English

ENGL 150 - Literary Analysis (4)

Emphasis in the first part of the course is on expanding and honing strategies for close reading. The course covers accuracy and richness of interpretation, narrative theory, moving beyond the boundaries of the text to other cultural documents, reading drama performatively. By the end of the course, students should understand and be able to use a variety of criteria for judging the legitimacy of their own and others' interpretations. Students will be introduced to a range of ways that scholars work in the field of literary study. Emphases vary depending on instructor.

Offered: every semester.

ENGL 210 - Writing in the Discipline of English (2)

This six-week module will use the texts discussed in ENGL 20A/ENGL 20B or ENGL 21A/ENGL 21B as the basis for papers and extended research. Students will study the discourse conventions of English and practice the skills necessary for writing in the discipline of English. The course will include instruction in MLA style, advanced library research, and bibliographic skills.

Offered: first and second half of each semester.

ENGL 250 - Mapping the Anglo-American Literary Tradition: Medieval to Renaissance (2)

Taught in four two-credit modules, this course maps Anglo-American literary history from the medieval period to the twentieth century. This essential experience grounds English majors and minors in key texts as well as in major periods, transitions, shifts, and trends along with influences between and among them. Conducted primarily in lecture and discussion form to facilitate students' reading of difficult texts, the course involves extensive reading of primary works from each period and select twentieth-century texts set in dialogue with them. Assessment is primarily through written exams.

Offered: annually, 20 A/B in the spring, 21 A/B in the fall).

Prerequisite: ENGL+9.

ENGL 251 - Mapping the Anglo-American Literary Tradition: 1600-1800 (2)

Taught in four two-credit modules, this course maps Anglo-American literary history from the medieval period to the twentieth century. This essential experience grounds English majors and minors in key texts as well as in major periods, transitions, shifts, and trends along with influences between and among them. Conducted primarily in lecture and discussion form to facilitate students' reading of difficult texts, the course involves extensive reading of primary works from each period and select twentieth-century texts set in dialogue with them. Assessment is primarily through written exams.

Offered: annually, 20 A/B in the spring, 21 A/B in the fall).

Prerequisite: ENGL+9.

ENGL 252 - Mapping the Anglo-American Literary Tradition: 1800-1900 (2)

Taught in four two-credit modules, this course maps Anglo-American literary history from the medieval period to the twentieth century. This essential experience grounds English majors and minors in key texts as well as in major periods, transitions, shifts, and trends along with influences between and among them. Conducted primarily in lecture and discussion form to facilitate students' reading of difficult texts, the course involves extensive reading of primary works from each period and select twentieth-century texts set in dialogue with them. Assessment is primarily through written exams.

Offered: annually, 20 A/B in the spring, 21 A/B in the fall).

Prerequisite: ENGL+9.

ENGL 253 - Mapping the Anglo-American Literary Tradition 1900-Present (2)

Taught in four two-credit modules, this course maps Anglo-American literary history from the medieval period to the twentieth century. This essential experience grounds English majors and minors in key texts as well as in major periods, transitions, shifts, and trends along with influences between and among them. Conducted primarily in lecture and discussion form to facilitate students' reading of difficult texts, the course involves extensive reading of primary works from each period and select twentieth-century texts set in dialogue with them. Assessment is primarily through written exams.

Offered: annually, 20 A/B in the spring, 21 A/B in the fall).

Prerequisite: ENGL+9.

For those planning to attend graduate school, the department recommends that one of these courses be in literary theory.

ENGL 302 - Cultural Studies (4)

This course will provide students with a working knowledge of critical methods in "cultural materialism" and "cultural studies," specifically focusing on Marxist approaches to the criticism of literature and culture. In what sense has Marx's understanding of "ideology" and intellectual production provided modern cultural criticism with new models for understanding the value and function of art, literature, and discourse in relation to the formation of civil society? How have these analytical and theoretical models been complicated and revised in light of key developments in the 20th century, from the rise of mass culture, the emergence of new technologies for the production and dissemination of culture, to more recent shifts in cultural production augmented by transformations in the global political economy?

