Literatures, Language, and Criticism

This concentration focuses on the analysis of literary texts, the linguistic study of English, and literary criticism. Students who choose this concentration will take a variety of courses in literature written in English, English as a language, and theories of literature and language. After taking the two foundation courses, students fulfill 15 credits of core requirements and 9 credits in their chosen area of study. This might be a particular historical period, or a national literature; some Areas of Study focus on literary theory, cultural studies, or certain approaches to literature and language, such as gender.

Requirements for Majors Concentrating in Literatures, Language and Criticism
This concentration is a 30-credit major that consists of 3 parts:
1. Foundation Courses
2. Core Requirements
3. Areas of Study
4. Literatures, Language and Criticism Checklist
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1. Foundation Courses (6 credits)
These courses must be taken once the student has declared a major in this concentration, and may be taken during the same semester.
* ENGL 303 Western Literary Backgrounds to British and American Literature
* ENGL 338 Survey of British Literature I: Anglo-Saxon Literature to Romanticism.

2. Core Requirements, plus electives (15 credits)
There are five core requirements. Students must meet each of the first four requirements with at least one course. The fifth core requirement is a required course: English 306, Literary Theory.

Note that a course used for an Area of Study may also be used for a Core Requirement. However, since the credit value of a course may not be counted twice, majors may need to take electives to accumulate the required 30 credits.

* At least one course must deal substantially with British literature written prior to 1660 (3 credits)
* At least one course must deal substantially with British literature written between 1660 and the present (3 credits)
* At least one course must deal substantially with American literature written before 1914 (3 credits)
* At least one course must deal substantially with African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, Caribbean, Transnational and/or Post-Colonial literature (3 credits)
* Required: ENGL 306 Literary Theory (3 credits)

3. Areas of Study (9 credits)
There are seven areas of study. Students must take three courses in one of the following areas:
* Medieval to Renaissance British Literature (1300-1660)
* Restoration to Mid-Victorian British Literature (1660-1870)
* Late Victorian, Modern, and Contemporary British Literature (1870-present)
* American Literature, including African American, Asian American, Latino American, and Native American Literatures
* Caribbean, Transnational, and /or Post-Colonial Literature
* Literary Theory, Cultural Studies, and /or Linguistics/Language
* Gender and Sexuality in LiteratureTopics and Selected Studies courses may be used to fulfill various requirements. Please consult with a department advisor if you are uncertain about which area of study or requirements or core requirements a course fulfills.

4. Literatures, Language, and Criticism Checklist
This checklist will assist students in tracking their general education requirements and major requirements. Click here for Literatures, Language, and Criticism Checklist. (Clicking on this link will open a Word file suitable for printing.)

Any single course may be used to fulfill a Core Requirement and an Area of Study. However, the total number of credits must add up to 30. Please consult the Advising page for more information.

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