Monmouth College

Program Requirements

The study of English at Monmouth College celebrates the discipline and joys of close reading, critical thinking, and good writing. Students begin with a gateway to the major course which introduces them to the range of scholarship and practice within the discipline; then complete a sequence of American and British literature surveys to develop a grounding in literary history; next complete a course on Shakespeare to study one of the most influential writers in the language; and conclude with a senior research course to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the major towards a senior thesis. Students also take at least four English electives which might emphasize literature, teaching, or writing. In addition, all English majors submit an English studies portfolio in the senior year (see the English departmental Web site for description). Departmental honors is based upon students’ GPA in the major and their performance in the senior seminar.

ENGL 200 Introduction to English Studies

ENGL 220 British Survey I

ENGL 221 British Survey II

ENGL 224 American Survey I

ENGL 225 American Survey II

ENGL 400 Senior Seminar

One of the following two courses:

ENGL 361 Shakespeare I: Comedies and History Plays

ENGL 362 Shakespeare II: Tragedies and Romances

English majors complete at least 3.5 additional course credits, which might follow one of these three tracks or reflect a combination of them:

Literature:

ENGL 250 Special Topics

ENGL 337 Genre Studies in British Literature

ENGL 339 Topics in British Literature

ENGL 347 Genre Studies in American Literature

ENGL 349 Topics in American Literature

ENGL 350 Special Topics in Literature and Related Areas

Teaching:

ENGL 201 Grammar

MCTE 371 Secondary English Curriculum and Instruction

Writing:

ENGL 210 Creative Writing

ENGL 299 Writing Fellows

ENGL 301 Creative Nonfiction

ENGL 310 Advanced Creative Writing

A minor in English consists of at least five courses: three required courses and two electives at the 200 or 300 level. (Students whose major is Elementary Education and who wish to minor in English must take ENGL 201, Grammar.)

One of the following two courses:

ENGL 220 British Survey I

ENGL 221 British Survey II

One of the following two courses:

ENGL 224 American Survey I

ENGL 225 American Survey II

One of the following two courses:

ENGL 361 Shakespeare I: Comedies and History Plays

ENGL 362 Shakespeare II: Tragedies and Romances

Students seeking teacher certification are required to complete the English major requirements cited above, ENGL 201, and MCTE 371. ENGL 110 may be counted toward the certification requirement in the field. Other requirements for certification are described on pages 58–65.