Mar 29, 2024  
2011-2012 General Catalog 
    
2011-2012 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

English, BS


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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of English

Students must complete the General Education Requirements .

Students must also complete the University Studies Depth Requirements :

  • The following courses will fulfill the Communication Intensive requirement for students enrolled in each of the four emphases: Literary Studies–two courses having CI designation (such as  ,   or  ; Professional and Technical Writing  and   (both required); English Teaching  and   (both required); Creative Writing–two courses having CI designation ( ,   or  
  • Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above courses from each of the following categories: Life and Physical Sciences (DSC) and Social Sciences (DSS)

 

Course Requirements


Core and Survey Requirements

Upon entering the major, all English majors must complete ENGL 1110  as soon as possible. In addition, all English majors, except for students in the Professional and Technical Writing emphasis, are required to complete three of the 2000-level literature survey courses and ENGL 2600  as soon as possible before enrolling in upper-division courses. Differing requirements for the Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis are shown below.

Literary Studies Emphasis


Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.75 within all English courses (other than ENGL 1010 , ENGL 2010 , CLEP, AP, etc.; 2.75 USU cumulative (incuding courses taken for another USU major); 2.75 career total (including transfer credits) for new transfer students

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.75 within major courses; 2.0 USU cumulative; 2.0 career total

Minimum Grade Accepted: C within major courses (no grades of pass/fail)

Number of required credits:42

This emphasis is devoted to the study of literature. Its fundamental premise is that literature is a field of diverse representations that gives shape and meaning to human experience.

Students are strongly urged to take the courses in sequence as much as possible-that is, to complete ENGL 2600  and the exploratory requirements early, before taking upper-level literature courses. Students are further urged to take at least two Literary History courses at the 3000-level before attempting the 4000-level Authors and Genres courses.

At the 3000 level, the Literary History courses are designed to give students a solid grounding in British, American, and World literature, and to situate that literature within larger historical contexts and artistic movements.

At the 4000 level, students enage in the intensive study of literary genres, and of the works of particular writers. These courses invite students to think critically about how literature is constructed and organized as a field of knowledge.

At the 5000 level, students engage in the advanced study of literature in relation to larger interdisciplinary contexts (Arts and Culture, Politics and Society, Science and Environment). These courses provide the advanced theoretical tools necessary to analyze the relationship between literature and other modes of understandng and representing the world. These courses insist that literary texts exist within and depend upon a complex network of other cultural representations.

Students in the Literary Studies emphasis are strongly urged to take at least four semesters of coursework in a second language (or to pass a proficiency test at the level of 2020 or above), and to graduate with a bachelor of arts degree rather than a bachelor of science.  Knowledge of other languages is crucial to a fully developed understanding of literature, culture, and language more generally.  Graduate programs in literature generally expect knowledge of a second language from applicants, and a BA degree is the norm for English majors around the nation.

Students in the Literary Studies Emphasis, furthermore, are strongly urged to select a minor in a field that will broaden their knowledge of the world and is closely allied to literary studies, such as American studies, British and Commonwealth studies, folklore, women and gender studies, history, religious studies, a foreign language, classics, art history, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, geography, or sociology.  For more information, visit the Literary Studies Emphasis website, accessed through a link at http://english.usu.edu/. 

A. Exploratory Requirements (9 credits)


  • Literature (3 credits)
  • Culture (3 credits)
  • Writing (3 credits)

B. Literary Analysis (3 credits)


D. Authors and Genres (12 credits)


Select this course:

Select one or two courses from the following authors courses:

Distribution

In categories B and C above, the courses must include:

Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis


Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.75 within all English courses (other than ENGL 1010 , ENGL 2010 , CLEP, AP, etc.; 2.75 USU cumulative (incuding courses taken for another USU major); 2.75 career total (including transfer credits) for new transfer students

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.75 within major courses; 2.0 USU cumulative; 2.0 career total

Minimum Grade Accepted: C in courses taught by major, B- in ENGL 1120 , ENGL 3400  and ENGL 3410  (up to 6 credits with pass/fail grades allowed for internship)

Number of required credits:42

Other Requirements: Grammar Challenge Exam (score of at least 80 percent) or ENGL 1120 

This emphasis prepares students for career opportunities in various writing-related careers in professional organizations.   The emphasis consists of: (1) a theoretical foundation in rhetoric and linguistics, enabling students to assess writing situations and meet the rhetorical exigencies they will face in the workplace; and (2) writing practice in a variety of contexts with a range of technological tools, preparing them to design, write, and edit professional documents.

