals. One is an executive secretary. Perhaps the most interesting finding of the survey is that almost everyone says that preparation in English has been helpful on the job–in broadening of understanding even if not more specifically in the interpreting of texts and in writing on the job.

Majoring in English is not a way to get the highest-paying entry-level job, but the records of the work force show that it is the surest preparation for moving up from an entry-level job to greater responsibility in almost any field. And the study of English helps develop a life of mind that improves anyone’s work and circumstances.

The Study of English

Through the systematic study of English, students discover the values underlying the great literature of the past and learn to distinguish and appreciate the contemporary literature most likely to endure. Students studying English learn to evaluate sensibilities both past and present, acquiring a profound knowledge of their own humanity and of the human condition in general. The study of English helps develop fluency of expression, skill in logical analysis, and facility in planning, organizing, and revising. Literature courses, no less than composition courses, give attention to writing to help students perfect their ability to communicate with others.

C. W. Post offers the B.A. and M.A. in English and the B.S. and M.S. in English for Adolescence Education. There are also B.S. programs in English, American Studies, and Literature for Early Childhood, Childhood, and Middle Childhood Education. In addition, the School of Education offers the M.S. in the Teaching of English as a Second Language. The Department of English offers courses in three broad areas: writing, linguistics, and literature. Offerings in literature cover all of English and American literature and a wide range of literature in translation.

Undergraduate Curriculum in English

The B.A. in English with a Concentration in Literature requires 36 credits, including traditional period, genre, and major figure courses, an advanced course in critical writing, and an intensive seminar on a special topic. Since there are required Core Curriculum courses totaling 38 credits, a student majoring in English with a Concentration in Literature has 48 elective credits. Although all students must fulfill various competencies and every B.A. degree requires 96 credits of liberal arts, the student majoring in English with a concentration in literature who elects to fulfill all competency requirements by taking credit courses will still have 32 credits of completely free electives and an additional 16 elective credits in liberal arts. The major in English with a Concentration in Literature offers students both a strong traditional liberal education and many opportunities to explore other disciplines.

The B.A. in English with a Concentration in Writing requires 36 credits. The Writing Concentration explores various forms of creative expression through course work in literature, creative writing including writing for performance, and writing for the marketplace including journalism. Since there are required Core Curriculum courses totaling 38 credits, a student majoring in English with a Writing Concentration has 48 elective credits. Although all students must fulfill various competencies and every B.A. degree requires 96 credits of liberal arts, the student majoring in English with a writing concentration who elects to fulfill all competency requirements by taking credit courses will still have 32 credits of completely free electives and an additional 16 elective credits in liberal arts. The major in English with a Writing Concentration offers students both a strong traditional liberal education and many opportunities to explore other disciplines.

Students in the B.A. program in English are exempt from the Core requirement in literature or language. However, some college-level study of a foreign language is strongly recommended. Students contemplating graduate work in English are advised that many Ph.D. programs require a reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages and are urged to complete foreign language study through courses 11 and 12. Such students are also urged to take an advanced course in History and one of the following: LIN 11 Comparative Linguistics, LIN 12 Descriptive Linguistics, LIN 41 Applied Linguistics, or SPH 51 Phonetics of English.

The B.S. in English for Adolescence Education requires a program of specific courses in both English and Education as well as supervised student teaching. Students should consult with the undergraduate advisor and should begin the sequence of Education courses early.

Students in the B.A. program in English and the B.S. program in English for Adolescence Education must fulfill the requirements of the program in Writing across the Curriculum, including six credits of ENG 1 and ENG 2 or replacement courses. Many upper-level courses in English are available in writing-intensive mode to help students complete the other requirements of this program.

Students in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and Middle Childhood Education may wish to complete one of the majors in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a substantial English component: English/Literature, English/Writing, and American Studies.

A minor in English (21 credits beyond ENG 1 and 2) is also available.

Literature Concentration
This four-year degree program seeks to develop the student’s ability to read with comprehension, to think critically, and to write clearly. Emphasis is on the study of great and/or influential works written in English. Graduates are prepared to seek careers in many areas of business and government, especially where the ability to write well is essential. Graduates are also prepared to continue their studies at the graduate level, especially in English or law. Other career areas often entered by English graduates include journalism, public relations, politics and publishing.

