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www.plu.edu/~english
English offers excellent preparation for any future requiring integrative thinking, skill in writing, discernment in reading, an appreciation of human experience and aesthetic values, and the processes of critical and creative expression. Business, government, technology, education, and publishing are areas where our graduates frequently make their careers.
Our program offers emphases in literature and writing, as well as concentrations in children's literature and publishing. The English Department also supports the study abroad programs, and we offer study tours to such places as Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean.
Faculty: Campbell, Chair; Albrecht, Bergman, Carlton, Eyler, Jansen, Jones, Kaufman, Lovelace, Distinguished Writer in Residence; Marcus, D.M. Martin, Miranda, Rahn, Robinson, Seal, B. Temple-Thurston.
English Major (Emphasis on Literature): The English major with an emphasis on literature introduces students to the great literary traditions of Britain, North America, and the English-speaking world. The major in literature places courses organized by historical period at the heart of the student's program, allowing students to read the great works that define the periods, and to explore the ways in which cultural contexts impinge upon the literary imagination. Students who select the emphasis on literature can expect to learn how sensitive readers engage texts through their own speaking and writing, following their insights into the rich pleasures of literary language and growing more sophisticated in constructing effective literary arguments. They will also be introduced to the ways in which major critical traditions frame our approaches to literature and define the issues that keep literature meaningful and relevant in our lives.
Students considering English with an emphasis on literature as a major, but who are still undecided, might begin with a 200-level course. Even though no 200-level course is required for majors, students may request that one appropriate 200-level course be substituted for one similar Periods and Surveys course at the 300 level. Students are encouraged to take Shakespeare early in the major.
Courses offered through correspondence, on-line, and independent studies are not accepted to meet the literature requirement.
Foreign Language Requirement: All English majors must complete at least two years of a foreign language at the university level, or the equivalent (see College of Arts and Sciences Foreign Language Requirements, Option I).
Major Requirements: At least 36 and up to 44 semester hours in English beyond Writing 101, at least 20 hours of which must be upper division. The following course distributions are required of majors with an emphasis on literature:
English Major (Emphasis on writing): The writing emphasis at PLU has been designed for a broad spectrum of students, from those wishing to focus on fiction and poetry, to those interested in more pragmatic types of writing, to those set on exploring theoretical issues in rhetoric and composition.
Foreign Language Requirement: All English majors must complete at least two years of a foreign language at the university level, or the equivalent (See College of Arts and Sciences Foreign Language Requirements, Option I).
Major Requirements: At least 36 semester hours in English (excluding Writing 101), distributed as follows:
Children's Literature: Students completing 333 and 8 hours from 326, 334, 335 or other approved courses (all with grades of B or higher) will be recognized for special competence in children's literature.
Minor (Emphasis on Literature): 20 semester hours (excluding Writing 101), distributed as follows: 4 hours of Shakespeare, 8 hours from Periods and Surveys (see Literature Major Requirements), and 8 hours of electives.
Minor (Emphasis on Writing): 20 semester hours (excluding Writing 101), with at least 12 hours in upper division, distributed as follows: 12 hours in writing, 4 hours in literature, 4 hours of elective.
Minor (Emphasis on Publishing and Printing Arts): See separate listing under Publishing and Printing Arts.
Prospective Teachers: Students preparing to teach English in secondary schools should arrange for an advisor in both English and Education. Please also see the School of Education section of this catalog.
Secondary Education: Students preparing to teach in junior or senior high school may earn either a Bachelor of Arts in English with certification from the School of Education, or a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a teaching major in English. The English major with an emphasis in literature and the English major with an emphasis in writing may both be pursued by prospective teachers. Secondary education students must fulfill all requirements for the English major: Option 1 of the Foreign Language Requirements (two years of a foreign language at the university level, or the equivalent); at least 36 and no more than 44 credit hours in English; and all the specific requirements for the major either in literature or in writing. State certification for teachers also mandates the following requirements, which are an overlay to the major. Courses taken to satisfy the major can also be courses that satisfy the state certification requirements.
English literature: one course
American literature: one course
Comparative literature: one course
(214, 216, 217, 218, 232, 233, 341, 343, appropriate seminar)
Linguistics or structure of language: one course (403)
Writing/Composition: one course (328 is especially recommended)Prospective teachers may take Education 529, Adolescent Literature in the Secondary Curriculum, as an elective in the English major.
Elementary Education: Students preparing to teach in elementary schools following the Language Arts curriculum, must take 24 semester hours minimum in English, and are advised to follow the structure of the English major in satisfying state certification requirements. Consult your advisor in the School of Education.
Graduate Program
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Low-Residency): See Graduate Section.
All literature courses fulfill the general university core requirement in literature.