Students begin their studies by completing two introductory professional writing courses familiarizing students with professional writing and the current technologies used in all levels of text production.  These courses, ENGL 3400  and ENGL 3410 , are prerequisites for the rest of the major and must be passed with a grade of B- or better for the student to continue in the program.  In addition, students will take two courses addressing rhetorical issues and research methods in professional communication, as well as two courses in linguistics.

Students then take seven major courses, including professional editing, document design and graphics, interactive media, and publication production and management.  Students may also take courses focusing on more specific forms of writing, such as proposals, newsletters, and computer documentation.  We encourage and can help procure internships, which provide students with an opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences in a variety of organizations.  Students complete the program by taking a capstone course, in which they design and construct portfolios, explore professional opportunities, and prepare to begin their careers.  For more information, visit the Professional and Technical Writing  website: http://techcomm.usu.edu/.

Note:  As soon as possible, students in this emphasis should acquire a mastery of word processing and desktop publishing programs.

A. Exploratory Requirements (9 credits)


  • Literature (3 credits)
  • Culture (3 credits)
  • Writing (3 credits)

B. Introductory Professional Writing Courses (6 credits)


F. Capstone Seminar (3 credits)


G. Creative Writing (3 credits)


If you have taken a professional and technical writing course to fulfill your Exploratory Requirement, you must select one course from the following list:

English Teaching Emphasis


Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.75 within all English courses (other than ENGL 1010 , ENGL 2010 , CLEP, AP, etc.; 2.75 USU cumulative (incuding courses taken for another USU major); 2.75 career total (including transfer credits) for new transfer students

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.75 within major courses; 2.0 USU cumulative (2.75 USU cumulative required for admission to STEP); 2.75 career total (for certification)

Minimum Grade Accepted: C (no pass/fail) in major courses; C- in STEP courses (Note: C- or better in Quantitative Literacy (QL) course required by the Secondary Education Program)

Number of Required Credits: 42 (45 if required to take ENGL 1120 )

Other Requirements: Teaching minor (mandatory), optional STEP (35 credits), Grammar Challenge Exam (score of at least 80 percent) or ENGL 1120   

This emphasis, leading to professional licensure in the teaching of secondary-level English, prepares prospective English teachers to participate actively in the many communities related to the profession. Students become well-versed in their academic subject matter (language, writing, literature, and multimedia); skilled in the methods of teaching the various components of the English curriculum and in classroom management techniques; and committed to the achievement of all students regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic standing. 

Students take a course in literary analysis and demonstrate grammar competency through coursework or an exam.  In addition, students take 15 credits in literature courses in order to acquire an understanding of the traditional literary canon, literary diversity, and current theoretical approaches to understanding literature.  Students take 12 credits in pedagogy to learn about curriculum, planning, instructional delivery, assessment, and related topics.  Students take 3 credits of a English elective, allowing them an opportunity to explore an area of personal interest.

Students are urged to complete the required Exploratory courses and an additional 6 credits of English prior to taking ENGL 4500  and ENGL 4510 .  When possible, students hould complete all of their required 3000-level courses before taking 4000-level courses.

If students wish to obtain professional licensure at graduation, they must also fulfill the requirements of the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) prescribed by the Secondary Education Program of the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL).

A. Exploratory Requirements (9 credits)


  • Literature (3 credits)
  • Culture (3 credits)
  • Writing (3 credits)

B. Literary Analysis (3 credits)


Select this course:

Select two literature elective courses as indicated (6 credits)

  • One literature course numbered 3305 or higher 3
  • One literature elective numbered 4xxx or 5xxx 3
Distribution

Among the literature courses selected (here in category C, in the required Exploratory Course in Literary Analysis, or in the English elective in category E below), there must be one course in American literature and one course in world literature.