Under Core Requirements, certain specific courses are required, but some choice is allowed within each subject area. A complete listing of program requirements and options is available from the English Department.
A.
General Education (73 sh), includes Liberal Arts Seminars and Foreign Language

B. Foundation Core (3 sh)
ENGL205 Introduction to Literary Study
3 sh

C.
English Literature (9 sh)

ENGL230 British Literature Before 1800 3 sh
ENGL231 British Literature After 1800 3 sh
ENGL336/436 Shakespeare/Studies in Shakespeare
3 sh

D.
American Literature (6 sh)

ENGL240 American Literature Before the Civil War 3 sh
ENGL242 American Literature After the Civil War 3 sh

E.
World Literature (6 sh)

ENGL220 World Literature 3 sh
ENGL225 Core Texts in the Western Tradition 3 sh

F.
Writing (3 sh)

One course from the following:
ENGL237 Creative Nonfiction Workshop
ENGL264 Fiction Workshop
ENGL266 Drama Workshop
ENGL268 Poetry Workshop
ENGL315 Composition: Usage and Editing
ENGL345 Business Writing
ENGL408 Advanced Topics in Creative Writing
G. Literature Electives (15 sh)
15 credits from the following:
ENGL328 Humanities Seminar: Topics in Literary Study
ENGL400 Advanced Topics in British Literature
ENGL402 Advanced Topics in American Literature
ENGL404 Advanced Topics in World Literature
ENGL425 Major American Writers
ENGL435 Major British Writers
*Note: All of these courses can be taken up to 3 times, as long as the topic is different.
H. English Electives
5 credits of either 300-400 level literature courses or 200-400 writing courses.
*Note: These 5 credits can be all literature, all writing, or a mixture of the two.
**Note: If you take a 3-credit course for the 2-credit English elective, the extra credit can be counted as a General Education elective.

Writing Concentration
The writing concentration of the English major permits students to prepare either for graduate work in rhetoric/ composition or for a career in any field (such as technical writing) that requires a solid background in literature and writing, supplemented by experience in that field.

Under Core Requirements, certain specific courses are required, but some choice is also allowed within each subject area. A complete listing of program requirements and options is available from the English Department Office.
A.
General Education (73 sh), includes Liberal Arts Seminars and Foreign Language

B.
Foundation Courses (6 sh)

ENGL205 Introduction to Literary Study 3 sh
ENGL225 Core Texts in the Western Tradition 3 sh

C.
Literature Courses (18 sh)

ENGL230 British Literature Before 1800 or
ENGL231British Literature After 1800 3 sh

ENGL240 American Literature Before the Civil War or
ENGL242 American Literature After the Civil War 3 sh
Four 300-400 level literature classes 12 sh

D. Writing Courses (12 sh)
ENGL315 Composition Usage and Editing Techniques 3 sh
ENGL357 Rhetoric and Writing 3 sh
Two of the following:
ENGL237 Creative Nonfiction Workshop
ENGL264 Fiction Workshop
ENGL266 Drama Workshop
ENGL268 Poetry Workshop
ENGL345 Business Writing
ENGL360 Technical Writing
ENGL408 Advanced Topics in Creative Writing
E. Specialty Courses (6 sh)
A coherent group of four courses approved by the Department Chair. Examples of specialties might be science or computer courses for those interested in technical writing; creative writing workshops for those interested in literary writing; or editing and business courses for those interested in publishing.
F. English Electives (5 sh)
5 credits of either 300-400 level literature courses or 200-400 level writing courses.
*Note: These 5 credits can be all literature, all writing, or a mixture of the two.

**Note: If you take a 3-credit courses for the 2 credit English elective, the extra credit can be counted as a General Education Elective.

Overview

The mission of Lindsey Wilson College shapes the teaching philosophy of the English program. The faculty is committed to a program that stresses excellence in the study of language, rhetoric, writing, literature, and journalism. Through reading, writing, lecture, and discussion, the English program emphasizes intellectual development, including information processing, critical analysis, cultural literacy, and global awareness.

Selected English courses also fulfill the general-education requirements, support the teacher-education degree programs and provide elective courses for all students.

