Kate Narveson (department head)

The English major instills a passion for learning, sharing ideas, and expressing yourself through writing. Reading and responding to a range of genres - poetry, drama, film, novels, creative non-fiction, and more - you'll gain valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Developing these skills as an English major can be the first step toward a career in any field.

Students choose one of three tracks in the major: literature, writing, or teacher education. Enrollments in English courses are kept small to allow professors and students to get to know each other in conversation and to allow professors to pay close attention to the development of students' writing.

Prerequisites: First-year students may enroll in courses numbered ENG 110, ENG 114, or ENG 130 in their first semester and courses numbered ENG 139, 147, 185, 230, 239, 240, 245, 251 after they have completed PAID 111; students must have completed PAID 111 and 112 (or transfer equivalents), to enroll in courses numbered ENG 211, 212, 213, 214, 231, 232, 260, 261, ENG 312-ENG 350; and students must have junior status to enroll in courses numbered 361 and above. Students are encouraged to complete ENG 230 before enrolling in courses numbered ENG 350 and above. The full range of English courses is open to students of all majors.

Required for a major:

Plan I. ENG 230, 260 (Shakespeare), 485 (seminar); one American literature course from ENG 251 or 350; one early British literature course from ENG 361, 362, 364; one later British literature course from ENG 365, 366, 367; and three additional courses (one of which may be a foreign language literature course when the literature is read in its original language, LING 131, or ENG 380 when completed for four credits). The writing requirement is completed with ENG 230. Also see correlative requirement for the major.

Plan II (writing emphasis). Same major requirements as in Plan 1, but includes at least three of the following courses: ENG 211, 212, 213, 214, 312, or 314. Writing internships (ENG 380) are available and are encouraged, but they do not count as one of the three writing courses required for the Plan II major. Students who have completed the appropriate course work may write an extensive work of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction as their senior project. The writing requirement is completed with ENG 230. Also see correlative requirement for the major.

Plan III (teaching). Same major requirements as in Plan I, except that the electives must be ENG 314, 334, and ANTH 103 or equivalent. The writing requirement is completed with ENG 230. Also see correlative requirement for the major, and Education Department for secondary education minor requirements.

Correlative requirement for all three of the major plans: Successful completion of at least one foreign language course at the intermediate level or above (i.e. 201 intermediate level or above); or foreign language proficiency as described in the all-college foreign language requirement (option D).

Required for a minor: ENG 230; ENG 260 or 261; one of ENG 211, 212, 213, 214, 312, 314, 361, 362, 364, 365, 366, or ENG 367; one of ENG 251 or ENG 350; one 4-hour elective.

Required for a writing minor: Three courses from ENG 211, 212, 213, 214, 312, or ENG 314; one English department course in literature; one 4 hour elective from any of the other courses in the department. A student with an English major may not also earn a writing minor.

Required for a journalism minor: See requirements listed under Journalism in the programs section of the catalog.

Required for a second teaching area: See Education department for specific requirements. The second teaching area license is offered only in the state of Iowa.

Preparation for graduate school: Students considering graduate school in English may wish to take an additional seminar and/or additional period courses in American or English literature, or ENG 314. They should also consider a 4-credit senior project with an emphasis on criticism or theory.