This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs
and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program
approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available
in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Les Harrison, Ph.D.
Associate professor and chair
Sachi Shimomura, Ph.D.
Associate professor and associate chair
John Brinegar, Ph.D.
Teaching associate professor and director of undergraduate curriculum
Jennifer Rhee, Ph.D.
Associate professor and director of the M.A. program
Kathleen Graber
Professor and director of the creative writing program
Oliver C. Speck, Ph.D.
Associate professor of film studies and director of the MATX program
The purpose of the Department of English is to teach students to see their worlds with clarity and respond to them with sensitivity, through reading and writing. Students are invited to read and explore a diversity of texts created in different times and voices and then to respond to these texts variously and critically, situating them within their contexts and discerning their important aesthetic features, rhetorical elements and social functions.
Students in this department also are encouraged to express themselves in expository or imaginative works that engage thought and feeling, evince purpose clearly, marshal appropriate evidence and observe principles of rhetorical decorum.
The Department of English offers a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as minors in American studies, British studies, English (for non-English majors), creative writing, professional writing and editing; the Master of Arts in English and the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing; and a doctoral program leading to a Ph.D. in Media, Art, and Text. Use the program index links to view individual program descriptions and curricula, or visit the department’s website for additional information.
American studies
AMST 195. Richmond. 1 Hour.
15 contact hours. 1 credit. A series of mini-courses dealing with aspects of Richmond's literary and historical importance from the city's beginning to the present.
AMST 216. Reading Race. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An inquiry into the origins and evolution of race and racism through diverse literary and cultural texts that examine the historical and current structures that sustain racial inequities and that explore efforts to challenge and address such inequities. Individual sections may focus on a specific literature of diversity. Graded as pass/fail.
AMST 359. Studies in African American Literature: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An in-depth study of a literary genre; an aesthetic, cultural or political theme in African American literature; or a major writer or writers in African American literature. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Students may take a maximum of 12 credits in all topics-style courses (ENGL 359, ENGL 391 and ENGL 491) at the upper level. Crosslisted as: ENGL 359.
AMST 391. Topics in American Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated once for credit. Selected issues or problems in American civilization with materials drawn from such areas as history, the social sciences, philosophy, literature, the arts and mass communications.
AMST 394. Perspectives in American Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: 6 credits in American-related courses. An introduction to the methods, significant works and major trends in American studies. May be taken for American literature credit by English majors. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences.
English
ENGL 201. Western World Literature I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the literature of Western cultures from the ancient world through the Renaissance, emphasizing connections among representative works.
ENGL 202. Western World Literature II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the literature of Western cultures from the end of the Renaissance to the present, emphasizing connections among representative works.
ENGL 203. British Literature I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the literature of the British Isles from the Middle Ages through the 18th century, emphasizing connections among representative works.
ENGL 204. British Literature II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the literature of the British Isles from the late 18th century to the present, emphasizing connections among representative works.
ENGL 205. American Literature I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the literature of the United States from its origins through the 1860s, emphasizing connections among representative works.
ENGL 206. American Literature II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the literature of the United States from the 1860s to the present, emphasizing connections among the representative works.
ENGL 211. Contemporary World Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 112 or both ENGL 295 and HONR 200. A study of selected literature published in the past 25 years and chosen from a number of different nations and cultures. Crosslisted as: INTL 211.
ENGL 214. English Grammar and Usage. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: UNIV 111 and UNIV 112. An intensive study of English grammar, usage, punctuation, mechanics and spelling.
ENGL 215. Reading Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. An inquiry into literary and cultural texts, emphasizing critical thinking and close reading. Individual sections may survey a portion of literary history or focus on a theme or unifying question.
ENGL 217. Reading New Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to literary texts published in the new century.
ENGL 236. Women in Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 112 or both ENGL 295 and HONR 200. An introduction to literature by and/or about women. Crosslisted as: GSWS 236.
ENGL 250. Reading Film. 3 Hours.