Program Courses

The English program offers students a choice of four tracks to pursue: literature, writing, journalism, or English education. The core program requirements for the B.A. in English are:

English Studies Seminar;
American Literature;
British Literature;

Advanced Composition;

Shakespeare or Major Authors seminar;
Linguistics, History of the English Language or Advanced Grammar;

Drama, The Novel, The Short Story or Poetry;
English Majors Seminar;
nine hours of program electives (any three classes at the junior or senior level).

For more information about other requirements, consult the college catalogue or speak with a member of the English faculty.

In addition to the required core courses, the following courses are also offered:
Introduction to Modern English Grammar
Creative Writing and Advanced Creative Writing
Business and Technical Writing
Popular Culture
Folklore and Oral History
Teaching and Tutoring of Writing
Women Writers
Topics in World Literature
Special Topics in Writing

Although admittedly many people speak a bit of English, this knowledge hardly compares with what the Leiden programme in English Language and Culture has to offer. Not only are our students taught to speak and write fluently in English, they also gain insight into the structure and the development of the English language. Apart from its focus on the rich English literary tradition, ranging from the 8th century AD until today, the program also concentrates on the literary masterpieces originating in the USA and other former British colonies. Most importantly, though, our students are taught to think critically and to write well, right from the start.

Due to the richness and variety of American literature, many students choose to follow the optional course in American Studies (Amerikanistiek), which focuses on the literature and history of the USA.
The Bachelor’s Programme

The improvement of proficiency in the English language is a major focus of the programme, taking up a quarter of the course load of the first year. The remainder of the first year courses concentrate on theoretical linguistics (courses in phonetics and syntax), literature (cultural background, introduction to the literature of the Renaissance and the 18th century). During the second half of the programme, students further specialize in linguistics, philology or literature.
Practical Studies

Following the basic programme, the English Language and Culture Programme can be combined with one of the ‘practical studies’ or PraktijkStudies (Management, European Union Studies or Journalism and New Media) or with other options and, possibly, an internship.

Master’s Programme
Language of Instruction: English

The Department of English offers an excellent three- and four- year degree program in English Literature, combining courses in British, Canadian, and American Literature, as well as offering a taste of worldwide literatures. The Department has integrated these more traditional literary studies with a parallel option in Rhetoric and Media Studies, which allows students to develop related technical and professional talents. .

There is much crossover between the two options, and students can also take either of the two options–ELIT or ERMS–in combination with another discipline outside of English for a Combined Concentration. The Department of English also offers special interest courses in Women’s Writing, Creative Writing, and Popular Literature and Culture, among others. Many of our students obtain substantial success in various professional programs, graduate studies, and, especially, teaching. Our integrated, diverse program aims as well to prepare students for the increasing range of careers which require skills combining writing proficiency and a humanities-based education with technical expertise. The English department also helps to support an interdisciplinary M. A. degree in the Humanities at Laurentian.

(36 semester hours)
ENG 211 Introduction to British Literature I
ENG 212 Introduction to British Literature II
ENG 220 Introduction to American Literature
ENG 370 Shakespeare
ENG 499 Literature and Theory
Two additional English (ENG) courses numbered at the 200 level: Five additional English (ENG) courses numbered at the 300 level or above (one of which must be a WI designated course and one of which must be at the 400 level):

Note: WRT 300 Advanced Composition may be used in place of one of the above-listed required 300-level courses.
English Major (37 semester hours and the appropriate education requirements)
for Early Adolescence through Adolescence Certification (grades 6-12)
ENG 211 Introduction to British Literature I
ENG 212 Introduction to British Literature II
ENG 220 Introduction to American Literature
ENG 350 Young Adult Literature (1 semester hour)
ENG 370 Shakespeare
ENG 499 Literature and Theory
WRT 300 Advanced Composition
Two additional English (ENG) courses numbered at the 200 level Four additional English (ENG) courses numbered at the 300 level or above (one of which must be a WI designated course and one of which must be at the 400 level). One of the courses must be in American literature.