I. Lower-Division Courses
The following courses were designed for students who are not English
majors, and for students considering an English major, to satisfy the
general university requirement in literature. Upper- division courses
in literature offered by the Department of English will satisfy the
general university requirement in literature as well, but the following
courses are particularly recommended. These lower-division courses in
literature give primary attention to the act of reading in different
contexts and genres. The courses emphasize for students the ways in
which framing the reading experience by different kinds of questions
reveals different texts, and enriches the imaginative experience of
reading, leading more to insight on the part of the reader than final
answers.
II. Upper-Division Courses
Designed particularly for upper-division students, usually but not exclusively with the major in mind.
III. Writing, Language, and Theory
Writing 101, English 221, 224, 225, 227, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 403, 421, 425, 426, 427, 428
IV. Publishing and Printing Arts
311, 312, 313, 314
213 Topics in Literature: Themes and Authors - LT
A variable-content course that focuses on the act of reading and interpreting texts. (4)
214 Poetry - LT
A study of poems and conventions of poetry from the classics to modern projective verse. (4)
215 Fiction - LT
Examines the development of short fiction, concentrating on themes
and techniques of the genre. Stresses the Euro-American tradition. (4)
216 Fiction: Emphasis on Cross-Cultural Perspectives - C, LT (4)
217 Fiction: Emphasis on Alternative Perspectives - A, LT (4)
218 Drama - LT
An introduction to the basic elements of drama (plot, character, language) and on the traditional genres (tragedy, comedy). (4)
221 Research and Writing - WR
Strategies for writing academic research papers are practiced,
including developing appropriate research topics, locating and using a
variety of relevant sources, substantiating generalizations, and using
paraphrase and citation accurately. (2 or 4)
224 Travel Writing - WR
Writing about travel, while traveling or upon return. Students keep
travel journals, produce short travel essays, and read selected travel
writers. (4)
225 Autobiographical Writing - WR
Reading autobiography and writing parts of one's own, with an
emphasis on how writing style and personal identity complement each
other. (4)
227 Imaginative Writing I - WR
A beginning workshop in writing poetry and short fiction. Includes a
study of techniques and forms to develop critical standards and an
understanding of the writing process. (Prerequisite: WRIT 101 or its
equivalent, Advanced Placement, or consent of instructor.) (4)
230 Contemporary Literature - LT
Emphasis on the diversity of new voices in American fiction such as
Toni Morrison, Leslie Silko, Nicholson Baker, Joyce Carol Oates, Cormac
McCarthy, and Amy Tan, from the emergence of post-modernism to the most
important current fiction. (4)
231 Masterpieces of European Literature - LT
Representative works of classical, medieval, and early Renaissance literature. (Crosslisted with CLAS 231.) (4)
232 Women's Literature - A, LT
An introduction to fiction, poetry, and other literatures by women
writers. Includes an exploration of women's ways of reading and
writing. (4)
233 Post-Colonial Literature - C, LT
Writers from Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the
Caribbean confront the legacy of colonialism from an insider's
perspective. Emphasis on fiction. (4)
234 Environmental Literature - LT
Examines representations of nature in literature, and the ways in
which humans define themselves and their relationship with nature
through those representations. Focuses on major texts from various
cultures and historical periods. Includes poetry, fiction, and
non-fiction. (4)
239 Environment and Culture
Study of the ways in which environmental issues are shaped by human
culture and values. Major conceptions of nature, including non-Western
perspectives and issues in eco-justice. Critical evaluations of
literature, arts, ethics, conceptual frameworks, history, and
sprituality. (Crosslisted with RELI 239.) (4)
241 American Traditions in Literature - LT
Selected themes that distinguish American literature from British
traditions, from colonial or early national roots to current branches:
for example, confronting the divine, inventing selfhood, coping with
racism. (4)
251 British Traditions in Literature - LT
Selected themes that define British literature as one of the great
literatures of the world, from Anglo-Saxon origins to post-modern
rebellions: for example, identity, society, and God; love and desire;
industry, science, and culture. (4)
301 Shakespeare - LT
Study of representative works of the great poet as a central figure in the canon of English literature. (4)
311 The Book in Society
A critical study of the role of books in our history, society, and daily lives. (Crosslisted with COMA 321.) (4)
312 Publishing Procedures
A workshop introduction to the world of book publishing, involving
students in decisions about what to publish and how to produce it.
