English and Writing (B.A.)

This course introduces basic linguistic concepts such as phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, lexicology and grammar through study of the English language in its present forms and its historical development.

(Normally offered even spring semesters.)

A course in the theory and development of literary criticism including a general overview of theories of literary criticism before the 20th-century and 20th-century critical theories.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

An exploration of the varieties of contemporary feminist thought. We will examine ideas of convergence among feminist philosophers but also attend to the issues that divide them. Special consideration will be given to race, class, and gender both in terms of the sex/gender distinction and theorists who argue against this distinction. Having established that feminism is not a single, homogeneous system, we will also explore the local, national, and global implications of feminisms for the 21st century.
Cross listed with GEND-3270.

A survey study of instructional materials of special interest to the junior and senior high school age. Examination of various sources of print and nonprint materials. Includes bibliotherapy, book-talk techniques, notable authors/producers, and prize-winning materials. Discussion of censorship, controversial issues, selection criteria, and the tools to keep abreast of the field. (Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

A survey of British literature that provides a historical perspective to British writers and genres, from the middle ages to the present.
Prerequisite(s): First-Year Writing.
(Normally offered every fall semester.)

A survey course providing a historical perspective on the culture of the United States through the study of its literature from its historical beginnings to the present.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing
(Normally offered every spring semester.)

Each course in the Topics in World Literature group will study a selection of literary works that engage the chosen topic--texts of different genres, from historical eras, and from different cultural traditions. The selected readings will present both abstract principles involved in the topic and its immediate, lived realities.
Cross listed with GEND 2200.
Prerequisite(s): Any First Year Writing course.
(Normally offered every fall and spring semester.)

Each course in the Topics in World Literature group will study a selection of literary works that engage the chosen topic--texts of different genres, from historical eras, and from different cultural traditions. The selected readings will present both abstract principles involved in the topic and its immediate, lived realities.
Prerequisite(s): Any First Year Writing course.

Each course in the Topics in World Literature group will study a selection of literary works that engage the chosen topic--texts of different genres, from historical eras, and from different cultural traditions. The selected readings will present both abstract principles involved in the topic and its immediate, lived realities.
Prerequisite(s): Any First Year Writing course.

This course in the development of the novel since the end of World War II, uses examples drawn primarily from Great Britain, the United States, and the Anglophone world.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 2000 Introduction to Textual Studies and junior standing.
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)

Fiction and essays by women from various cultures (including the U.S., Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean) will be the focus of this course. The multicultural, international reading list will provide students insight into the lives and experiences of women most likely very different from themselves; thus they can appreciate and learn from the differences and make connections across cultures.
Cross listed with GEND-3410.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing and sophomore standing.

A thematic course designed to complement the more traditional offerings in British and American literature. The emphasis will be on the shock of colonization, the oppression of imperialism, and the struggle for independence. Attention will also be paid to the encounter of the individual with the questions of God, family, love, war, work, change, and death.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing and Sophomore standing.

Introduces Shakespearean and related texts that explore the nature and definitions of justice. Prerequisite: ENG-2000 or Junior Standing.

A study of Shakespearean and related texts that demonstrate a range of views about the operations of power in society.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 2000 Introduction to Textual Studies or junior standing.

A study of Shakespeare and related texts that address issues of gender, sex, sexuality and sexuality identity.

Pre or corequisite(s): ENG 2000 Introduction to Textual Studies or junior standing.

A study of Shakespearean and related texts that deal with diverse conceptions of identity: how it is formed, whether it is continuous, how it is influenced by others and by one's environment.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 2000 Introduction to Textual Studies or junior standing.

This course supplements the basic American survey course. Its aim is to acquaint students with representative autobiography, fiction, drama, poetry, literary criticism, and essays by African-American writers from Frederick Douglass to Toni Morrison.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing and Sophomore standing.
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)

The Pulitzer Prizes are regarded as one of the most prestigious awards that a writer or composer can win. The Pulitzer Prize in Drama is awarded "for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source, and dealing with American life". Given the emphases on American authorship and American life, this speaking-instructive dramatic literature course examines Pulitzer Prize winning plays such as Angels in America, The Kentucky Cycle, Topdog/Underdog, Disgraced and others to investigate questions about the features of a democracy and what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. The plays also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations. The course also asks: To what extent is the representation of democratic principles and ideas a contributing factor in what plays win the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.

Dating from 1947, the American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards have been presented annually to honor excellence in commercial theatre on Broadway. It is a high honor for a writer or composer to win the award for Best Play or Best Musical, and usually results in financial and career gains. This speaking instructive dramatic literature course examines this U.S. awards tradition, considering how the procedural structures incorporate elements of democratic ideals and principles. Students will read examples of Tony Award winning plays and musicals in order to consider how democratic ideals are represented in those plays and will consider whether such representation is contributing factor in what works with the awards. The plays also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations.