Play course video for Reading Film
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Develops students' visual literacy by exploring and analyzing the various elements of film (cinematography, lighting, editing, art direction, acting and sound, among others). Examples will be drawn from both U.S. and world cinema and from all eras of filmmaking.
ENGL 291. Topics in Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Maximum 6 credits in all topics courses at the 200 level. Prerequisite: UNIV 112 or both ENGL 295 and HONR 200. An introduction to literature through the in-depth study of a selected topic or genre. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered.
ENGL 295. The Reading and Writing of Fiction and Poetry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the basic elements of writing poetry and fiction, using published examples of contemporary fiction and verse as guides in the study of literary form and the production of original creative writing. Students will be offered a practitioner's perspective on genre conventions and the process of revision.
ENGL 301. Introduction to the English Major. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Study of literature focused on skills helpful in the English major, introducing students to the ways in which language is used in literary texts and to the practice of writing responses to those texts. Texts will represent at least two genres (drama, poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction). This course should be taken at the beginning of the student's major, preferably before completing more than six hours of other upper-level English courses. Majors are required to take ENGL 301; they must achieve a minimum grade of C to complete the requirement.
ENGL 302. Legal Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Intensive practice in writing on subjects related to law or legal problems. Emphasis on organization, development, logical flow and clarity of style. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences.
ENGL 303. Writing for Stage and/or Screen. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 workshop hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A workshop in playwriting or screenwriting primarily for students who have not yet completed a full-length dramatic work. Students will present a portfolio of work at the end of each course.
ENGL 304. Persuasive Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. An advanced study of persuasive prose techniques, with attention to the relationships among content, form and style. Students consider rhetorical techniques used across various genres, and produce and support compelling claims that persuade and inform. They will also acquire skills to interpret, assess and analyze strategies used in a variety of texts. Specific topics vary by section and instructor.
ENGL 305. Writing Poetry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 workshop hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An introduction to the craft of writing poetry. Students will explore the elements of poetic technique and produce a volume of quality work.
ENGL 307. Writing Fiction. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 workshop hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A fiction workshop primarily for students who have not produced a portfolio of finished creative work. Students will present a collection of their work at the end of each course.
ENGL 309. Writing Creative Nonfiction. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 workshop hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A creative nonfiction workshop primarily for students who have not produced a portfolio of finished creative work. Students will present a collection of their work at the end of each course.
ENGL 310. Professional Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. An introduction to writing practices common to for-profit and/or not-for-profit organizations. Students hone foundational writing and design skills to communicate effectively with specific audiences across multiple media. Depending on the instructor, this course prepares students to assess and craft effective job application materials, workplace correspondence and other business documents, including digital texts and/or websites.
ENGL 311. Introduction to Literary Theory. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Introduces students to the variety of critical methods that are sometimes employed — often subconsciously or habitually — in writing about literature. Requires students to think abstractly and theoretically about the nature of the literary text, but it also gives students valuable practice in mastering different critical methods through close engagements with short stories, poems and plays.
ENGL 313. Popular Culture Studies:_____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credit hours. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the popular culture of a specific time period, a particular form or an orchestrated phenomenon, with attention paid to the producers, audiences and meanings of the texts. Topics will vary by section.
ENGL 315. Fan Fiction Studies:_____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the phenomenon of fan fiction as understood as a disciplinary field. Focuses on creative works and other forms of engagement responding to originating texts in diverse media. Topics will vary by section.
ENGL 320. Early Literary Traditions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of early and medieval literature such as epic, romance, saga or lyric poetry written in England or influencing English literature prior to 1500.
ENGL 321. English Drama From 900 to 1642. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the origin of the English drama and its development until the closing of the theaters in 1642, exclusive of Shakespeare.
ENGL 322. Medieval Literature: Old English to Middle English. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of texts in Old and Middle English, and the literary and cultural traditions that influence the rise of English literature over 500 years from the early to the High Middle Ages, or from Bede and Beowulf to Chaucer.