Prerequisite: Prerequisites: 

ENGL 321 - Comparative Critical Theory and Practice (2-4)

May focus on one or compare two contemporary or historical approaches to literature, such as close reading, psychoanalytic, philosophical, new historicist, feminist, Marxist, structuralist, deconstructive, or reader-response criticism.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: in alternate spring semesters.

ENGL 322 - Intensive reading of a single text (2-4)

This course allows sustained concentration on a single text. In some semesters, the text itself will be a long and difficult one (e.g., Paradise Lost or Finnegan's Wake). In other semesters the course will cover a more accessible literary text but that text will be viewed through the lenses of various kinds of interpretation (e.g., cultural criticism, performance theory, formalism, gender studies, deconstruction, psychoanalytical theory).

Course may be repeated.

Offered: alternate fall semesters.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, and 21B.

ENGL 323 - Approaches to Literature: Genre (2-4)

All writers conceive of themselves as writing inside of a genre. If writing inside of a genre involved only the imposition of constraint, writers surely would not choose to do it. What is genre? How does it open possibilities for writing? How do genres change over time and across cultures? What is the relationship between literary genre and the way humans frame their emotional, intellectual, and social experience? The focus will be on a single genre (e.g., novel, lyric poem, tragedy, comedy, epic, ballad, gothic novel, graphic novel, etc.) .

Course may be repeated.

Offered: in alternate spring semesters.

Prerequisite: 20A, 20B, 21A, and 21B.

ENGL 324 - Approaches to Literature: Biographical (2-4)

How much can we read into a work based on our knowledge of a writer's life? In this course we will look at literary texts in relation to letters and diaries. We will then look at how biographers and literary critics used those same letters and diaries to say something about the author's life or writings. After reading some essays by biographers about the challenges that they have faced in their work, students will attempt to compose an argument of their own by drawing on letters, diaries, or other primary sources.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: in alternate fall semesters.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20A and 20B and ENGL+21A and 21B.

ENGL 325 - Approaches to Literature: Intertextual (2-4)

This course explores the various ways that texts "answer" each other or imbricate each other. Writers often compose a text in response to another work (sometimes contemporaneous, sometimes distant). Writers also develop rivalries, write for each other as audience, feel especially influenced by or even possessed by another writer. In some eras, all literature is considered to be "part" of a larger project or in response to a "big" text (e.g., the Bible). Some literary works are written in the shadow of another language. Different theories of intertextuality will be covered.

Course may be repeated for credit.

Offered: in alternate spring semesters.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, 21B.

ENGL 326 - Approaches to Literature: Cultural (2-4)

The course covers interactions between literary artists and visual artists. We will look at individual writers' responses to particular works of art as well as broader relationships such as visual iconography in medieval works or breakthrough moments in modernism and postmodernism when writers' exposure to the visual arts led them to invent new modes of composition and of perception.

Course may be repeated for credit.

Offered: in alternate fall semesters.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, 21B.

ENGL 327 - Approaches to Painterly Literature: (2-4)

The course covers interactions between literary artists and visual artists. We will look at individual writers' responses to particular works of art as well as broader relationships such as visual iconography in medieval works or breakthrough moments in modernism and postmodernism when writers' exposure to the visual arts led them to invent new modes of composition and of perception.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: in alternate spring semesters.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, 21B.

ENGL 332 - Intensive Reading of a Single Text from before 1800 (2-4)

This course allows sustained concentration on a single text. In some semesters, the text itself will be a long and difficult one (e.g., Paradise Lost). In other semesters the course will cover a more accessible literary text but that text will be viewed through the lenses of various kinds of interpretation (e.g., cultural criticism, performance theory, formalism, gender studies, deconstruction, psychoanalytical theory). Course may be repeated. Enrollment priority: given to English majors and minors. Offered alternate fall semesters.