Is nurturing the subversive comic impulse in expression vital to a democracy? This speaking-instructive dramatic literature course examines the comic tradition in U.S. dramatic writing, focusing primarily on how democratic principles and ideals have been represented. One primary topic to be considered involves the ways that comic plays, whether overtly or subversively, can serve as a contributing factor to stimulate political change in a democracy. A range of plays from early national to contemporary will be read and discussed to draw conclusions about features of a democracy and what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. The plays will also serve as the basis for oral presentations.

This speaking-instructive dramatic literature class examines how varieties of feminisms and cultural diversity have been represented in dramatic literary works. By reading, discussion, reflecting in writing and making oral presentations about a variety of dramatic works drawn from diverse perspectives students will utilize recent scholarship in gender and sexuality studies to analyze how assumptions about gender and/or sexualities have contributed to inequalities, choices, biases, oppression and/or empowerment in the culture and time periods in which the plays were written and produced.
Cross listed with GEND-2050.

Why does censorship occur in democracies that champion freedom of expression as an ideal? What are the tipping points that trigger the impulse to ban and/or censor? Does censorship or the threat of censorship present an obstacle to full participation of writers and readers in a democracy? Students seek the answers to these and other questions in this speaking-instructive dramatic literature course by looking at example of dramatic works that have been banned or censored in democratic nations. The selected texts will also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations and will be utilized to discuss how the defining features of a democracy and the meaning of what it means to be a citizen in a democracy are represented in dramatic texts, as well as the broader question of how the arts shape how a nation defines itself as a democracy.

An introduction to the writing of fiction with an emphasis upon a variety of forms, techniques, and narrative voices. Discussion of student writing will take place in a workshop setting.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered every spring semester.)

This introductory course explores the reading and writing of creative nonfiction. Students will analyze how writers use storytelling techniques to craft true stories drawn from personal experience, observation, and research. Readings may include personal essays, literary journalism, and place-based writing. Through discussion, annotation, and workshop activities, students practice shaping real-life material into engaging narratives for a range of audiences and purposes. 

Prerequisite: First Year Writing Course

An introduction to the writing of poetry with an emphasis upon a variety of forms and techniques. Discussion of student writing will take place in a workshop setting.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered every fall semester.)

An introductory course in journalism concentrating upon basic techniques of news gathering and writing, including a basic history of news media.

Each course in the Studies in Writing group focuses on the writing process and its product as applied to a particular genre (risk fiction, scriptwriting, hybrid genes, creative nonfiction, biography, and memoir) or concept (writing the body), which will vary from semester to semester. The course is conducted as a workshop in which students read their own compositions to the class and respond to the compositions of their classmates.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 1030FYW Writing and the Creative Arts, ENG 2170 Introduction to Fiction Writing, or ENG 2190 Introduction to Poetry Writing, or instructor permission.

Each course in the Studies in Writing group focuses on the writing process and its product as applied to a particular genre (risk fiction, scriptwriting, hybrid genes, creative nonfiction, biography, and memoir) or concept (writing the body), which will vary from semester to semester. The course is conducted as a workshop in which students read their own compositions to the class and respond to the compositions of their classmates.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 1030FYW Writing and the Creative Arts, ENG 2170 Introduction to Fiction Writing, or ENG 2190 Introduction to Poetry Writing, or instructor permission.

Each course in the Studies in Writing group focuses on the writing process and its product as applied to a particular genre (risk fiction, scriptwriting, hybrid genres, creative nonfiction, biography and memoir) or concept (writing the body), which will vary from semester to semester. The course is conducted as a workshop in which students read their own compositions to the class and respond to the compositions of their classmates. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1030FYW Writing and the Creative Arts, ENG 2170 Introduction to Fiction Writing, or ENG 2190 Introduction to Poetry Writing, or instructor permission.

Each course in the Studies in Writing group focuses on the writing process and its product as applied to a particular genre (risk fiction, scriptwriting, hybrid genres, creative nonfiction, biography and memoir) or concept (writing the body), which will vary from semester to semester. The course is conducted as a workshop in which students read their own compositions to the class and respond to the compositions of their classmates. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1030FYW Writing and the Creative Arts, ENG 2170 Introduction to Fiction Writing, or ENG 2190 Introduction to Poetry Writing, or instructor permission.