ENGL 324. Late Medieval Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An introduction to the literature of the 15th and 16th centuries. Works surveyed will likely include those of Langland, Julian of Norwich, Kempe, Malory, Henryson, Skelton, More, Tyndale, Foxe, Surrey, Spenser and Sidney.
ENGL 325. Early Modern Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An introduction to the literature of the 16th and 17th centuries, which may include Sidney, Spenser, Donne, Jonson, Lanyer, Wroth, Phillips, Cavendish, Bradstreet, Hutchinson, Milton and Bunyan.
ENGL 326. Shakespeare in Context. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Examines selected works of Shakespeare in historical, political, sociocultural, literary and/or other contexts.
ENGL 330. The London Stage: 1660-1800. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of English theatrical texts of various genres written and produced in London between 1660-1800.
ENGL 331. Restoration and 18th-century British Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A survey of representative poetry, drama and prose from the Restoration and 18th century, usually including Behn, Dryden, Pope, Swift, Johnson and Gay.
ENGL 332. 18th-century British Novels and Narratives. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the British narratives in the long 18th century, usually including Defoe, Richardson, Fielding, Burney, Sterne, Austen, Radcliffe and Walpole.
ENGL 335. British Literature of the Romantic Era. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Exploration of the literature and the cultural phenomenon of Romanticism in Britain during the years 1783-1832, with reading from poets such as Blake, Wordsworth, Byron and Shelley, and from a variety of other writers.
ENGL 336. 19th-century British Novels and Narratives. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of British narratives of the 19th century, usually including Austen, Dickens, Thackeray, the Brontes, George Eliot and Hardy.
ENGL 337. Victorian Poetry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A survey of the poetry of Victorian Britain, usually including Tennyson, the Brownings, Arnold and the pre-Raphaelites.
ENGL 340. Early 20th-century British Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Representative British and Irish poetry, fiction and drama of the early 20th century, including such writers as Yeats, Joyce, Shaw, Lawrence, Conrad, Auden, Forster and Woolf.
ENGL 341. British Literature and Culture After 1945. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A British studies course that surveys writing in Britain and Ireland since the mid-20th century, with emphasis on social, economic and ideological contexts. Includes such authors as William Golding, Doris Lessing, Seamus Heaney, Harold Pinter, Philip Larkin, Iris Murdoch, Kazuo Ishiguro, Salman Rushdie and Carol Ann Duffy.
ENGL 342. The Modern Novel. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An examination of the novel, chiefly British and European, in the 20th century.
ENGL 343. Modern Poetry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of British and American poetry in the first half of the 20th century.
ENGL 344. Modern Drama. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the development of Continental, English and American drama since Ibsen.
ENGL 345. Contemporary Poetry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of British and American poetry from approximately 1945 to the present for the purpose of determining the aesthetic and thematic concerns of contemporary poets.
ENGL 347. Contemporary Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of internationally prominent texts in various genres produced during the past 30 years. Familiarizes students with distinctive properties of literary expression that have emerged in this period, such as the political, historical, economic and social influences that have shaped literary production.
ENGL 350. Digital Rhetoric. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. The study and practice of rhetoric as it applies to digital media.
ENGL 352. Feminist Literary Theory. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. The study of contemporary feminist thought and feminist approaches to analyzing literature and culture. This course examines the history and development of feminist theory as a methodology in the humanities, explores several of the major theoretical trends of the past 30 years and examines applications of feminist theory to specific works of literature. Crosslisted as: GSWS 352.
ENGL 353. Women's Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for credit once (for a maximum of six credits) when a different group of writers is studied. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of selected literature written by woman-identified writers. Crosslisted as: GSWS 353.
ENGL 354. Queer Literature: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of queer literature. Considers issues of history, theory, aesthetics, politics, authorship and/or interpretive communities and examines the intersection of social identities with particular attention to race/ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, class and/or nationality. Topics will vary by section. Crosslisted as: GSWS 354.
