Requirements for the Major

American and British Literature Surveys
English 241, 242, 261 and 262 (12 credits)

Shakespeare
English 263 or 363 (3 credits)

English Language
English 221, 321, or 323 (3 credits)

Electives
15 hours at 200-400 levels (nine hours of which must be at the 300 or 400-level, excluding 491)

Department Capstone Course
English 418, 491A, or 496 (required for students entering WVU Fall 2002 or later)

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American and British Literature Surveys
English 241, 242, 261, and 262 (12 credits)

These four survey courses provide a basic knowledge of American and British literary history and basic information about writers, genres, themes, and periods.

Shakespeare English 263 or 363

Either of these courses introduces students to the works of William Shakespeare. English 363 is for students prepared to do work at the upper level.

Study of the English Language
221, 321, or 323 (3 credits)

Any of these courses in linguistics, history of the English language, and introduction to Old English will familiarize students with the concerns and approaches of linguists studying the English language. Preferably, students take the language course in the sophomore year.

Electives
15 hours of upper-level courses (including nine hours at the 300- or 400-level, excluding English 491)

Electives and advanced courses allow for advanced or in-depth study of a period, genre, or topic.

The Capstone Experience
418, 491A, or 496

The English Capstone Experience is both a culmination of baccalaureate work and preparation for further work in academic or nonacademic environments. The Capstone Experience will be required for graduation for all students who enroll at WVU beginning with the Fall 2002 Semester. Students who have enrolled prior to that date are encouraged to participate in this rewarding experience.

The Department offers three options. Please consult with one of the faculty advisers to determine which is best for you:

Creative Writing Seminar, English 418. Students will develop a portfolio of their creative writing under faculty guidance. Students may only pursue this option with the permission of the Creative Writing program coordinator.

Professional Field Experience, English 491A. Students will develop a portfolio of their work related to the internship. Students may only pursue this option with the permission of the internship sponsor and the Department of English undergraduate coordinator.

Senior Thesis, English 496. Students will develop an extended research essay (20-25 pages, with full documentation) while enrolled in the Senior Thesis course. This option is especially appropriate for students who are considering graduate work in English studies or related fields. Students may only pursue this option with the permission of the course professor.

Essays and portfolios produced in capstone courses should be of a quality to submit as samples to graduate programs or potential employers. Accordingly, capstone work should demonstrate facility with the English language, as well as knowledge of writing, literature, culture, and the conventions of English studies as appropriate to the particular form of the Capstone Experience.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Credit Maximum. No more than 42 credit hours in language and literature courses may be applied to the 128 hours required for graduation.

Excluded Courses. The following courses do not count toward the English major requirements: English 131, 132, 139, 154, and 156. (Note: these courses do, however, count toward the 42 hour English credit maximum.)

Grade Minimum. English majors who first enrolled at WVU in August 1997 or later must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses counted toward the major. English majors who first enrolled at WVU in August 1991 or later must earn a grade of “C” or higher in the core courses required for the major: English 101 and 102 English 241, 242, 261 and 262 English 263 or 363 English 221, 321, or 323

“W” Courses. All University students, regardless of major, must take a writing-intensive course after completing English 101 and English 102. English majors are encouraged to fulfill their “W” requirement by taking an English “W” 300-level course, if possible. Such a course will simultaneously satisfy the “W” requirement and one of the 300-level elective course requirements for the major. “W” courses are identified in the Schedule of Courses by a W01, W02, etc. section designation.