An advanced course in the writing of fiction within a continued emphasis on a variety of
forms, techniques, and narrative voices. In particular, this course will focus on the creation of voice in writing via discussions of identity and authorial perspective.  Discussion of student writing will take place in a workshop setting.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 1030FYW Writing and the Creative Arts or ENG 2170 Introduction to Fiction Writing.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An advanced course in the writing of poetry with a continued emphasis on a variety of forms and techniques. Discussion of student writing will take place in a workshop setting. Specific topics will vary by semester. Course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 1030FYW Writing and the Creative Arts or ENG 2190 Introduction to Poetry Writing.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Open to students from any major, this course builds practical skills in grant writing, fundraising, and campaign management. Students will learn techniques for proposal development, creative campaigns, donor communication, annual giving, and digital fundraising while exploring ethical and global dimensions of non-profit work. Working directly with the instructor and a local nonprofit partner, students will connecy theory with practice, experiencing all three components- grant writing, fundraising, and donor communication-in real time. By the end, students will have the skills needed for advancing careers in nonprofits, businesses, and other organizations. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

Playwriting 1 is a course introducing students to the principles of dramatic construction and formal devices of playwriting. Students will write individually and collaboratively in large groups, small groups, and pairs. Emphasis is given to creative writing exercises exploring monologue, dialogue, character in text, language as action, scene structure, exposition, and conflict. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will critically reflect on what they've written and assemble a portfolio of their writing.
Students may not receive credit for both THTRE 1810FYW Playwriting I and THTRE 2810 Playwriting I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A Writing-Instructive course building upon the principles of dramatic construction and devices of playwriting learned in THTRE 1810FYW Playwriting I or THTRE 2810 Playwriting I. Emphasis is given to creative writing exercises, the writing and revision of longer works, and the writing of a research essay. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will assemble a portfolio of their writing, including at least one one-act play, their playwriting research essay, their guided reflections and other work as determined by professor/student conferencing.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1810FYW/THTRE 2810 Playwriting I or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student's major interest (e.g., writing, editorial, The Flintlock, literacy instruction, textual analysis, research). The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student.  P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

A diagnostic view of all elements pertinent to teaching English in middle and secondary schools. Strong practical emphasis will be placed on the proportional and organized development of middle and secondary English courses, realistic presentation of materials, and the practical and varied methods of testing appropriate to such courses.
Prerequisite(s):  Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program or permission of the department chair.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A course focusing on the methodology, processes, and content of reading and writing at the secondary school level. Particular attention is given to strategies effective in teaching developmental reading and writing, content area reading and writing, and basic skills in diagnosis and remediation. Laboratory experiences are provided. No P/F.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program or permission of the department chair.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

In this course, upper level students in the Arts and Humanities students reflect on their disciplinary learning and plan for their post-baccalaureate lives. This course also helps prepare students for their capstone experience. Course content includes vocational and career exploration activities, reflection on and documentation of the student's skill development in their major, and developing a proposal for the student's capstone project to be completed in ARHUM 4970/4990.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

This course is an experiential learning capstone option for students across a range of majors in the Arts and Humanities. Students will participate in an internship or substantial community service activity for a minimum of 45 hours and will produce a 10-12 page research-based written or scripted project (e.g., paper, video, podcast, website) that demonstrates their understanding of a professional or theoretical issue related to their internship field. Students will also develop a public presentation about their work. Students whose internships are> 90 hours should consider ARHUM 4970B or ARHUM 4980C instead. Course may be repeated for credit to meet capstone requirements for multiple majors. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

This course is an experiential learning capstone option for students across a range of majors in the Arts and Humanities. Students will participate in an internship or substantial community service activity for a minimum of 90 hours and will produce a 6-8 page research-informed written or scripted project (essay, video, podcast, website, etc.) demonstrating their awareness of a professional or theoretical issues related to their internship field. Students will also develop a public presentation about their work. This course requires an internship of at least 90 hours. Students whose internship is for fewer hours should take to take ARHUM 4970A; those whose internship is for 135 or more hours may choose to take ARHUM 4970C (but note that ARHUM 4970C is not Speaking Instructive or Writing Instructive). Course may be repeated for credit to meet capstone requirements for multiple majors. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

This course is an experiential learning capstone option for students across a range of majors in the Arts and Humanities. Students will participate in an internship or substantial community service activity for a minimum of 135 hours. Students will also do a public presentation about their internship experience. This course requires an internship of 135+ hours. Students whose internship will be fewer hours should consider ARHUM 4970A or 4970B. Course may be repeated for credit to meet capstone requirements for multiple majors. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

This course is an experiential learning capstone option for students across a range of majors in the Arts and Humanities. Students will participate in an internship or substantial community service activity for a minimum of 135 hours. Students will also do a public presentation about their internship experience. Course may be repeated for credit to meet capstone requirements for multiple majors.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

Students work with one or more regular teachers in a secondary school. They attend the student teaching seminar and conference with their college supervisor as directed. 

Prerequisite(s): Completion of preliminary student teaching requirements or special permission required.

Students in this composition course will develop their skills in academic writing as they learn about topics drawn from the study of language, such as the history of language, language and gender, linguistic diversity and language policies in government and education.
(Normally offered every fall and spring semester.)

Students in this composition course will develop their skill in academic writing as they respond to and analyze literature.

Student in this multi-genre composition and writing course will develop their skill in both academic and creative writing as they explore what it means to be creative across multiple written mediums.
(Normally offered annually in fall or spring semester.)

Students in this composition course will develop their skill in academic writing as they explore the relationship between academic discourse and the evolution of identity.