ENGL 355. Black Women Writers. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Explores the variety of ways African-diasporan women and woman-identified writers gained self-expression in the midst of gender and race oppression from slavery to the present. Also explores the rise of Black feminist discourse as a project of reclaiming and giving voice to writers who had previously been silenced or suppressed. Crosslisted as: GSWS 359.
ENGL 356. Prison Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of prison literature within or across particular time periods and/or geographic places. Explores writings by incarcerated people in consideration of their political, social and economic context.
ENGL 358. Native American and Indigenous Literatures. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of Native and/or indigenous writing and representation from the pre-colonial era to the present. Instructors may choose thematic, geographic, generic or period focus for the course.
ENGL 359. Studies in African American Literature: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An in-depth study of a literary genre; an aesthetic, cultural or political theme in African American literature; or a major writer or writers in African American literature. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Students may take a maximum of 12 credits in all topics-style courses (ENGL 359, ENGL 391 and ENGL 491) at the upper level. Crosslisted as: AMST 359.
ENGL 361. The Bible as Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Literary aspects of the Bible will be considered. Also, attention will be given to the history of the English Bible. Crosslisted as: RELS 361.
ENGL 363. African Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of regional and/or cultural traditions of African literature with special attention paid to socio-political perspectives. Crosslisted as: AFAM 363/INTL 366.
ENGL 364. Mythology and Folklore. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of one or more forms of folklore, such as folktales, fairy tales, legends, myths, proverbs, riddles, ballads and/or games, with some attention to literary, social or historical significance and contexts. This course may also include approaches to collecting material or to examining later literary forms and texts inspired by folklore. Crosslisted as: ANTH 364.
ENGL 365. Caribbean Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A survey of West Indian writings. Attention will be given to African, European and Amerindian influences, as well as to the emergence of a West Indian literary tradition. Crosslisted as: AFAM 365/INTL 367.
ENGL 366. Writing and Social Change: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture/workshop hours. 3 credits. May be repeated once for credit with a different topic. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A focused study of the literatures of underserved communities such as those of prisoners, recovering addicts, inner-city teens or immigrants. Students will collaborate with one such community on an original writing project.
ENGL 367. Writing Process and Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture/workshop hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Joins writing theory to writing practice. Students will explore their own writing practice and expand their knowledge of rhetorical processes and the teaching/learning of writing. Covers readings and investigations into theories about writing and the writing process, as well as the principles of working one-on-one with student writers. In the latter part of the semester students will devote two hours per week to peer consulting in the Writing Center.
ENGL 368. Nature Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the literary genre of nature writing in English. Crosslisted as: ENVS 368.
ENGL 369. Illness Narratives. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An overview of the history, interpretations and practices of reading and writing illness narratives — through case studies and theoretical perspectives, in fictionalized and nonfiction accounts, from the viewpoint of various actors (doctors, patients, patient families and their caregivers). Students will further examine the role of narrative knowledge in health care. Crosslisted as: SCTS 301.
ENGL 370. Medicine in Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of how the representational practices found in literary works may inform or enhance an understanding of a variety of medical issues.
ENGL 371. American Literary Beginnings. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the most important writings from the founding of the first colonies to the establishment of the federal government with attention to such authors as Bradford, Byrd, Bradstreet, Equiano, Cabeza de Vaca and Franklin.
ENGL 372. U.S. Literature: 1820-1865. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the writings of American authors in the middle decades of the 19th century, with attention to such authors as Poe, Emerson, Thoreau, Stowe, Hawthorne, Melville, Douglass and Whitman.
ENGL 373. U.S. Literature: 1865-1913. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of writings from the end of the Civil War to World War I, with attention to such authors as Dickinson, Clemens, Howell, James, Wharton, Crane, Norris, Dreiser, Chopin and Chesnutt.
ENGL 374. U.S. Literature: Modernism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the most important writings between World War I and World War II, with attention to such authors as Anderson, Frost, Eliot, Stein, Glasgow, Fitzgerald, Wright, Cather, Hemingway, O'Neill, Hurston, Toomer and Faulkner.