D. English Education Courses (12 credits)


E. English elective (3 credits)


  • Select an English course numbered 3305 or higher (includes courses in creative writing, professional and technical writing, literature, linguistics, folklore, and American studies) 3

F. Grammar Competency


In addition to fulfilling the above requirements, students in the English teaching emphasis must fulfill a grammar competency requirement. This may be accomplished either by enrolling in ENGL 1120 , or by passing a challenge exam in the English Department Writing Center (Ray B. West 104) with a score of 80 percent or better. See the English undergraduate advisor for further information.

G. Teaching Minor


Students in the English Teaching emphasis are also required to complete a teaching minor. Current options are Chemistry, English as a Second Language, Geography, Health Education, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physical Education Coaching, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, School Library Media, Sociology, speech Communication, and Theatre Arts. Required number of credit hours varies depending on the option selected. See the English undergraduate advisor for further information.

H. Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) (35 credits, variable depending on teaching minor)


To receive a license to teach in the public school system, students in the English Teaching emphasis must also complete the 35-credit STEP administered through the Secondary Education Program of the School of TEAL. Students must be admitted to STEP before taking STEP courses. Among the requirements is a Criminal Background Check. See an advisor in the Secondary Education Program of the School of TEAL , Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, for further information regarding this program. Prior to student teaching, students must pass the required Praxis exams.

Creative Writing Emphasis


Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.75 within all English courses (other than ENGL 1010 , ENGL 2010 , CLEP, AP, etc.; 2.75 USU cumulative (incuding courses taken for another USU major); 2.75 career total (including transfer credits) for new transfer students

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.75 within major courses; 2.0 USU cumulative; 2.0 career total

Minimum Grade Accepted: C within major courses (no grades of pass/fail)

Number of required credits: 42

This emphasis is devoted to the art of literary writing: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and drama. Through practice in a chosen genre and a comprehensive study of literature, students learn the craft of literary writing as discovered and practiced over the last three thousand years of written human culture. The emphasis prepares undergraduates for graduate work in creative writing and develops critical, cognitive, and writing skills applicable in numerous professional fields.

Since creative writers must have a broad knowledge of literature, students first complete two of the 3000-level literature history courses that provide an overview of major periods, authors, and genres in American, British and World literature. They also take an introductory course in literary theory which introduces methodologies of literary criticism.

Also at the 3000-level, students begin their work as creative writers, taking three introductory writing courses in three genres: fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. 

At the 4000-level, students concentrate their training as creative writers, taking three courses in advanced fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction writing, which can be repeated. Also at the 4000-level, students take a course focused on the study of a single author and a course in the study of one’s chosen genre.

A. Exploratory Requirements (9 credits)


  • Literature (3 credits)
  • Culture (3 credits)
  • Writing (3 credits)

B. Literary Analysis (3 credits)


D. Creative Writing Courses (15 credits or 18 credits)


Distribution

If you have taken a Creative Writing course to fulfill your Exploratory Writing requirement, then select two of these courses. You will also take an additional English Elective course (see below)

Select three of the following courses (note that some are repeatable, and can be taken more than once to meet requirement)

E. Literature Courses (3 credits)


Select one of the following courses:

Note:

The Authors courses vary according to the specialty of the faculty member teaching the course.

Note:

The Genre courses vary according to the specialty of the faculty member teaching the course.

F. English Electives (3 credits or 6 credits)


  • Distribution- If you have taken a Professional and Technical Writing course to fulfill your Exploratory Writing Requirement (see A above), then select one English Electives course 3
  • Distribution- If you have taken a Creative Writing course to fulfill your Exploratory Writing Requirement, then select two English Electives courses 6

Minimum University Requirements


Total Credits

120

Grade Point Average (most majors require higher GPA)

2.00 GPA

Credits of C- or better

100

Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above)

40

USU Credits (10 of last 40 must be USU credits)

30

Completion of approved major program of study

See college advisor

Credits in minor (if required)

12

Credits in American Institutions (ECN 1500 ;HIST 1700 , HIST 2700  or HIST 2710 ; HONR 1300 POLS 1100 ; or USU 1300 

3

General Education Requirements  and University Studies Depth Requirements 

 

 

 

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