Basic Facts About the Major & Minor
Declaring a major is a relatively simple process, but the exact process does depend upon whether you're (1) changing to or (2) simply adding the major.
If, say, you're still in University Studies or in another major and you decide to CHANGE YOUR MAJOR TO ENGLISH, you need to make an appointment to come by Shanks 329, the Undergraduate Office, and fill out a CHANGE OF MAJOR form. It will ask you for several pieces of information: your name, student number, email, and current major, among others. You'll also need to get it signed by 4 different people, in this order: (1) your new advisor in English; (2) the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences; (3) your old advisor; and (4) the Dean for your old college. Your old department will send your records to us; your old dean's office will send their record to our dean.
If you're ADDING ENGLISH AS A SECOND MAJOR, you'll need to use the same form, but you'll fill out only the basic information and the section that declares you're adding a major. You'll need a department signature, then we will mail it for you.
In either case, you will need to sit down with Cathy Skinner, Coordinator of Undergraduate Advising, or Vanessa Ruccolo, Undergraduate Advisor, who will review your transcript, go over paperwork with you, complete an English check sheet, and discuss any requirements. Make an appointment for this session.
What choices do I have within the English major?
You have three basic options: Professional Writing, Creative Writing, or Literature, Language, and Culture. Within that last option, though, you have four tracks from which to choose: Literature, Cultural Studies, Pre-Law, and Pre-Education.
Overall, what sorts of courses does an English major take?
The English major consists of 3 components: (1) a 17-hour common core, (2) option-specific requirements, and (3) 15 hours of ENGL electives.
Component 1, the 16-hour common core, requires that you take:
3 hrs ENGL 2604: Introduction to Critical Reading
1 hr ENGL 2614: Introduction to Literature (a co-requisite to 2604)
6 hrs ENGL 2515: Survey of Brit Lit I + ENGL 2516: Survey of Brit Lit II
3 hrs ENGL 2525: Survey of Amer Lit I OR ENGL 2526: Survey of Amer Lit II
3 hrs ENGL 4165: Shakespeare I OR ENGL 4166: Shakespeare IIComponent 3, free ENGL electives, sets forth 2 basic rules: (1) only one course under the 3000 level will count as a free ENGL elective and (2) 2 of your free electives in ENGL must be on the 4000 level.
Since Component 2 differs so much from option to option, it's better to review the specific check sheet for each option.
What is the English minor like?
We offer four English minor options: Professional Writing, Creative Writing, Literature, and Cultural Studies. The first one requires 18 hours of coursework; the other three, 22.
How do I declare a minor?
To declare an English minor, you need to fill out the same basic information on the sheet you'd use to declare a major (see "How do I declare an English major?" above), but you'd then complete only the section that covers adding a minor. You'd also need to sit down with me to make it official.
When can I declare a major or minor?
The best times to declare a major or a minor are just before and during the Course Request and Drop/Add periods each semester. Then courses will be available to you.
Can I take a course for the major or minor P/F?
You can take a course for the major or minor as P/F if that is the ONLY way it is ever offered. In the course of English, that means you can take one course as P/F: ENGL 4964: Field Study (an internship). However, it does not automatically count toward the major or minor, so you will have to ask the Coordinator of Undergrad Advising to substitute if for one of your free electives.
Can I pursue a double major?
Yes, many students pursue a double major: English and Communications, English and History, English and just about anything else!
When you pursue a double major, how many diplomas do you get?
Even if you complete a double major, you will get just one diploma. Your first major will be reflected on your diploma. You'll get a certificate that indicates you completed the second one.
What's the difference between a DOUBLE MAJOR and a DUAL DEGREE?
Exactly 30 hours (if you're pursuing 2 degrees within the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences)! If you work toward a double major (both majors within CLAHS), you'll need 120 hours to graduate.
If you intend to get a dual degree, with diplomas for each, you'll need to take 30 more hours, or 150 hours. If you want a triple degree, 30 more (180), and so on.
If the two majors are in different colleges, completing a double degree might mean taking more Liberal Education courses, as different colleges have different LE requirements. It might also mean taking more credits than 30, as some majors require more than 120 hours. However, if you've completed requirements for both majors and you've fulfilled all Liberal Edrequirements, then you can take free electives to make up the hours -- or declare a minor!
How can I find out basic information about the English Department?
The easiest way is to visit our web site.