ENGL 375. U.S. Literature After 1945. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of American writings since the end of World War II, with attention to such authors as Albee, Baldwin, Carver, Coover, Ellison, Erdrich, Ginsberg, Lowell, Morrison, Plath, Pynchon, Salinger and Walker.
ENGL 377. 19th-century U.S. Novels and Narratives. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of selected novels with some attention to other forms of narrative that reflect the experiences of diverse groups in the United States.
ENGL 378. 20th-century U.S. Novels and Narratives. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of selected novels with some attention to other forms of narrative that reflect the experiences of diverse groups of the United States.
ENGL 379. African-American Literature: Beginnings Through the Harlem Renaissance. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An examination of the culture and literature of African Americans from their roots in Africa and the African Diaspora to the Harlem Renaissance. Authors may include Wheatley, Douglass, DuBois, Hurston, Hughes and Cullen. Crosslisted as: AFAM 379.
ENGL 380. Southern Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the literature of the South with attention to writers such as Byrd, Poe, Chopin, Faulkner, Welty, Wolfe, O'Connor, Walker and Percy.
ENGL 381. Multiethnic Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the literature and culture of multiethnic writers in the United States. May include Native American, Latino/a, African-American, Asian-American and/or Jewish-American authors.
ENGL 382. African-American Literature: Realism to the Present. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An examination of the culture and literature of African-Americans from the Harlem Renaissance to the present day. Authors may include Wright, Ellison, Hayden, Brooks, Walker and Morrison. Crosslisted as: AFAM 382.
ENGL 383. Short Fiction: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of short fiction. Topics will vary by section.
ENGL 385. Fiction into Film. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite:ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the translation of literature into film. Topical approaches vary from semester to semester. Consideration is given to the literature in its original form and to the methods of translating it into film.
ENGL 386. Children's Literature I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. This course is designed to give students an appreciation of the value of children’s literature, present a look at current trends and provide a wide range of reading from different literary genres and diverse authors. The course will also explore the creative use of literature and its contribution to the development of oral and written expression in children from birth to grade 6. Throughout the course students will develop skills as educators who are critically reflective practitioners. Crosslisted as: TEDU 386.
ENGL 388. Professional, Scientific and Technical Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture/workshop hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Focuses on technical writing and design practices of clear, effective communication in for-profit and/or not-for-profit organizations. Working collaboratively to research and assess field-specific problems, students will produce proposals and reports common to business, science, technology and consumer industries and/or governmental, civic and arts-related organizations.
ENGL 389. The Teaching of Writing Skills. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will focus on the art of teaching writing through a writer’s workshop approach. The course will critically examine theory, techniques and strategies in the context of how students learn to think and write in k-12 classrooms. The class will also address issues of assessing and responding to student writing, and it includes extensive journal and essay writing with an examination of the student’s own personal writing processes. Students will be encouraged to be critically reflective practitioners throughout the course. Crosslisted as: TEDU 389.
ENGL 390. Introduction to Linguistics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. An introduction to methods of language analysis, emphasizing the study of sounds and sound patterns, and units of meaning and their arrangements. Crosslisted as: LING 390/ANTH 390.
ENGL 391. Topics in Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Maximum of 12 credits in all topics courses at the upper level. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An in-depth study of a literary genre, an aesthetic or cultural theme in literature, or of a major writer in English or American literature. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
ENGL 392. Language, Culture and Cognition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or 230. Introduces theoretical and methodological foundations for the study of language from sociocultural perspectives. The perspectives include linguistic, philosophical, psychological, sociological and anthropological contributions to the understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication as a social activity embedded in cultural contexts. No prior training in linguistics is presupposed. Crosslisted as: ANTH 328/FRLG 328/LING 392.
ENGL 393. Rhetoric in Public Life. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Examines how rhetoric, the art of discovering the available means of persuasion, is indispensable for constructing public life. Teaches students how to become stewards of public life by (a) analyzing rhetorical strategies, logical fallacies, and the tropes, schemes and figures of speech found in journalism about contemporary social issues and (b) using rhetoric to develop common sense about divisive social issues.