(24 semester hours)
ENG 211 Introduction to British Literature I
ENG 212 Introduction to British Literature II
ENG 220 Introduction to American Literature
ENG 370 Shakespeare
One additional English (ENG) course numbered at the 200 level
Three additional English (ENG) courses numbered at the 300 level or above
(one of which must be at the 400 level)
English Minor (24 semester hours and the appropriate education requirements.)
for Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Certification (1-8) also Early Adolescence through Adolescence Certification (6-12) in combination with other major
ENG 211 Introduction to British Literature I
ENG 212 Introduction to British Literature II
ENG 220 Introduction to American Literature
ENG 370 Shakespeare
WRT 300 Advanced Composition
One additional English (ENG) course numbered at the 200 level
Two additional English (ENG) courses numbered 300 and above (one of which must be at the 400 level) One must also include American literature

English Language and
Literature
Bachelor of Arts
Requirements: Students must complete, in addition
to the general education requirements, two years of
foreign language, the courses specified below (or
their equivalents) plus sufficient additional hours
of free electives to make up a required total of
124 hours. Majors in English must complete one
minor in an area to be approved by the chair of the
department.
Required Courses:
ENGL180 Introduction to Literary Studies 3
ENGL231 American Literature I 3
ENGL232 American Literature II 3
ENGL233 English Literature I 3
ENGL234 English Literature II 3
ENGL310 Advanced Writing 3
ENGL420 History of the English Language 3
ENGL421 History of Literary Criticism 3
ENGL490 Senior Thesis 3
Second-Year Foreign Language 8
One course must be selected from:
THEA309 Speech and Drama Productions 3
THEA333 Studies in the Drama: the Genre
and Theater in Context 3
ENGL235 Survey of Native Literature
of North America 3
ENGL236 Literature and Culture 3
ENGL340 Genre Studies 3
HUMN255 World Mythology 4
HUMN256 Introduction to Film: Images
of our Culture 3
HUMN261 World Literature I 3
HUMN262 World Literature II 3
One course must be selected from:
ENGL401 Medieval Literature 3
ENGL402 Renaissance Literature 3
ENGL403 Restoration Literature 3
One course must be selected from:
ENGL405 Romantic Literature 3
ENGL406 Nineteenth Century Literature 3
ENGL407 Twentieth Century Literature 3
One additional course must selected from
ENGL401, 402, 403, 405, 406, 407
One course must be selected from:
COMM307 Classical/Contemporary Rhetoric 3
ENGL221 Creative Writing 3
ENGL222 Basic Grammar 3
ENGL306 Technical Writing 3
ENGL320 Responding to Writing 3
ENGL410 The Children’s Literary Tradition 3
ENGL433 Topics in Literature and
Composition 3
ENGL450 Directed Independent Study 3
English Language and Literature —
Elementary Teaching Certification
Bachelor of Arts
English Requirements (42 credits)
ENGL180 Introduction to Literary Studies 3
ENGL221 Creative Writing 3
ENGL222 English Grammar 3
ENGL231 American Literature I 3
ENGL232 American Literature II 3
ENGL233 English Literature I 3
ENGL234 English Literature II 3
ENGL310 Advanced Writing 3
ENGL335 Children’s Literature in the
Classroom 3
ENGL410 The Children’s Literary Tradition 3
ENGL421 History of Literary Criticism 3
ENGL490 Senior Thesis 3
EDUC411 Elementary Language Arts Methods 3
Select one of the following three:
ENGL235 Survey of Native Literature of
North America 3
ENGL236 Literature and Culture 3
ENGL340 Genre Studies 3
English Departmental Requirements
(up to 16 credits)
Year two of a foreign language
Elementary Planned Program (45 credits)
MATH103 Number Systems and
Problem Solving 4
MATH104 Geometry and Measurement 4
BIOL107 Field Biology 3
NSCI101 Conceptual Physics 4
NSCI110 Chemistry in Society 4
NSCI102 Introduction to Geology 4
POLI110 American Government 4
GEOG201 World Regional Geography 4
PSYC265 Child and Adolescent Psychology 3
Select one history sequence:
HIST101 World Civilization History I 4
HIST102 World Civil History 4
or