ENGL 333 - Approaches to Literature before 1800: Genre (2-4)

All writers conceive of themselves as writing inside of a genre. If writing inside of a genre involved only the imposition of constraint, writers surely would not choose to do it. What is genre? How does it open possibilities for writing? How do genres change over time and across cultures? What is the relationship between literary genre and the way humans frame their emotional, intellectual, and social experience? The focus will be on a single genre (e.g., novel, lyric poem, tragedy, comedy, epic, ballad, gothic novel, graphic novel, etc.). Course may be repeated. Enrollment priority: Priority given to English majors and minors. Offered in alternate spring semesters.

ENGL 334 - Approaches Pre-1800: Biographi (2-4)

How much can we read into a work based on our knowledge of a writer's life? In this course we will look at literary texts in relation to letters and diaries. We will then look at how biographers and literary critics used those same letters and diaries to say something about the author's life or writings. After reading some essays by biographers about the challenges that they have faced in their work, students will attempt to compose an argument of their own by drawing on letters, diaries, or other primary sources. Course may be repeated. Enrollment priority: given to English majors and minors. Offered in alternate fall semesters.

ENGL 335 - Approaches to Literature before 1800: Intertextual (2-4)

This course explores the various ways that texts "answer" each other or imbricate each other. Writers often compose a text in response to another work (sometimes contemporaneous, sometimes distant). Writers also develop rivalries, write for each other as audience, feel especially influenced by or even possessed by another writer. In some eras, all literature is considered to be "part" of a larger project or in response to a "big" text (e.g., the Bible). Some literary works are written in the shadow of another language. Different theories of intertextuality will be covered. Amount of credit established at the time of registration. Course may be repeated for credit. Enrollment priority: given to English majors and minors. Offered in alternate spring semesters.

ENGL 336 - Approaches to Literature before 1800: Cultural (2-4)

How do critics work on the relationship between literary texts and other cultural materials (such as popular culture, legal and religious discourse, social history, political history)? This course will look at literary texts in the context of extra-literary materials. Amount of credit established at the time of registration. Course may be repeated for credit. Enrollment priority: given to English majors and minors. Offered in alternate fall semesters.

ENGL 337 - Approaches Pre-1800: Word/Image (2-4)

The course covers interactions between literary artists and visual artists. We will look at individual writers' responses to particular works of art as well as broader relationships such as visual iconography in medieval works or breakthrough moments in modernism and postmodernism when writers' exposure to the visual arts led them to invent new modes of composition and of perception. Course may be repeated. Enrollment priority: given to English majors and minors. Offered in alternate spring semesters

The focus of the concentration–made up of three interrelated courses–should be chosen from the list of options below, though students may design alternatives. The focus, as well as the specific courses to fill the concentration, should be selected in consultation with the adviser. Students must present a one-page proposal for the concentration to their adviser.Concentrations must be approved by the end of the junior year. One extra-departmental course may be counted in any concentration. Majors might consider the ways in which an interdisciplinary concentration could be a bridge between the major and a minor. Two courses must be at the upper level.

Possible concentrations:

• A genre (three courses focusing on a specific literary genre such as narrative, poetry or drama)
• A period (three courses focusing on a particular period, such as Medieval, Renaissance, the Long 18th century, 19th century, Modernism or Contemporary)
• Literary theory (three courses focusing on in-depth reading in theory or application of theory)
• Postcolonial and Anglophone literature (three courses focusing on literatures in relation to competing notions of colonialism, nationalism, and postcolonial cultures)
• A literary tradition defined by a particular group identity [such as African American, Asian American, Latino/a, Native American, LGBT, disability, women]
• Critical Race Studies (three courses focusing on literatures and/or theory that thematizes or interrogates concepts of race and ethnicity)
• Disability Studies (three courses focusing on literatures and/or theory that thematizes or interrogates concepts of ability/disability)
• Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (three courses focusing feminist theory and/or on the study of literatures that thematizes and interrogates notions of gender and sexuality.
• Language and rhetoric/Writing studies (Focus on the history of the language/rhetoric, linguistics, literacy studies, writing center theory, or philosophy of language);
• Interdisciplinary (Possible topics include Interart, Environmental studies, Religion and Literature, Philosophy and Literature, History and Literature)

The course is normally taken in the senior year, andmust be taken in the department and may not be replaced by any course taken outside the department or by independent study.