ENGL 394. Topics in Professional Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 304, ENGL 310 or ENGL 388. May be repeated for a total of six credits with different topics. (Students may complete a maximum of 12 credits in all topics courses at the upper level.) An in-depth study of the writing practices of a particular for-profit or not-for-profit institution. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. This is not a creative writing course.
ENGL 401. Shakespeare. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Advanced study of Shakespeare’s works. May focus on a specific genre (tragedies, comedies, romances, histories, lyrics, narrative poems) or period of Shakespeare’s career.
ENGL 402. Chaucer. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of "The Canterbury Tales," with some attention to the early works.
ENGL 403. Milton. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of shorter poems, selected prose, "Paradise Lost" and "Samson Agonistes.".
ENGL 407. Medieval Epic and Romance. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the vernacular epic and romance in England and on the continent prior to 1500.
ENGL 410. Medieval Studies: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Studies in the English language and literature of the Middle Ages in its cultural context.
ENGL 411. Early Modern Studies: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Studies in the language, literature and culture of early modern Britain, ca. 1500 to 1700.
ENGL 412. 18th-century Studies: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Studies in the literature, language and culture of the 18th century in Britain and/or the United States.
ENGL 413. 19th-century Studies: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Studies in the literature, language and culture of the 19th century in Britain and/or the United States.
ENGL 414. 20th-century Studies: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Studies in the literature, language and culture of the 20th century in Britain, the United States and/or elsewhere in the Anglophone world.
ENGL 415. Topics in Book History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Studies in the social, cultural and material histories of the book. Depending on the instructor, this course may offer a wide historical survey of book forms, whether manuscript, print or digital; or it may address a particular kind of book within a specific historical period and/or geographic location. Topics will vary by section.
ENGL 416. Topics in Authorship. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Depending on the instructor, this course may study the concept of authorship within a specific time period or culture; or it may trace the genesis, development and/or function of authorship more broadly. Topics will vary by section.
ENGL 417. Themes in African American Literature: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An advanced study of a literary genre; an aesthetic, cultural or political theme in African American literature; or a major writer or writers in African American literature. Taught in a seminar format. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Students may take a maximum of 12 credits in all topics-style courses at the upper level.
ENGL 433. Advanced Dramatic Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 303. A practical approach to the creation of original scripts for theatre or film. Crosslisted as: THEA 426.
ENGL 435. Advanced Poetry Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 workshop hours. 3 credits. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 305. Study of the craft of writing, with instruction and guidance toward constructive self-criticism. Workshop members will be expected to produce a substantial volume of quality work and to become proficient in critical analysis in order to evaluate and articulate the strength of their own poetry. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences.
ENGL 437. Advanced Fiction Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 workshop hours. 3 credits. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 307. Study the craft of fiction writing, with instruction and guidance toward constructive self-criticism. Workshop members will be expected to produce a substantial volume of short stories or portion of a novel and to become proficient in the critical analysis of fiction in order to evaluate and articulate the strength of their own work. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences.
ENGL 439. Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 workshop hours. 3 credits. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 309. Advanced study of the craft of creative nonfiction writing, with instruction and guidance toward constructive self-criticism. Workshop members will be expected to produce a substantial volume of writing or a portion of a book-length work of nonfiction, and to become proficient in the critical analysis of literary nonfiction in order to evaluate and articulate the strength of their own work.
ENGL 441. Literary Technique:____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 305, ENGL 307 or ENGL 309. Enrollment requires permission of the instructor. A scholarly and creative hybrid course that focuses on particular authors, literary forms or elements of technique. Combines specialized analysis of literary practices with creative writing in response to selected authors, forms or elements of technique. Topics will vary by section.
ENGL 445. Form and Theory of Poetry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the poetics, including prosody, with attention to the nature and functioning of language in poetry (especially metaphor), the development of poetic genres and the process by which poems are created and come to have meaning.
