Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

​Writing Workshops

Studies in Language and Style

Electives in Language, Literature, Publishing and Teaching

Open Electives

  • Choose four courses from the following list:        
    • ENG 500 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    • ENG 501 THESIS RESEARCH
    • ENG 509 INTERNSHIP
    • Any graduate-level courses in writing, literature, criticism, publishing and teaching offered by the English department (except ENG 471)
    • Up to two graduate level courses offered by the Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse Department.
    • Courses from other programs may be substituted only with approval of program director.

ENG 487

TRAVEL WRITING

Writing travel essays: history and forms of the literary travel essay; writing about travel for the book and magazine market.

ENG 489

SCREENWRITING

An introduction to the craft of screenwriting. Covers principles of plot, dramatic conflict, characterization, dialogue, and screenplay form. Students develop short dramatic and documentary screenplays.

ENG 490

WRITING FOR MAGAZINES

Covers the range of skills necessary for magazine writing. Discussion of the elements of style, humor, research, concept and imagery that characterize the literature of fact. Students investigate, compose and edit finished magazine articles to be submitted for publication.

ENG 491

SCIENCE WRITING

An introduction to the creative career of science writing. Students research, write, and market articles on such subjects as astronomy, genetics, health, and technology for newspapers, magazines, e-zines, and innovative journals. No prior science background required.

ENG 492

WRITING FICTION

A course in writing short stories. Emphasis is placed on class discussion of student writing.

ENG 493

WRITING POETRY

A course in writing and reading poetry. Emphasis is placed on class discussion of student writing.

ENG 497

WRITING THE LITERATURE OF FACT

An advanced course in reading and writing true-life stories in the nonfiction tradition exemplified by such writers as Dickens, Agee, McPhee, and Didion.

ENG 484

WRITING WORKSHOP TOPICS

See schedule for current offerings.

ENG 400

STRUCTURE OF MODERN ENGLISH [FORMERLY ENG 416]

A systematic outline of modern English from both traditional and contemporary linguistic perspectives. Examines descriptive grammars, word and phrase structure, syntax and semantics, and formal issues of style and rhetoric. Formerly ENG 416.

ENG 402

HISTORY OF ENGLISH PROSE STYLE

A survey of alternative theoretical approaches to the study of style, followed by intensive study of changes in the conventions of English prose from the Renaissance to the present.

ENG 407

LANGUAGE AND STYLE FOR WRITERS

A comprehensive examination of structural elements and stylistic devices that experienced writers use across a number of creative and professional genres. Topics include components of style, sentence rhythm and prosody, diction choices, rhetorical punctuation, and the development of one's personal writing voice.

ENG 408

STYLISTICS

Theory and practice in examining features of prose style, including linguistic, rhetorical and literary perspectives on style.

ENG 401

HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

A systematic study of the nature, history and usage of the English language. The course traces the language from its origin to its present status in England and America.

ENG 426

THE ESSAY: HISTORY, THEORY, PRACTICE (FORMERLY ENG 488)

Explores the history of the essay as genre from the Renaissance to the present, compares and contrasts literary essays with those written in most school settings, and offers students the opportunity to write their own extended essays on personal and professional topics.

ENG 473

TEACHING CREATIVE WRITING [FORMERLY ENG 485]

Prepares English teachers to teach creative writing at the secondary and college undergraduate levels. Models the planning and directing of effective workshops in poetry and fiction writing. Formerly ENG 485.

ENG 474

TEACHING LITERATURE

Prepares English teachers to teach literature at the secondary and college undergraduate levels. The course develops methods of teaching all literary genres, addresses problems in literacy, and focuses on the transactional nature of reading and writing.

ENG 477

TOPICS IN PUBLISHING

See schedule for current offerings.

ENG 478

TOPICS IN TEACHING

See schedule for current offerings.

ENG 476

TOPICS IN GENRE AND FORM

See schedule for current offerings. Formerly ENG 479.

ENG 496

EDITING

An introduction to editing principles and practices in professional and technical fields.

ENG 500

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Written permission of supervising faculty member and of the program director is necessary before registration. Variable credit.

ENG 501

THESIS RESEARCH

Written permission of supervising faculty member and of the program director is necessary before registration. Limited to four credits.

ENG 509

INTERNSHIP

Internship