*In selecting these courses, majors should be certain that they have at least two courses in British literature, one of which must cover material prior to 1800 at the 300- or 400-level, and at least two courses in American literature. One course must be Shakespeare.

* See Kinesiology requirements.

Over 90 percent of our English majors pursue the Literature Track. Students seeking certification at the secondary level generally employ the Literature Track as the foundation for their degrees. This track provides students with over 30 hours of intensive study in English language and literature courses, including ENGL 231--Survey of English Literature to 1800; ENGL 412--Studies in Shakespeare; and ENGL 481--Senior Seminar on a significant figure, movement, or issue in literature, linguistics or rhetoric.

English majors who wish to focus their efforts in creative writing will follow the usual major requirements, but will take 9 hours of courses in creative writing (fiction, poetry or drama) for their English electives, selecting either a prose sequence (ENGL 235, 345, 347) or a poetry sequence (ENGL 236, 346, 348). Students will complete a creative writing project (ENGL 485 or 497) or, with permission, an ENGL 481, Senior Seminar.

English majors who wish to concentrate their studies on the theory and practice of written communication may take the rhetoric track, by completing 15 hours of course work in writing and rhetoric including ENGL 353, 354 and 355, 12 hours of literature electives, and a senior seminar. Selections will be made in consultation with an English advisor or the Writing Programs Office.

English majors are advised, but not required, to select a minor field of study. Students who elect to complete a minor should contact the department or program that offers the minor to determine the requirements for that minor. A grade of C or higher is required for a course to be counted in the minor field. A minor field must be declared before the student has completed 75 credit hours.

The Professional Writing Certificate gives students 18 hours of intensive training in a broad range of communication skills. Students who are eligible for the minor in English with an emphasis in professional writing may not participate in the certification program. English majors (who cannot receive a minor in English) and students from majors which do not allow for a minor are eligible. Students who achieve a grade of B or better in all 18 hours of course work will receive a certificate signifying their successful completion of this training. Students should allow at least a year and a half to complete the courses, some of which are offered only once a year. Transfer courses, independent studies and credit by exam cannot be counted toward the 18 hours. Required courses include ENGL 210 or 301, 320, 241 and 355. With the help of the Writing Programs advisor, the student must also select two additional courses in rhetoric, speech, journalism or a related field.

The Department of English offers three minors. Students seeking to minor in English, Linguistics, or English with an emphasis in Professional Writing should consult with their advisor and with the Office of Undergraduate Studies in English.