BA in English with an emphasis in Literature, Society, and Politics
- Program Description
- Learning Objectives and Intended Outcomes
- Degree Requirements
- Special Requirements
- Portfolio Review for English Majors
- Required Courses
- Course Descriptions
In this emphasis, students are expected to engage with literature not only in terms of its aesthetic dimensions, but also in terms of the ways it expresses the values, views, and dynamics of a given cultural and historical context. In small classes and seminars students are given multiple opportunities to develop their skills in literary analysis, critical writing, and oral expression. Outstanding student essays are selected by faculty to be published each spring in our literary journal, The Mercury.
Learning Objectives and Intended Outcomes for the English Major
Upon completion of the program, students should:
- Read critically, think critically, and write critically.
- Have read widely while in the department. They will have a foundation in the canonical works of literature, as well as newer works that challenge or expand the canon. Students are expected to read widely both in and outside their areas of emphasis.
- Have an understanding of and appreciation for the various periods, genres, and styles of literature. They should be able to see and appreciate the thematic links and influences between works within and across genres. They are encouraged to attend live theatre performances and to review film critically.
- Have an appreciation for the role of literature and the arts in society and culture. They should appreciate the key role the written word plays in human expression and the search for meaning.
- Have developed an awareness of historical context and the particular perspective of the work as it speaks from inside or outside the mainstream culture.
- Have acquired the skills to perform close readings/explications of complex literary texts. They will learn the specific language, beyond jargon, to articulate clearly aesthetic concerns and insights and will pursue a facility and appreciation for the use of research to explore diverse critical responses to literature.
- Have become accomplished writers of analytical papers. They will be able to provide evidence from the text to support arguments. They should have a strong competency in the use and conventions of the MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style.
- 42 required credit hours
- 27 general education credit hours
- 59 elective credit hours
Each English major must take ENGL 2020 and ENGL 2030 Major British Writers I and II and ENGL 2050 and ENGL 2070 Major U.S. Writers I and II, earning a grade of at least C- in each course. In addition, each student must select 33 additional credit hours, 24 from the list or lists specific to his or her emphasis (below) and 6 electives from the emphasis lists or other English courses. Of the 24 credit hours required in any one emphasis, 12 must be taken at Webster University. In the final semester of study, each student must register for ENGL 4600 Portfolio Review (0 credit hours).
- No more than two courses, not to exceed a maximum of 6 credit hours, completed with a grade of D may count toward fulfilling the specific course requirements of the major.
- Students must complete ENGL 2020 and ENGL 2030 Major British Writers I and II and ENGL 2050 and ENGL 2070 Major U.S. Writers I and II with grades of C- or better.
- At least 21 credit hours within the major must be completed at Webster University.
- Each student must complete at least 12 credit hours of courses for the major at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Portfolio Review for English Majors
Students who begin the English major in Fall 2005 or later must submit a Portfolio as a requirement for the English major. Students will enroll in English 4600: Portfolio Review (0 credit hours) in their final semester of undergraduate study. Students must pass English 4600: Portfolio Review in order to graduate.
Required Courses Emphasis in Literature, Society, and Politics
| ENGL 2020 Major British Writers I | 3 hours |
| ENGL 2030 Major British Writers II | 3 hours |
| ENGL 2050 Major U.S. Writers I | 3 hours |
| ENGL 2070 Major U.S. Writers II | 3 hours |
24 credit hours from the following:
| ENGL 1060 Protest Literature | 3 hours |
| ENGL 2035 History of the Novel | 3 hours |
| ENGL 2086 Contemporary Multiethnic Literature of the US | 3 hours |
| ENGL 2110 Perspectives | 3 hours |
| ENGL 2210 Literature into Film | 3 hours |
| ENGL 2300 Worlds of Romance | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3100 Modern Drama | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3140 Women Create Women in Literature | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3150 Men Create Women in Literature | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3190 Comedy and Satire | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3210 Tragic Themes | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3300 20th Century American Poetry | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3400 The Short Story | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3500 Contexts | 3 hours |
| ENGL 3900 Myth and Classical Literature | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4000 Myth and Modern Literature | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4010 Art and the Artist | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4020 Heroic Themes | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4030 Literature of Latin America | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4150 Shakespeare I | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4160 Shakespeare II | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4190 Historical Linguistics: History of the English Language | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4200 Contemporary Linguistics | 3 hours |
| ENGL 4500 Literary Criticism | 3 hours |
An additional 6 credit hours of ENGL electives.
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