English, BA

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Major in English

Chuck Jackson, Ph.D., Coordinator
Room S1039, 713-221-8615

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates who earn a BA in English will be able to:

Read literary, cultural, and scholarly texts critically by:

analyzing, through close reading, the rhetorical and aesthetic qualities of texts;
demonstrating understanding of the characteristics, conventions, and techniques associated with various literary genres;
situating texts within their historical and cultural contexts; and
demonstrating understanding of the literary traditions in U.S., British, and other national literatures.

Produce mature college-level writing that:

advances rhetorically astute arguments about texts;
analyzes texts within their historical and cultural contexts;
applies a guiding critical methodology; and
employs appropriate scholarly diction and tone.

Use and document sources appropriately to:

advance/enrich an argument; and
demonstrate engagement in critical debate.

Degree Requirements

To complete a BA in English, students must satisfy the “Requirements for CHSS Majors ” and fulfill the coursework listed below.

Common Core Requirements

See listing under Common Core Requirements in this catalog.

Preparatory Requirements

6-8 SCHs of Foreign Language:

Complete 6-8 semester credit hours in the same foreign language. Semester credit hours are contingent upon placement exams, courses taken, or transfer credit. Semester credit hours bypassed by placement must be made up in elective credits. Any foreign language credit in excess of three semester credit hours may be applied to the elective area.

Major Requirements

ENG 1301 - Composition I (Can be reused from the common core)
ENG 1302 - Composition II (Can be reused from the common core)

3 lower-level SCHs in pre 1800 literature*:

Complete 3 semester credit hours from the following courses (courses in this area can be reused from the common core):

ENG 2301 - World Literature I
ENG 2311 - American Literature I
ENG 2313 - British Literature I
* Students transferring from another university who have completed the state-defined Field of Study will have three semester credit hours of lower-division literature courses count in this lower-division literature area.

3 lower-level SCHs in post 1800 literature*:

Complete 3 semester credit hours from the following choices (courses in this area can be reused from the common core):

ENG 2302 - World Literature II
ENG 2305 - Literature and Culture
ENG 2309 - Survey of Film: Beginnings to Present
ENG 2312 - American Literature II
ENG 2314 - British Literature II
* Students transferring from another university who have completed the state-defined Field of Study will have three semester credit hours of lower-division literature courses count in this lower-division literature area.

9 upper-level SCHs in Genre

3 upper-level SCH in pre-1800 Literature:

Complete 3 semester credit hours from the following list of upper level courses:

9 upper-level SCHs in Literature/Critical Theory:

Complete 9 semester credit hours from the following list of upper-level courses:

3 upper-level SCHs in Advanced Literature/Critical Theory:

Complete 3 semester credit hours from the following list of courses:

6 upper-level SCHs in Writing:

Complete 6 semester credit hours from the following list of courses:

6 upper-level SCHs

Complete an additional 6 semester credit hours from the list of courses enumerated under “literature/theory” and “writing,” above or complete an additional 3 semester credit hours from the list of courses enumerated under “literature/theory” or “writing,” above and an additional 3 semester credit hours from the following list of internship options:

English Portfolio

ENG 4098 - English Portfolio

Free Electives

Majors are required to complete a sufficient number of elective semester credit hours so that their entire coursework, including the above required courses, totals 120 semester credit hours. Upper or lower-level courses may be applied to this area, with the exceptions described under the “Requirements for CHSS Majors ” section.