ENGL 447. Form and Theory of Fiction. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of narration in verbal and other media, with attention to the nature, organization and functioning of language in narrative, the development of narrative genres, and the process by which narratives are created and come to have meaning.
ENGL 449. Form and Theory of Creative Nonfiction. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An examination of one or more types of creative nonfiction. These may include magazine articles, research-based reportage, New Journalism, memoir, biography, autobiography, the meditative essay, the personal essay and others. May also include creative writing in the genre.
ENGL 450. Modern Grammar. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Study of modern English grammar and usage with some attention to linguistic theory. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Crosslisted as: LING 450.
ENGL 451. History of the English Language. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. The historical development of the English language; etymology, morphology, orthography and semantics. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Crosslisted as: LING 451.
ENGL 452. Language and Gender. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of relationships between gender and language focusing on such issues as differences between the ways women and men use language, relationships between language and power and ways in which language reflects and reinforces cultural attitudes toward gender. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Crosslisted as: LING 452/GSWS 452.
ENGL 453. Modern Rhetoric. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of a broad range of modern rhetorical theories, emphasizing their possible relationships with linguistics, literary criticism, civic engagement and the process of writing. Crosslisted as: LING 453.
ENGL 454. Cross-cultural Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the dynamics of cross-cultural communication that applies linguistic tools to understanding cultural issues and solving communication problems. Crosslisted as: INTL 454/ANTH 450.
ENGL 459. Political Rhetoric in the U.S.. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of the public rhetoric that shapes beliefs and influences behavior in the U.S. in relation to pressing social issues, emphasizing the links between rhetorical theory, criticism, civic engagement and the process of writing.
ENGL 480. Authors: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An advanced study of a specific author’s texts and contexts. Taught in a seminar format with an emphasis on research.
ENGL 481. Genres: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An advanced study of a single genre, either over time or at a particular historical moment. Taught in a seminar format with an emphasis on research.
ENGL 482. Literary Topics: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An in-depth study of an aesthetic or cultural theme in literature. Taught in a seminar format with an emphasis on research.
ENGL 483. Literary Texts and Contexts: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An advanced study of a select group of literary texts with emphasis on the culture and historical moment in which they were produced. Taught in a seminar format with an emphasis on research.
ENGL 484. Literary Movements: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An advanced study of a group of writers whose work shares a common subject matter, writing style or philosophy. These may be defined by members of the movement (e.g., the Beats) or by critics in retrospect (e.g., the Metaphysical Poets). Taught in a seminar format with an emphasis on research.
ENGL 485. Literary Theory and Criticism: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An advanced study of a single theoretical and critical methodology, or a small cluster of them, as well as of their application to a variety of literary texts. Taught in a seminar format.
ENGL 487. Scholarly Editing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the theory, methodology and practice of scholarly editing. Students are trained to produce and evaluate both documentary editions, in which an editor works with a single document, and critical editions, in which the editor works with multiple texts of the same work. In addition, students are trained in the practice of editing secondary material.
ENGL 489. Literary Editing and Publishing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the art and business of commercial editing and publishing. Provides a review of current literary publishers (book, magazine and e-pubs) and exposes students to the editorial process via editing assignments, field research of literary publishers, and contemporary publishing operations and issues.
ENGL 491. Topics in Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Maximum of 12 credits in all topics courses at the upper level. Prerequisites: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Intensive study and practice of writing in a specific genre or application. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
ENGL 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 independent study hours. 1-3 credits. Maximum of three credits per semester. May be repeated for a maximum of nine hours. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. This course is designed for students who wish to do extensive reading and writing in a subject not duplicated by any English course in this bulletin.
ENGL 493. English Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 field experience hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Enrollment is restricted to students with demonstrated writing ability; completion of ENGL 302, 304 or 310 is recommended. Permission and determination of credit must be established prior to registration. Students will apply research, writing and/or editing skills in an approved job in areas such as business, government, law or financial services.
