English Department Honors
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I'm eligible for departmental honors?
You should consult an English Department advisor.

2. I'd like to get departmental honors in English, but I'm not sure what to do.
You need to fulfill two related requirements to qualify for departmental honors: the Honors Seminar (ENGL 494) or independent study project (ENGL 485) and the honors essay. The honors essay is written in relation to the Honors Seminar or under the supervision of the teacher supervising your independent study project. A student who completes these requirements successfully and achieves a 3.5 or better GPA in major courses and a 2.8 or better cumulative GPA at the time of graduation will be awarded departmental honors.

3 . How do I find out about the English 494 seminars?
The seminars are small (12- to 15-student) classes given every semester usually dealing with a variety of subject areas. Students work closely with a professor in these seminars. We recommend that you wait until your senior year to register for a 494 course. The seminars are described on the English Department website and in the Department handout describing courses offered each semester. You should register early because these classes are small and, therefore, fill quickly.

4. How do I get an independent study course?
Towards the end of the term before you wish to do your project, you need to meet with a professor, discuss your proposed area of interest and get the professor's agreement to work with you on the project. Then you will meet individually with the professor throughout the semester culminating in the completion of your honors essay or creative project.

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