English, BA

Major in English

Sandra L. Dahlberg, PhD, Literature and Education Concentrations
S1028, 713-221-8949

Robin Davidson, PhD, Creative Writing Concentration
S1075, 713-221-2716

Chuck Jackson, Ph.D., Film Studies Concentration
Room 1045-S, 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;
demonstrating understanding of the literary traditions in U.S., British, and their national literatures; and
express that information orally.

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;
employs appropriate scholarly diction and tone; and
express orally with proficiency the above substance.

Use and document sources appropriately to:

advance/enrich an argument;
demonstrate engagement in critical debate; and
orally communicate the process of using and citing sources including a and b above.

NOTE: The primary BA in English degree concentration centers on literary/cultural studies. Students can alternatively select one of three concentrations: the creative writing concentration; the English education concentration; and the film studies concentration.

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

(Courses in this area cannot be reused from the common core)

6 Hours in Literature:

Complete 6 semester credit hours from a single Literature survey sequence:

6-8 Hours 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

3 Hours in Pre-1800 Lit:

Complete 3 semester credit hours from:

9 Hours in Literature/Critical Theory:

Complete 9 semester credit hours from the following:

3 Hours in Adv. Literature/Theory:

Complete 3 semester credit hours from:

6 Hours in Writing:

Complete 6 semester credit hours from:

6 Upper-Level Hours:

Complete an additional 6 semester credit hours from the list of courses enumerated under “literature/theory” and “writing,” above and;

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.