ENGL 494. Blackbird Editorial Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 field experience hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An internship in which students gain hands-on experience in literary editing and publishing through work on the internationally recognized journal, Blackbird. Students will apply writing or editing skills for the online literary magazine, Blackbird. This opportunity is open to students with demonstrated writing ability; completion of ENGL 304, 310, 388, 395, 489 or 491 is recommended. An application is required, and determination of credit and permission from the department must be established prior to registration for the course. No more than six credits in ENGL 494, ENGL 495 and/or ENGL 496 may be counted toward the degree.
ENGL 495. Social Media Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 field experience hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An internship in which students gain hands-on experience in writing for social media. Students will apply writing skills for organizations inside or outside the university. This opportunity is open to students with demonstrated writing ability; completion of ENGL 304, 310, 388 or 491 is recommended. Determination of credit and permission from the department must be established prior to registration for the course. No more than six credits in ENGL 494, ENGL 495 and/or ENGL 496 may be counted toward the degree.
ENGL 496. Distinguished Major Independent Study. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 independent study hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires permission of the program director. Reserved for students who have been admitted to the Distinguished English Major program and may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. No more than six credits in ENGL 494, ENGL 495 and/or ENGL 496 may be counted toward the degree.
ENGL 497. British Virginia Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 field experience hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. An application is required, and determination of credit and permission from the department must be established prior to registration for the course. An internship in which students gain hands-on experience in the production of digital editions of 17th-century colonial documents. These editions are to be published by British Virginia, VCU’s digital publisher of colonial documents. Students will develop and apply design skills. They will also have the opportunity to build transcription and description skills, working with early modern documents in facsimile and in person. With permission, the course may satisfy one pre-1700 requirement, provided that a student enrolls for three credits. No more than six credits in ENGL 493, ENGL 494, ENGL 495 and/or ENGL 497 may be counted toward the degree.
ENGL 499. Senior Seminar in English. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 301 with a minimum grade of C. Restricted to seniors in English with at least 85 credit hours taken toward the degree. A study of a specific topic, author, movement or genre in a seminar format. Students will produce an extended, documented essay as a seminar paper. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
Linguistics
LING 103. Introduction to Languages. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A course designed to help students understand how languages function through a survey and contrastive analysis of language systems, with attention to the sociocultural, psychological and historical aspects of languages. Completion of this course does not qualify a student to take the 200 level of a language without passing a language placement test. Crosslisted as: LASK 103.
LING 390. Introduction to Linguistics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. An introduction to methods of language analysis, emphasizing the study of sounds and sound patterns, and units of meaning and their arrangements. Crosslisted as: ENGL 390/ANTH 390.
LING 392. Language, Culture and Cognition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or 230. Introduces theoretical and methodological foundations for the study of language from sociocultural perspectives. The perspectives include linguistic, philosophical, psychological, sociological and anthropological contributions to the understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication as a social activity embedded in cultural contexts. No prior training in linguistics is presupposed. Crosslisted as: ANTH 328/ENGL 392/FRLG 328.
LING 402. Language Issues in the Spanish-speaking World. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. Through a variety of topics this course explores the links between language and human behavior as exemplified by language phenomena in the Spanish-speaking world. Topics will be drawn mainly from sociolinguistics, language and culture, and education and applied linguistics. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: SPAN 402.
LING 450. Modern Grammar. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Study of modern English grammar and usage with some attention to linguistic theory. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Crosslisted as: ENGL 450.
LING 451. History of the English Language. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. The historical development of the English language; etymology, morphology, orthography and semantics. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Crosslisted as: ENGL 451.
LING 452. Language and Gender. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite:UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of relationships between gender and language focusing on such issues as differences between the ways women and men use language, relationships between language and power and ways in which language reflects and reinforces cultural attitudes toward gender. May not be used to satisfy the literature requirement of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Crosslisted as: GSWS 452/ENGL 452.
LING 453. Modern Rhetoric. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of a broad range of modern rhetorical theories, emphasizing their possible relationships with linguistics, literary criticism, civic engagement and the process of writing. Crosslisted as: ENGL 453.