ENGL 361 - Studies in Pre-1800 Poetry: Seminar (4)

A study of selected major works of poetry or a school of poetry. For example, Elizabethan poetry, The Sonnet. Course may be repeated as topic varies. Open only tojuniors and seniors. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered Annually.

ENGL 362 - Studies in Pre-1800 Fiction: Seminar (4)

A study of selected major works of fiction. For example, Eighteenth-century fiction, the Gothic novel Focus depends on instructor. Course may be repeated as topic varies. Open only to juniors and seniors. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered fall semester.

ENGL 363 - Studies in Pre-1800 Drama: Seminar (4)

A study of selected major works of drama or a school of drama. For example, , medieval drama,Renaissance drama, or Restoration drama. Course may be repeated as topic varies. Open only to juniors or seniors. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered fall semester

ENGL 364 - Advanced Pre-1800 Literary Studies: Seminar (4)

An intensive study of a theme, problem, or literary genre from before 1800. The topic varies from year to year, but the seminar is designed to offer students an extended analysis of that topic and the opportunity to explore it from a number of perspectives and critical positions. Course may be repeated as topic varies. Open only to juniors or seniors. Signature of instructor required for registration

ENGL 365 - Major Pre-1800 Author: Seminar (4)

A close reading and a critical examination of the work of an individual British, American, or Anglophone author from before 1800. The author varies from year to year, but the focus of the course is an immersion into the work of that author and an engagement with the criticism of that work. In some seminars students may work with archival material. Others will focus primarily on the texts, explore significant debates about the work or its interpretation, or view the texts through a specific theoretical framework. Course may be repeated as topic varies. Open only to juniors or seniors. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered spring semester.

ENGL 371 - Studies in Poetry: Seminar (4)

A study of selected major works of poetry or a school of poetry. For example, Caribbean poetry, New York School poets, or modern American poetry.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: Annually.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20 a/b and 21 a/b and at least one Approaches course.

ENGL 372 - Studies in Fiction: Seminar (4)

A study of selected major works of fiction. Focus depends on instructor.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: fall semester.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, 21B and at least one Approaches course.

ENGL 373 - Studies in Drama: Seminar (4)

A study of selected major works of drama or a school of drama. For example, medieval drama, or modern American drama.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: fall semester.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, 21B and at least one Approaches course.

ENGL 374 - Advanced Literary Studies: Seminar (4)

An intensive study of a theme, problem, or literary genre. The topic varies from year to year, but the seminar is designed to offer students an extended analysis of that topic and the opportunity to explore it from a number of perspectives and critical positions.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: fall semester.

Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, 21B and at least one Approaches course.

ENGL 375 - Major Author: Seminar (4)

A close reading and a critical examination of the work of an individual British, American, or Anglophone author. The author varies from year to year, but the focus of the course is an immersion into the work of that author and an engagement with the criticism of that work. In some seminars students may work with archival material. Others will focus primarily on the texts, explore significant debates about the work or its interpretation, or view the texts through a specific theoretical framework.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: ENGL 20A,20B,21A,21B, and at least one Approaches course.

ENGL 376 - Shakespeare on Film: Seminar (4)

An intensive study of about four major plays by means of examination of different film versions.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: alternate spring semesters.

Prerequisite: Prerequisite:  ENGL 250 , ENGL 251 , ENGL 252 , and ENGL 253.

The course isnormally taken in the senior year , andmust be taken in the department and may not be replaced by any course taken outside the department or by independent study.

ENGL 400 - Senior Capstone in English (4)

The Capstone is the culmination of a student's work in the major. It offers seniors the opportunity to integrate the skills and approaches they have learned in previous classes and use them to analyze and discuss works of literature selected by the faculty and to guide further research in an area of their concentration. In addition to discussing selected common texts, each student develops an extended research project drawing on the courses they have taken as part of their concentration. Students present their research to each other and faculty members throughout the term and produce an expanded research paper. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: Approved major concentration. Open to seniors only. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.