HIST131 U.S. History I 4
HIST132 U.S. History II 4
Choose one literature class from the following:
ENGL180 Introduction to Literary Studies 3
ENGL235 Survey of Native Literature of
North America 3
ENGL236 Literature and Culture 3
General Education Requirements (36-42 credits)
ENGL110 First-Year Composition I 3
ENGL111 First-Year Composition II 3
COMM101 Fundamentals of Speech 3
HUMN251 Humanities I 4
HUMN Electives 3-4
Social Science Electives 6-8
Natural Science Electives 8
Math Elective 3-5
Diversity Elective 3-4
Professional Education Requirements
(26 credits)
EDUC150 Reflections on Teaching
and Learning 3
EDUC250 Student Diversity and Schools 3
EDUC301 Learning Theory and Teaching
Practice 4
EDUC330 Reading in the Elementary
Classroom 3
EDUC410 Corrective Reading 3
EDUC411 Elementary Language Arts Methods 3
EDUC420 Elementary Math Methods 2
EDUC421 Elementary Science Methods 2
EDUC422 Elementary Social Studies Methods 2
EDUC490 Research in Education: Curriculum 1
Education Cognates (9-10 credits)
CSCI101 Introdution to Computer Science 3
MATH207 Principles of Statistics 3
Three credits from:
ARTS, DANC, MUSC, THEA or NATV240
Electives to total at least 124 credits
Student teaching is completed after graduation
which requires full-time enrollment for two
semesters. See Student Teaching handbook for
additional information.
Lake Superior State University • 1-888-800-LSSU • 137
Bachelor Degrees
English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature —
Secondary Teaching Certification
Bachelor of Arts
English Requirements (42 credits)
ENGL180 Introduction to Literary Studies 3
ENGL231 American Literature I 3
ENGL232 American Literature II 3
ENGL233 English Literature I 3
ENGL234 English Literature II 3
ENGL310 Advanced Writing 3
ENGL320 Responding to Writing 3
ENGL410 The Children’s Literary Tradition 3
ENGL420 History of the English Language
ENGL421 History of Literary Criticism 3
ENGL490 Senior Thesis 3
Select one of the following three:
ENGL235 Survey of Native Literature of
North America 3
ENGL236 Literature and Culture 3
ENGL340 Genre Studies 3
Complete one of the followings methods courses:
EDUC441 Secondary Language Arts Methods 3
EDUC451 Directed Study: Language Arts
Methods 3
Period Elective (6 credits)
Select two courses from:
ENGL401 Medieval Literature 3
ENGL402 Renaissance Literature 3
ENGL403 Restoration Literature 3
ENGL405 Romantic Literature 3
ENGL406 19th Century Literature 3
ENGL407 20th Century Literature 3
English Cognate (up to 19 credits)
Year two of a foreign language
ENGL222 English Grammar 3
General Education Requirements (36-42 credits)
ENGL110 First-Year Composition I 3
ENGL111 First-Year Composition II 3
COMM101 Fundamentals of Speech 3
HUMN251 Humanities I 4
HUMN Electives 3-4
Social Sciene Electives 6-8
Natural Science Electives 8
Math Elective 3-5
Diversity Elective 3-4

Introductory Course (required) (1 Hour)
ENGL 2200 Introduction to English Studies

Survey Courses (all 4 required) (12 Hours)
ENGL 2204 British Literature I
ENGL 2205 British Literature II
ENGL 2206 American Literature I
ENGL 2207 American Literature II

Language Courses (2 required) (6)
ENGL 3300 History of the English Language
ENGL 3302 Advanced Grammar
ENGL 3303 Advanced Composition

Single Author Courses (1 required) (3)
ENGL 4410 Chaucer
ENGL 4420 Shakespeare
ENGL 4430 Milton

English Electives (3000 level or above) (4 required) (12)
Senior-Level Course (required) (3)
ENGL 4495 Senior Thesis and Presentation

Assessment
Success in achieving the objectives of the English major will be demonstrated in the following ways: completion of each major course with a grade of C or better
completion of an entrance and an exit examination
satisfactory performance on the senior thesis and its presentation

Students are required to take the ETS Major Field Achievement Test in Literature while enrolled in ENGL 2200 and again while enrolled in ENGL 4495. Scores will be compared to measure progress. Students preparing for graduate study in English or law are encouraged to take the GRE or the LSAT.