(Crosslisted with COMA 322.) (4)
313 The Art of the Book I
The combination studio course and seminar explores the visual properties of language. (Crosslisted with ART 331.) (4)
314 The Art of the Book II
Individual projects to explore further typography and fine bookmaking. (4)
323 Writing in Professional Settings - WR
Students working in professional settings analyze the rhetorical demands of their job-related writing. (4)
324 Free-Lance Writing - WR
A workshop in writing for publication, with primary emphasis on the feature article. (4)
325 Personal Essay - WR
Students write essays on topics of their choice, working particularly on voice and style. (4)
326 Writing for Children - WR
A workshop in writing fiction and non-fiction for children and
teenagers, with an introduction to the varieties of contemporary
children's literature. (4)
327 Imaginative Writing II - WR
An advanced workshop in writing poetry and short fiction. Some
attention will be given to procedures for submitting manuscript for
publication. (4)
328 Advanced Composition for Teachers - WR
Students are introduced to philosophical, social, and pragmatic
issues confronting teachers of writing. Required for certification by
the School of Education. (4)
333 Children's Literature - LT
An introduction to a rich literary tradition, with analysis in depth
of such authors as H.C. Anderson, Tolkien, Lewis, Potter, Wilder, and
LeGuin. (4)
334 Special Topics in Children's Literature - LT
Content varies each year. Possible topics include genres, themes,
historical periods, and traditions. May be repeated for credit with
different topic. (4)
335 Fairy Tales and Fantasy - LT
Fairy tales are told and interpreted; interpretive models and
theories from several psychological traditions are explored. Fantasy is
looked at both as image and as story. (4)
341 Feminist Approaches to Literature - A, LT
Introduction to a variety of feminisms in contemporary theory as
frameworks for reading feminist literature and for approaching
traditional literature from feminist positions. (4)
343 Voices of Diversity: Post-Colonial Literature and Theory - C, LT
Introduces perspectives of post-colonial theorists as a framework
for understanding the relationship of colonialism and its legacies to
the works of writers from Africa, the Caribbean, and other ex-colonial
territories. (4)
351 English Medieval Literature - LT
A survey of the first two periods of English literature: Old
English, including the epic Beowulf, and Middle English, ranging from
the romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to the beginnings of
English drama in Everyman. (4)
352 Chaucer - LT
A study of Geoffrey Chaucer's major works, especially The Canterbury
Tales and Troilus and Criseyde, and of the intellectual, social, and
political circumstances of their production in 14th-century England. (4)
353 English Renaissance Literature - LT
Studies the Golden Age of English literature. Selected poets from
Wyatt to Marvell, including Sidney, Spenser, Shakespeare, Donne, and
Jonson; selected playwrights from Kyd to Webster; selected prose from
More to Bacon and Browne. (4)
361 Restoration and 18th-Century Literature - LT
Surveys the lively drama, neoclassical poetry, gothic fiction, and
early novel of a period marked by religious controversy and
philosophical optimism. (4)
362 Romantic and Victorian Literature - LT
A survey of the richly varied writers of 19th-century England seen
in the context of a rapidly changing social reality-from romantic
revolutionaries and dreamers to earnest cultural critics and
myth-makers. (4)
367 20th-Century British Literature - LT
A survey of England's literary landscape from the rise of modernism
through mid-century reactions to contemporary innovations. (4)
371 Studies in American Literature, 1820-1920 - LT
The mutual influence of literary traditions and American culture in idealism, realism, and naturalism. (4)
372 20th-Century American Poetry - LT
Major voices in American poetry from Frost and Eliot, Williams and Pound, through the post-war generation to recent poets. (4)
373 20th-Century American Fiction and Drama - LT
Major authors and forms, both conventional and experimental. (4)
374 American Ethnic Literatures - A, LT
Attention to the literatures and popular traditions of America's
ethnic communities. Includes African and Asian Americans, Native
Americans and Chicano/as. (4)
403 The English Language
Studies in the structure and history of English, with emphasis on syntactical analysis and issues of usage. (4)
421 Tutorial in Writing - WR
Guided work in an individual writing project. A plan of study must
be approved before the student may register for the course. (1-4)
425 Writing on Special Topics- SR, WR
Writing in a wide range of academic and creative genres determined
by their particular educational goals, students will shape their papers
to meet the rhetorical demands of publications relevant to their
academic or professional future. (4)
427 Imaginative Writing III - SR, WR
An advanced workshop in writing poetry and short fiction. Some
attention will be given to procedures for submitting manuscript for
publication. For seniors only. (4)
428 Seminar: Critical Theory - LT, SR
Issues in literary studies and in rhetorical theory are discussed in
relationship to influential movements such as reader-response, cultural
studies, feminism, and deconstruction. Recommended for prospective
graduate students. (4)
451 Seminar: Author - LT, SR
Concentrated study of the work, life, influence, and critical
reputation of a major author in the English-speaking world. The course
includes careful attention to the relations of the author to cultural
contexts, the framing of critical approaches through literary theory,
substantial library research, and a major writing project. (4)
452 Seminar: Theme, Genre- LT, SR
Concentrated study of a major literary theme or genre, as it might
appear in various periods, authors, and cultures. The course includes
careful attention to practical criticism, the framing of critical
approaches through literary theory, substantial library research, and a
major writing project. (4)
491 Independent Studies
An intensive course in reading. May include a thesis. Intended for upper-division majors. (4)
597 Graduate Research (4)