English

Bachelor of English

The Bachelor of Arts in English has been developed by the faculty in the Department of English and the College of Liberal Arts of Purdue University at West Lafayette. An English degree at PNC requires students to examine literary and artistic texts (in all media including electronic) as well as historical documents and works of theory as products of cultural and social processes. By reading and responding to texts produced to meet many cultural needs during various historical periods, students develop the understanding and empathy for human struggles needed to work through contemporary dilemmas. Students acquire a thorough knowledge of the history and development of the English language and British, American, world, and ethnic literatures within the context of a changing global society. As students learn how others have come to articulate their world views, they also become critical thinkers who can effectively communicate with others.

A degree in English traditionally has been considered a step toward a career in teaching, scholarly research or writing. In fact, opportunities are much wider. English majors find their degrees useful in business, the professions, media, technology, publishing and government. Because competent writing and thinking abilities are crucial to almost every field, English majors have succeeded in such diverse areas as management, advertising, community relations, computer documentation, desktop publishing and public service. An English degree also is a traditional springboard to a career in law.

All English majors must complete both 51 credits of core requirements and a 33 credit sequence of English classes.

GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY: ENGLISH

Core Requirements

6	English composition
3	Speech communication
3	Modern language (ASL, French, German, or Spanish at the fourth level)
6	Mathematics and statistics
6	Natural science (astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics)
3	Western heritage
3	United States tradition
3	Other cultures
3	Aesthetic awareness
3	Racial and ethnic diversity
3	Gender issues
3	Individual and society
3	Social ethics
3	Global perspective

The major in English supplements the core with courses that survey English and American literature, examine specific literary themes and genres, cover a particular major author or authors, strengthen writing and reasoning skills, and study the English language itself. Some of these courses are specifically required; others represent choices within groupings of courses.

A minor is NOT REQUIRED with this major.

Prerequisite

In order to work toward this major, the student must have credit in ENGL 101, 102 and ENGL 227 or the equivalent.

Required Courses (33 credits)

Choose from the following English courses to meet requirements in each area.

Introductory Courses (9 credits)

3	ENGL 201	The Nature of Literary Study
3	ENGL 240	Survey of British Literature: From the Beginnings Through the Neoclassical Period or
3	ENGL 241	Survey of British Literature: From the Rise of Romanticism to the Modern Period
3	ENGL 350	Survey of American Literature: From Its Beginnings to 1865 or
3	ENGL 351	Survey of American Literature: From 1865 to the Post World War II Period

Major Authors (3 credits)

3	ENGL 441	Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
3	ENGL 442	Shakespeare
3	ENGL 444	Milton’s Major Poetry

Area Studies (9 credits)

One course from each of three areas: genre studies, historical studies, cultural studies, theoretical studies and English language studies.

Electives (9 credits)

Three additional courses in English at the 200 level or above.

Capstone Course (3 credits)

3 ENGL 495 Capstone Seminar for Seniors in English

Total credits required for baccalaureate degree: 126

Because the core and major requirements include up to 90 credit hours, the student has plenty of opportunity to pursue special interests. Some students elect to pursue a second major. Others complete a minor, although a minor is not required with this degree. Still others sample courses from a variety of areas. The avenue the student chooses depends on academic or career goals. For example, some students choose electives that enhance their understanding of literature, such as history, philosophy or science. Others choose to develop their marketability by taking courses in technical areas or business.

ENGLISH TEACHING OPTION

Although the Bachelor of Arts English Teaching option (for teaching English at the high school level) is not available at Purdue University North Central, interested students are able to complete some education courses, all core requirements and all courses required in the English major at the North Central campus. Requirements in education may then be readily completed at one of the Purdue campuses where the degree is offered.